Kawa model of practice - How to river flows

The Kawa model of practice is centered around the life path and life in this world as one. Kawa means "river" in Japanese, and river translates to life. The way a river flows is compared to how our life flows across our lifespan. Just like our own lives, rivers experience barriers which can change a path, restrict water flow, or even change the element of water itself. In Kawa the rocks in rivers, symbolize the barriers or major changes throughout our lives, the barriers in our lives can be various things, such as: a death of someone close, moving to a new place, taking on a new responsibility, and the list can go on. The Kawa model sees water as very adaptable to change. In life, no matter what "rocks" are thrown into our river, the water in it will still flow, it will take a new shape and transform when the flow is disrupted. The things that stay with us throughout the flow of our lives, such as spirituality, upbringing, or education are seen as the driftwood flowing along the river. As for the riverbed, it is compared to the foundations of our lives, things that keep us strong and hold us up no matter what. 

In the Kawa model the therapist will observe and ask questions about someone’s life path in relation to the flow. Some questions that could be asked are: How did your life path start out? Have there been any major barriers or changes you have faced through life? What is the foundation of your life, what keeps you strong? Once a therapist has fully observed how the client views the flow of their life, they are then able to take all of the circumstance and the context they have been given to create a framework for the client’s treatment. Kawa is very client centered and tailors to the unique situation of every person.

As you can see, I created a drawing to depict my life as a flowing river. As for my foundation or "riverbed", I see my family, friends, work ethic, and knowledge as strengths and things that keep me strong through life changes. As for the "rocks" or changes in my life, moving to a new city, experiencing a breakup, and gaining new student loans have been very recent changes in my life that I have had adapt to. Finally, the "driftwood" pieces floating in the water are things that stay with me through the flow of life. My education, religion, hope for the future, upbringing, and my social skills. This "driftwood" can often help me adapt to change and to my difficulties, in addition to my foundation that keeps me on my feet. All of these components are constantly changing as the river (your life) continues to flow and transform into its own unique path.