The Wheel of Balance

The Wheel of Balance is a self-exploration tool that originates from Dr. Joyce Mills’ Story Play method. At the core of Story Play lies the pioneering work of M.D. Dr. Erickson in hypnosis, psychotherapy, and family therapy. This method is a form of indirectly directive play therapy, combining elements of storytelling, creativity, and play. It is based on resilience and encourages positive problem-solving.

Within the cultural values and philosophies of three indigenous cultures (Native American, Hawaiian, African American), as they relate to healing, empowerment, and health, we find the “Native American Medicine Wheel.” According to the wisdom and approach of these tribes, balance must exist between the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of the self in order to achieve harmony. The Wheel of Balance, as this tool is renamed within the Story Play method, highlights an individual’s areas of strength while also gently revealing which areas need more care in order to foster coherence and harmony.

How is the Wheel of Balance completed?

With these four aspects in mind—Intellectual, Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical—take a few moments to reflect on how you take care of yourself in each area. Self-care can be something simple, small, and daily. There is no specific requirement—only an invitation to observe what is already happening. And if something is not happening, it is an opportunity to notice it without judgment, simply with awareness.

Fill in each quadrant (using words, drawings, lyrics—allowing your imagination to flow freely and vividly) with the ways in which you nurture that aspect of yourself.

You complete the wheel based on what you already do in your life, with a relatively steady frequency (weekly or monthly).

After completing it, observe if some areas are empty or noticeably lacking compared to others. If they are, this information shows where you need to focus.

The wheel sheds light on the aspects that require practice in order to achieve overall empowerment and personal growth.

Reflection prompts

• In what ways/activities could you nurture the weaker aspects?

• With what frequency? (again—let your imagination run free!)

It is important to note that the Wheel of Balance is a safe tool for self-exploration (not for direct or directive therapy). It can be used individually as a means of positive problem-solving, illuminating unclear areas and inviting imagination as a valuable therapeutic tool for practical application.