How to work with metaphorical cards

Metaphorical associative cards are decks of images that help you look at a situation from a new angle. There are no right meanings: the meaning of a card is whatever you see in it.

Why it works

An image gets past our usual logical answers. When you describe what you see on a card, you end up talking about yourself — your feelings, needs and resources. That is why psychologists and coaches use these cards in their work.

How to ask a question

• Ask about yourself, not about others: «What is important for me to understand about this situation?»
• Choose open questions: «What will help me?», «What am I not noticing?»
• One question, one card. Take your time.

The «What I see» technique

1. Draw a card and look at it for at least a minute.
2. Describe what is happening in it — as if telling a friend.
3. What do you feel as you look at it? What draws your attention most?
4. How does it connect to your question?
5. What small step could you take next?

A few more techniques

• «Resource»: draw a card asking «What supports me right now?»
• «Was — is — will be»: three cards for the past, the present and the future you want.
• «Card of the day»: one card in the morning as a theme to be mindful of during the day.