Get to know yourself using the timeline technique

Get to know yourself using the timeline technique
Psychology uses many different techniques and tools during the therapeutic process. One can, for example, use the timeline technique. It is used to gain self-knowledge and achieve self-understanding. This technique has a humanistic and systemic perspective, but it is used by many psychologists because it can provide them with a lot of valuable information about their patients.



Man's individuality is shaped by the past, the present and also the future. Everything that has happened to us is part of who we are. It is important to give meaning to the events that have arisen in our lives in order for us to be able to grow as people and accept ourselves.

In this article, we want to learn about how timeline technology works and when to use it.

How does timeline technology work?
The basics of this technique are analysis and reflection. A person will not get the desired results by just "applying" this technique. It is therefore important to keep in mind that it is also necessary to reflect. By analyzing one's own timeline one can channel and manage the various related feelings. This includes those we always know, and even those we have not consciously addressed.

“Knowing others is intelligence; Knowing oneself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering oneself is real power. ”
-Lao Tuzu

Once you have made your timeline, you need to delve deeper into the meaning of each element you drew. The timeline technique requires a reflexive analysis which is usually guided by questions such as "How did I change thanks to that notion?", "What did I miss during that time?"

You will then be able to analyze your experiences in a healthy way. By combining the past with the present, we will succeed in understanding ourselves better in a constructive way.

Woman lying and writing in the grass.
The best times to use the timeline technique
The timeline technique can be used on almost any occasion, but it is better to use it at the beginning of a therapeutic process or as a way to end some confusion that you may experience. The timeline technique will always be useful as someone wants to get to know himself more in depth. By understanding everything that we have gone through, we will be able to understand better why we do what we do and why we feel the feelings we have.

On the other hand, it is not recommended to use this technique when the patient has just experienced a painful or traumatic experience. According to a study from the University of Arizona, it is common for patients to show signs of depression when they mourn. So if a person experiences a trauma, his mood will probably affect the analysis negatively.

"The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you came to why".
Mark Twain

How to use this technology
To use the timeline technique, you need to think of two important phases: how to draw the timeline and the critical and reflexive analysis. First, start by drawing a straight line and begin to point out the following events in chronological order:

Phase 1
Define and highlight some very important events like your birth, when your siblings were born (or any other important relative), a death affected you, your marriage, etc. You can use a blue chalk for this.

Phase 2
Point out events that changed your life, such as when you moved to a new house or country, the beginning of your studies, an important trip, etc. You are the one who decides what is important and what is not. Use a green chalk for this.

Man closing his eyes.
Phase 3
During this phase, it is important that you point out the opportunities that opened up critical situations or phases that must be dealt with properly. You can use a red chalk for this. Make sure you point out the times you feel have made you stronger.

Phase 4
You should then point out situations or events that have divided different stages into your life. Those you know have changed your life, your routine and who were traumatic and difficult to handle. You can use a black or dark chalk for these events.

When you have drawn your timeline, you should spend some time analyzing the impact each event has had on your life. It is okay to analyze beyond the events you drew on the timeline and how they have changed the person you are today. Remember that it is only possible to come over personal limitations and grow as an individual when you really know who you are.