Mt. Climber Directive

I like to use this directive in a manner similar to the "Pick an Apple from the Tree" directive, as an assessment. The directive is to draw a mountain climber (or draw yourself climbing a mountain). I then like to notice how each client equips his climber to make it up the mountain. It is also interesting to observe the structure of the mountain--is it high, steep, dangerous, etc? I also take note of the placement of the climber on the mountain. Is he at the bottom, half way up, close to the top? Based on the client's drawing, the therapist can explore how the client copes with problems, what tools he has to face difficulties, how he views his challenges, etc. I've had patients who drew themselves rappelling in a mountain crevice with a rope, helmet and light, one who drew only his hands scrabbling in the dirt, and another just walking up the straight incline. Some were able to relate their drawing to how they handle obstacles, others not. It might be interesting to have a client do this directive before dealing with a particular challenge and again afterwards.