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Story and Therapy

Psychological Tools:
Decks of Projective Cards. Metaphorical Cards for Therapy. Associative Cards an Useful tools in supervision. www.storyandtherapy.com

Our psychological tools facilitate the work of psychologists, social workers, expressive arts therapists, counsellors, occupational therapists and other mental health professionals. We develop decks of Associative cards, Metaphorical cards, Projective cards, picture-cards, story-cards and activities guidebooks. Story and Therapy's decks are useful psychological resources for working with children,

adolescents or adults clients. The guidebooks for mental health professionals describe in detail ideas for using the cards, creative interventions and card-activities around a wide range of therapeutic needs, issues and goals. Our metaphorical decks and therapeutic techniques can be used in settings of individual therapy, couple therapy, family therapy and group therapy. "The River" and "Roads" are innovative sets especially designed for therapeutic work on periods and processes in life. For example: coping with illness or loss, stages along the career, divorce, processes within a group, anxiety, addiction, self-image, relationships, life-span, parenthood, decision making, transitions, identity and other issues. Our decks of projective cards contain images designed to evoke a variety of emotions. The cards can either be used as single stimuli or placed side by side to create a longer image (of a river or a road) depicting a process. The professional River Guidebook specifies multiple ways of application of the set in settings of individual therapy, couple/family therapy and group therapy. Follow-up tables for therapists are provided in the guidebook. The sets can enrich educational and creative work in non-therapeutic settings as well (schools, creative writing, coaching, etc.) "The World of Trains" set comes to facilitate therapeutic work with children in settings of individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy. It includes a deck of illustrated cards, a deck of story cards and a guidebook with suggestions for using the cards in sessions, when working with a wide range of issues and goals. "My Family Gallery" deck is a therapeutic tool for adolescents and adults. It includes metaphorical photos of daily events, relationships and themes related to family life and other social environments. The deck facilitates therapeutic work around issues such as: identity, communication, gender, crisis, abuse, dependency, boundaries, separation, divorce, feelings, expectations, trust, body image and more. You are welcome to visit our website to view the cards and get FREE ideas for the application of the sets in different therapeutic settings.

24/07/2025

✨ Looking for a thoughtful and practical gift?
Check out Roads, The River, My Family Gallery, and The World of Trains — unique therapy decks designed to spark insight, conversation, and growth.
Perfect for your own toolbox or as a meaningful gift to a fellow therapist you value 💝
https://www.storyandtherapy.com/shop

💟🎁💙✨💟💛🎁💟💙💛💟✨💟🎁💙✨

11/07/2025

🚂Just Released📣 The World of Trains – Mini Set Edition🚂

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new, compact version of one of our most beloved therapeutic tools:
The World of Trains Mini Set — now available in a beautifully designed box that matches the boxes of 'My Family Gallery deck' and 'The River Mini Set'!

This set is perfect for working with children in individual and group therapy settings.

What’s inside:
✔️ 50 Illustrated picture cards
✔️ 50 Story prompt cards
✔️ A practical brochure (English)

Whether you work in individual, group, or family sessions, this playful and powerful set fits right into your therapeutic toolkit — and your shelf!

🎁 Now available as part of our Summer Collection!
👉 Shop now: https://www.storyandtherapy.com/product-page/the-world-of-trains-mini-set

01/07/2025

A family photo is never the same—can’t you see?
The time of day, as I pass by it, shifts its colors and clarity.
Even the faces looking back at me seem to step forward or hide
in the shadows as I move.
A family photo is never the same. Look!
It changes -
Carrying walls within its frame, as my home is built .
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The "My Family Gallery" deck is a powerful therapeutic tool for exploring family dynamics and stories. The cards serve as prompts for conversations around issues such as identity, values, communication, growth and boundaries.
https://www.storyandtherapy.com/product.../my-family-gallery

20/06/2025

Roads Deck - For the journeys we never asked for, the ones we accepted, and the ones we now claim...🌱
https://www.storyandtherapy.com/roads-cards

17/06/2025

💡Child Therapy Activity: Carriages’ Stories 📖
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This is the last of five ideas for using “The World of Trains” set of picture cards and story cards to facilitate sessions in Child therapy.

Carriages’ Stories
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The therapist places two piles of cards on the table: one with picture cards and the other with story cards, both facing down.

The therapist and the child take turns. On each turn, the person whose turn it is draws one picture card and one story card at random.

If the child is not yet able to read, the therapist reads the story card aloud for them.

Each then speaks on behalf of the illustrated carriage, using the story card to complete or extend a short narrative.

At any point, either the therapist or the child may choose to draw another story card and continue telling a story for the same carriage.

Alternatively, they may choose to draw a new picture card and a new story card on each turn to begin a new story for a different carriage.

To end the activity, the therapist encourages the child to recall and share a real-life experience that the activity reminded them of. If they wish, they can also create a drawing of that event.

The full article can be found on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/child-therapy-activity-5-carriages-stories-gali-salpeter-xdwmf

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The activities described are general suggestions that can be developed in many directions, following the expressive modality that the child prefers using and the issues that arise.

The therapist should adapt the chosen activity to the state and needs of the child and the therapeutic goals of each session.

‘The World of Trains’ set contains a guidebook with easy-to-follow activities for individuals and groups. The activities are sorted according to a wide range of issues and goals.

To read more and to order your own set, visit: https://www.storyandtherapy.com/world-of-trains

02/06/2025

Group Mindfulness and Reflection Activity
Using ‘The River’ Deck and Metaphor

1) In the first stage, the therapist spreads “The River” cards face-up on the floor and invites group members to silently walk around and view the images. Each member is asked to choose a card that resonates with them. The therapist may offer a direct instruction such as: “Pick a card that represents the way you are feeling right now.” / “Choose a card that depicts a place where you could feel calm, safe, or grounded.” Once all members have chosen a card, the therapist removes the unselected cards from the floor.

2) In the second stage, each member briefly shares what drew them to that particular card and places it next to a card chosen by another group member. This continues until all the selected cards are connected visually as one metaphorical 'group river'.

3) In the third stage, all members are encouraged to sit quietly around the group’s river and listen to the therapist guiding them through mindful observation, using instructions such as:
“Take a few slow, deep breaths. As you watch the river you have all created together, let your eyes follow its flow…”
“Notice what the river brings with its water—thoughts, feelings, body sensations, memories. Welcome them gently as they appear with the stream… Now, imagine placing those experiences back into the river... and let them flow onward.”
“Observe the different environments along the river. What changes as it moves? When does it flow fast? Where does it slow down? … Breathe in... hold the breath… breathe out… and again—breathe in… and out.”
“Observe the banks of the river as they change from its beginning to its end. Feel your own body as it touches the floor or the chair… What sensations arise as you let your mind flow within your body, gradually moving your awareness from head to toe?”

4) In the fourth stage, the therapist encourages a conversation aimed at fostering reflection, shared meaning, and group belonging. The therapist may use prompts related to different areas, for example:
“What did you notice or feel during the mindfulness activity? What stood out or felt meaningful as you observed the river?”
“How did the thoughts, emotions, or body sensations that came up connect to the card you originally chose?” / “Did your perspective on your card shift during the process?”
“Looking at the group river, what do you find special or interesting about it?” /
“What strengthens its sense of flow?”
To end the activity, the therapist invites each member to share something that was evoked during the activity and that they would like to hold onto as an empowering image. Alternatively, the therapist may invite them to share something they wish to explore further in future group sessions.

For more ideas of using The River in therapy with groups and individuals visit: https://www.storyandtherapy.com/products

19/05/2025

Using Metaphorical Cards to Facilitate Difficult Conversations
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Setting: Individual Therapy
Age Group: Teens and Adults
Tool: My Family Gallery Deck
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💡Introduction 💡
Our clients enter our doorstep hoping to meet themselves in new ways that are beneficial to them. As the sessions unfold, our goal is to co-build a space for stories of becoming to be told. However, it is not always the case that our clients’ experience was that they deserved to be listened to with caring eyes and guidance. Some of their stories were never thought of in words. Not all plots were narrated as clear beginnings leading to meaningful transitions and ends, and there are always stories that are more difficult to share. When words seem harder to find, images can offer a way to make a place for the myriad lived chapters, old as well as emerging.
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🌱Activity Idea – of Metaphorical Images in Individual Therapy with Teens or adults🌱

The therapist starts by inviting the client to choose a card, for example, by asking:

🖼Is there a card that can express how you felt during that event?

🖼Can you find a metaphorical photo that can describe how you have experienced life at home during that period?

🖼Which metaphorical photo can represent your relationship with that person?

🖼Is there a card that can depict how you are experiencing yourself here, in our relationship?

In the second stage, the client is encouraged to describe their card or the experience it represents. According to the themes that come up, the therapist invites the client to tell the story of that card and to re-tell it and explore it using questions such as:

👀 What does each of the illustrated characters in this card need? What are their ways of expressing their needs?
👀How did you experience the depicted event at the time it occurred? What in this card took most of your attention then?
👀Are there new things you notice now?
👀Which cards do you think other people in your life would choose to represent the same period you chose this card to represent?
👀How many stories can this card tell in addition to the story you chose it for?

As the therapist listens to the client, they can guide them to reflect upon specific aspects of the stories told by their card, help them to expand their ways of understanding the images, and be curious about the stories that emerge.

To conclude the session, and depending on the goals of the activity, the therapist can ask the client questions such as:

📘Did you learn something new about this chapter of your story today?

📘Are there things you became curious about and would like to explore in the next session?

📘How do you wish the story this image is telling to continue?

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The therapist should tailor the use of the cards to the unique needs and state of each client, as well as to the overall therapeutic goals.

04/05/2025

Ideas for Using Metaphorical Cards in Group Therapy
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📌Setting: Group Therapy or Family Therapy

📌Tool: My Family Gallery Deck

📌Goals: Support initial introductions - Helping members get to know one another and begin sharing life stories during the initial sessions of group therapy.

In later stages, the same activity can be adapted to prompt meaningful conversations about group members’ roles, needs, strengths, or challenges within the group or in their personal relationships.

A key benefit of this tool and method is that each participant selects a card based on their own experience. They connect their image with cards selected by other members, reflect on shared themes, or observe the group’s visual composition as a whole. This process adds depth and layers of insight to the therapeutic exploration, allowing for multiple levels of observation and emotional processing, while also strengthening the group’s sense of connection, shared identity, and belonging.

✨ Suggested Activity✨

1️⃣Introduction and Card Selection
The therapist spreads the cards in the center of the room and invites group members to walk around and silently observe the illustrations—each depicting various relationships and life scenarios. The therapist might say:

“As you observe the cards in silence, pay attention to any thoughts, feelings, or memories that arise. In a moment, I’ll ask you to choose a card that tells something about you in a meaningful relationship in your life. This can be anything you feel comfortable sharing to help the group get to know you better.”
The therapist clarifies that the card does not need to depict the exact people or events being shared. Rather, it should symbolize an aspect of how the individual experiences themselves within that relationship or memory.

2️⃣ Sharing and Creating a Group Gallery
Once each member has chosen a card, the remaining cards are collected. The therapist then invites each participant to describe their card and share the story or reflection it represents. After sharing, they place their card on the floor, connecting it physically to a card chosen by another group member.

As each person shares and places their card, a collaborative “gallery” of metaphorical photos forms in the center of the room—a visual representation of the group’s stories, connections, and emotional landscape.

3️⃣ Group Reflection and Dialogue
With the gallery complete, the therapist facilitates a group discussion using open-ended, reflective questions such as:
💭“Is there a photo in your group’s gallery that reminds you of an event or relationship from your life that you'd like to share?”
💭“Do you have a question about one of the relationships described?”
💭“What thoughts or feelings were evoked while listening to others or viewing particular cards?”
💭“Is there an illustrated figure in the gallery you’re curious to get to know better?”
💭“How does it feel to see your card—and the relationship it represents—among those of other group members?”

4️⃣ Closing the Session
To end the session, each member is invited to name something they can “take” from the gallery of relationships—whether an image, a reflection, or an insight from another’s story—that may help them with a challenge they’re currently facing in a real-life relationship.

****
The therapist should tailor the use of the cards to the unique needs and state of each client, as well as to the overall therapeutic goals.
***
The My Family Gallery deck includes 100 projective cards and a short brochure with ideas for incorporating the cards into individual, group, or family therapy.

For more ideas and inspiration, visit: www.storyandtherapy.com/resources

22/04/2025

🩴🥿👞HELP CLIENTS SHARE THEIR JOURNEYS WITH YOU 👠 🥾🧦 'Roads' deck is an invaluable therapeutic tool for mental health professionals working with teens and adults, in settings of individual therapy and group therapy.

The metaphorical cards act as powerful prompts to spark meaningful conversations and foster creative interventions, guiding clients on their unique journeys toward self-discovery and growth.

The therapist can use these cards to help clients explore their current situation and share meaningful experiences.
The therapist might ask for example:

🔹 "Choose a card that can represent the current path in your life. What are the challenges you are facing?"
🔹"Where lie the opportunities along this path?"
🔹"What do you need in order to keep going?"
🔹"Who is by your side as you proceed?"
🔹"What types of roads have you experienced already, and what have they taught you about yourself and life's journey?"

Order your "Roads" deck today (or explore our full collection of therapeutic decks) with free worldwide shipping 🌎 🌍 🌏

👣 Take the first step here: https://www.storyandtherapy.com/products
and enjoy the meaningful journey ahead! 🫶

04/04/2025

🇨🇭 🎉Spannende Neuigkeiten für PsychologInnen in der Schweiz🇨🇭🎉
Wir freuen uns, Ihnen mitteilen zu können, dass unsere Kunden ab sofort unsere therapeutischen Karten-Sets bei JOCHEN HEIL - folkmanis and more de. bestellen können. ✨

Verbessern Sie Ihre Therapiesitzungen mit unseren einzigartigen Storytelling-Tools:

Roads Deck https://jochenheil.de/en/Story-Therapy/Roads-Therapeutisches-Kartenspiel/82301//9788299937214

The River https://jochenheil.de/en/Story-Therapy/River-Therapeutisches-Kartenspiel/82300/4/9788299937290

My Family Gallery Deck https://jochenheil.de/en/Story-Therapy/My-Family-Gallery-Therapeutischen-Kartenspiel/82302//9788294027002

Bestellen Sie Ihr Karten-Set noch heute und verleihen Sie Ihrer Praxis neue Tiefe und Bedeutung! 💡

📍 Erhältlich bei JOCHEN HEIL - folkmanis and more de.

❤️ Mit Liebe erstellt von Story and Therapy

01/04/2025

🥳 ¡De camino a España! 📦📦📦📦

🥰Para comprar las tarjetas en España contacta con: montsem.psicologia@gmail.com or via Whatsapp: 683311652.

galería familiar MUNDO DE LOS TRENES metafóricas proyectivas

21/03/2025

Excellente nouvelle pour les professionnels de la santé mentale en France🇫🇷
Nos jeux thérapeutiques sont enfin réapprovisionnés et disponibles à l'achat chez Positran France🎉

Enrichissez vos séances de thérapie avec nos outils uniques ;
🔹 The River: https://www.positran.fr/produit/cartes-the-river-kit-dutilisation/
🔹Roads: https://www.positran.fr/produit/cartes-roads/

Commandez vos jeux dès aujourd'hui et apportez une nouvelle profondeur et un nouveau sens à votre pratique ! 💡

📍 Disponible chez Positran

❤️ Créé avec amour par Story and Therapy

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