Counselling activity: the hero’s journey

“The hero’s journey” mapping activity is designed to help students explore their struggles and triumphs, identify patterns and themes in their life experiences, and gain insight into their strengths, passions and values.

By visualising their journey, students can develop deeper self-awareness, as well as a better understanding of their career aspirations, goals and potential barriers to success. This, in turn, ultimately leads to more effective career decision-making and goal-setting.

How does it work?

1. Introduction

Begin by introducing the concept of the hero’s journey, outlined by literature professor Joseph Campbell in his 1949 book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces.

Discuss the themes of the hero’s journey, such as the struggle between the ordinary world and the special world. Explain that this activity will help students to identify patterns and lessons from their own life stories.

2. Activity

Provide each student with a large piece of paper, markers and a set of coloured highlighters. Ask them to draw a simple map with three main sections: the ordinary world, the special world and the return.

The ordinary world represents the student’s childhood, family, education and early experiences of work.

The special world represents significant events, relationships, or achievements that have shaped their career aspirations and goals.

The return represents the student’s current situation, including their education, personal projects and after-school job (if any).

3. Guided reflection

Circulate around the room to offer guidance and support as needed. Encourage students to reflect on their map by asking open-ended questions such as:

• What did you notice about your journey so far? 
• What patterns or themes emerged from your mapping?
• What lessons can you take away from your experiences?
• How do you feel about your journey so far?
• What emotions arise when you reflect on your experiences?

4. Sharing and feedback

Have each student share their map with you or with other students in a small-group setting. Listen actively and provide feedback by highlighting connections between their map and their career aspirations.

Implementation in career counselling

1. Career aspirations

Use the hero’s journey mapping activity to help students explore their career aspirations by asking questions such as:

• What are the values that you most want to uphold in your career? 
• What are the strengths that you want to use in your career?
• What are the passions that you want to pursue in your career?

2. Career goals

Use the activity to help students set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals by asking questions such as:

• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
• What steps can you take to achieve these goals?
• What potential barriers might you face, and how can you overcome them?

3. Career exploration

Use the hero’s journey mapping activity to help students explore different career paths by asking questions such as:

• What industries or sectors align with your values, strengths and passions?
• What roles or jobs might be a good fit for you, based on your experiences and skills?
• What skills or training do you need to acquire to pursue your desired career?

Benefits of the activity

1. Increased self-awareness

The hero’s journey mapping activity helps students gain insights into their strengths, passions, values and goals.

2. Improved goal-setting

By identifying patterns and themes in their life experiences, students can set more effective career goals that align with their values and strengths.

3. Enhanced exploration

The activity encourages students to explore different career paths and consider potential barriers that may arise.

4. Increased motivation

By visualising their journey, students can become more motivated to achieve their career aspirations.