Trauma-Informed Approach to Metaphorical Cards

Metaphorical cards can be a powerful tool for trauma healing, but require a special approach that prioritizes safety, choice, and client control over the process.

Core Principles

Safety First

• Physical and emotional safety are prerequisites
• Client maintains full control over card selection
• No pressure to share beyond comfort level
• Clear boundaries about session structure and time

Choice and Control

• Client chooses which cards to work with
• Client determines depth of exploration
• Right to pass on any card or question
• Option to modify or stop the process at any time

Trustworthiness

• Transparency about the process and its limitations
• Consistent, reliable facilitation approach
• Honor confidentiality and privacy
• No judgment about client responses or interpretations

Pre-Session Preparation

Screening Questions

Gently explore:

• "Have you experienced any major losses or difficult events recently?"
• "How do you typically respond to stress or overwhelming feelings?"
• "Do you have support systems in place?"
• "Are there topics you prefer not to explore today?"

Establishing Resources

• Identify client's existing coping strategies
• Locate support systems (people, places, activities)
• Agree on grounding techniques if needed
• Plan for post-session self-care

Setting Boundaries

• Explain that cards may bring up unexpected emotions
• Establish signals for slowing down or stopping
• Clarify facilitator's role and limitations
• Discuss confidentiality and any reporting requirements

Session Modifications

Titrated Approach

• Start with single cards rather than complex spreads
• Use present-focused questions before exploring past/future
• Take breaks between cards if needed
• Check in frequently: "How are you doing right now?"

Grounding Techniques

5-4-3-2-1 Technique:

• 5 things you see
• 4 things you hear
• 3 things you feel
• 2 smells
• 1 taste

"Feet on Floor":

• Focus attention on physical contact with ground

Breath Awareness:

• Simple breath counting or belly breathing

Resource Card:

• Keep one supportive card visible throughout session

Response to Activation

• Normalize trauma responses (tears, silence, physical reactions)
• Slow down or pause the process
• Return to grounding and safety
• Validate that feeling overwhelmed is natural and temporary

Reframing Difficult Cards

• "What would support this image/person in the card?"
• "What strength is hidden in this challenging situation?"
• "If this card needed a friend, what would that friend offer?"
• Focus on resilience and resources rather than pathology

Specific Adaptations

For Dissociation

• Use cards with clear, simple images
• Focus on physical sensations and present moment
• Avoid abstract or surreal imagery
• Check in about presence and connection frequently

For Hypervigilance

• Allow client to sit where they can see the room/exit
• Use smaller card sets to reduce overwhelm
• Give extra time for card selection without pressure
• Explain all your movements and intentions clearly

For Attachment Trauma

• Emphasize client as the expert on their own experience
• Avoid interpretive or directive responses
• Focus on building internal resources and self-trust
• Be consistent and reliable in your facilitation style

For Grief and Loss

• Honor the timeline of grief without rushing healing
• Use cards to access positive memories alongside pain
• Focus on connection and continuing bonds
• Allow for non-linear processing

Post-Session Integration

Gentle Transition

• Spend time returning to present moment and physical space
• Review any insights at client's comfort level
• Avoid pushing for action items or homework
• Ensure client feels grounded before leaving

Resource Reinforcement

• Review coping strategies discussed
• Connect insights to existing support systems
• Plan specific self-care for after session
• Schedule follow-up if appropriate

Red Flags - When to Refer

Immediate Safety Concerns

• Suicidal or homicidal ideation
• Severe dissociation or psychosis
• Substance abuse creating safety issues
• Domestic violence or abuse situations

Beyond Scope of Card Work

• Need for psychiatric evaluation or medication
• Complex trauma requiring specialized therapy
• Active addiction requiring treatment
• Legal issues requiring professional support

Facilitator Self-Care

Preparation

• Ensure your own emotional regulation and support
• Have supervision or consultation available
• Maintain boundaries about your role and limitations
• Continue education about trauma and its effects

During Difficult Sessions

• Stay grounded and present yourself
• Use co-regulation to support client's nervous system
• Take breaks if needed
• Remember that healing takes time and may not be linear

After Session

• Debrief with supervisor or colleague if appropriate
• Engage in your own self-care practices
• Process any countertransference or emotional responses
• Document session while maintaining client confidentiality

Key Reminders

1. Go slowly — rushing can reactivate trauma
2. Follow the client — they know their limits best
3. Resources before problems — always strengthen first
4. Presence over technique — your groundedness creates safety
5. Healing isn't linear — trust the process and timing

Trauma-informed card work isn't just a technique, but a way of being with clients that honors their wisdom, respects their boundaries, and supports their natural capacity for healing.