A systematic inquiry into the client's basic beliefs about themselves, the world, other people, and the future. Van Deurzen sees worldview as an "orientation" — the way in which a person is "directed" in the world. The compass helps to see in which direction the client is "looking": what they consider possible or impossible, who they see themselves as, and what they expect from others. The map of worldview often reveals hidden beliefs that shape chronic patterns.
Step-by-step guide
- Inquire into basic attitudes toward the self: "What do you think about yourself as a person?"
- Inquire into attitudes toward other people: "What can you expect from others?"
- Inquire into attitudes toward the world as a whole: "What is this world — safe, hostile, unpredictable?"
- Inquire into attitudes toward the future: "What awaits you ahead?"
- Help the client to see the coherence of these attitudes as a whole position in the world — and to recognize it as one of the possible ones, not the only one
When to use
- When working with chronic patterns ("it always works out this way")
- With depressive beliefs and a sense of hopelessness
- With recurring life situations
- In the middle of therapy, when enough material has accumulated for analysis
- In identity crises and the questions "who am I?"
Key phrases
If you think about the world as a whole — what does it look like to you? Not how it should be, but how you really perceive it?
Follow-up questions
What do you think about people in general — can they be trusted?
What do you think you can rely on in life?
This idea about yourself — where does it come from? Did you always think this way?
Alternative phrasings
If someone who knows you well described how you look at life — what would they say?
Warnings
- ⚠️ A worldview is shaped over years and does not change quickly — do not expect quick results
- ⚠️ The aim is not to "fix" beliefs but to make them aware as one of the possible positions, not the only truth
- ⚠️ Do not interpret the client's beliefs for them — it is important that they themselves formulate and recognize them
Source: van Deurzen E. 1997, 2002; van Deurzen & Arnold-Baker, 2022
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.