PATH Information Sheet

PATH

Three people have a discussion. A large pencil draws a path across a lake and into a mountain. The pencil has a large red eraser on the top. The sun is rising behind the mountain. A koru encapsulates the scene.
Graphic and description of the PATH planning process.

If you’re stuck at a crossroads and you’re not sure what to do, don’t just sit there, do something! Interactionz can help you make a plan that moves you closer to your dream.

The PATH planning process finds which actions you (with help from your important people) can take to live your best life as part of your community.

When these steps are completed, you will have a large colourful poster showing what your life is like now, and the steps you can take to reach your goals. You can take the poster home and pin it to the wall to remind you of the planning process and the goals you have set.

Seeing pictures of your goals makes them seem more achievable.

The PATH process helps you to plan for, and live, your best life. If this process doesn’t meet your needs, talk to us about other planning tools we offer. We can even design a process with you.

Once you have made your plan, Interactionz can provide mentors to help you achieve your goals. Some people are eligible for mentor funding.

PATH encourages you to

  • dream about the life you want to live

  • set goals to live that life

  • decide on action steps to reach your goals

  • decide who can help you reach those goals

The PATH process:

  • You choose a place to meet where you are comfortable, confident and relaxed.

  • You invite trusted supporters (e.g. whaanau, friends, support staff) to a planning session. The process usually takes about four hours, and it is important participants are not rushed.

  • At the session, an Interactionz process facilitator talks with you and your supporters. You are encouraged to dream and share your dreams for your life – without judgement. This gives an insight into what is meaningful to you.

  • Supporters might be asked for their input too, but the plan is yours.

  • An Interactionz graphic facilitator records the information shared in colourful drawings and keywords on a large sheet of paper.

There are eight steps in the process:

  1. Dreaming about your best life – if anything is possible

  2. Visualising a positive and possible future with achievable goals

  3. Looking at your life now – what is happening, how you feel, etc.

  4. Deciding who you want to include in your life journey

  5. Deciding how to get stronger – for energy and focus on the journey

  6. Deciding on bold steps you can take to get you halfway to your goals

  7. Deciding what you need to do in the next few months

  8. Deciding the first steps you can take in the next few days

The PATH Process was created by Jack Pearpoint, Marsha Forest and John O’Brien.