In this work the self, which is core to such concepts as self-esteem and
self-actualization, is mapped using elemental units of culture called
memes. To understand this self, we draw on western philosophy, major
schools of psychology, and the cross-cultural experience of the self in
both collectivist and individualist cultures. With this grounding a
diverse sample of eleven selves representing three genders are mapped
and analyzed grouped in the following clusters: 1) North American selves
built through participation in sports, 2) selves centred on notions of
North American aboriginality,3) selves of individuals following a
secular humanist paradigm, and 4) selves from China and Russia. Two
methods of self-mapping are described. The results support a hypothesis
that a healthy or functional self is composed of fundamental elements
including constancy, volition, uniqueness, productivity, intimacy, and
social interest. The application of this research and the method of
self-mapping to counselling and psychotherapy are explored. A
disciplinary paradigm is proposed uniting major schools of
psychotherapy. This work will be of interest to philosophers,
psychologists, social workers, sociologists and all who have wondered
how they come to define themselves in the ways that they do.