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What is the Responsibility Pie?

Tanika Johnson, EdD, MA, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC, BC-TMH, CCTP

June 1, 2023

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Question

What is the responsibility pie?

Answer

The responsibility pie is a Socratic technique that is used when our clients are experiencing guilt, or they are blaming themselves for a tragedy or traumatic event. With this technique, the therapist has the client draw a pie and the pieces of the pie. In creating the responsibility pie, the therapist asks the client to create a list (or we can create it together) of everyone or everything that has some responsibility for the tragedy or traumatic event and to give those things or people a piece of the pie. This technique helps to uncover and change any unhealthy attribution of blame.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar,  Gun Violence and Tragic Loss: Grief Support for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults, presented by Tanika Johnson, EdD, MA LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC, BC-TMH, CCTP

tanika johnson

Tanika Johnson, EdD, MA, LPC-MHSP, LMHC, NCC, BC-TMH, CCTP

Dr. Tanika Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Contributing Faculty Member, Continuing Education Presenter, and Education Consultant. Moreover, Dr. Johnson specializes in alcohol and substance abuse and chemical dependency, addictions, trauma, sexual assault, human trafficking, domestic violence, crisis and behavioral health interventions, anxiety, mood disorders, perinatal disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anger and impulse control, and self-management coaching. Licensed in both K12 special education and psychology, she has acquired a wealth of experience serving the special education community and the exceptional needs of children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities.

Dr. Johnson is skilled in advocacy and educational policy, curriculum design and course development, diversity and inclusion, early childhood education, and social and emotional development. Over the course of Dr. Johnson’s career, she has also served in the capacity of a National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations Fellow, Early Childhood Specialist, Early Childhood Teacher Mentor, Advisor, and Evaluator. Currently, she is an elected member of Team Tennessee Pyramid Model State Leadership Team promoting family engagement and social and emotional competence for early childhood learners.

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