Training  * MACards  * 
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"Introduction to Metaphorical Associative Cards" 

Cover photo - cards from the deck "Morena" by Oh-cards series .
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Metaphorical Associative cards is an amazing contemporary tool in psychological counselling, art coaching and art therapy. It boomed a few years ago in the Eastern Europe becoming one of the the most favorite method of helping professions. Over 500+ decks of metaphorical cards since the start of the method were created and more appear each year.
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FAQ about Training:

Q1: Who the training is for?
Anyone interested in learning how to work with Metaphorical Cards.
You learn how to use MACards and also can find solutions & insights for your life during this training, which adds extra value to the course. 

Individual format is very convenient for people who have a busy schedule and prefer personalized 1on1 communication with instructor.

This course is for you if you would like to:

* have a visual tool for your self-coaching or wellness work with clients
* work with people who have difficulty describing what they feel / want etc
* offer 1on1 sessions ONLINE (distant, tele counseling, coaching, therapy, healing)
* work with kids and groups of people where images would be beneficial to surpass the barrior of verbal & logical communication (similar to art therapy techniques)
* as a fun tool to build trust with clients (warm-up exercises or closing the session)
* as a fun tool for learning languages
* as a narrative, story-telling tool (both for individual & group work)
* as a self-development tool & for inspiration, ideas (imagination, creative work) 
* as a divination tool (this method is not specifically a psychological method yet as can work quite well for esoteric intuitive practice)

Q2: Do I need to be a practitioner? (have psychological background & experience)
It depends what your goal is, for example if you want to use MACards for yourself, no you don't have to have any specific knowledge apart from desire to learn and be mindful in practice.

If you are aiming at helping others, it requires more knowledge. Depending on your occupation and experience, as well as personality, 12 hour training might be enough to get a sense of the method and try 1-2 sessions with a volunteer friend or client and see whether it is something you'd like to learn deeper.

Working with certain groups of people and calling yourself a counsellor / coach / therapist requires respective education, experience and certification. Keep in mind that Metaphorical Cards are more known as a method in Europe and it is sadly not possible to get certified in this method in North America currently, perhaps this situation will change in the future. ​

​Q3: How long is the training?
3-12 hours in total (or longer) // 1-2 times a week
(partially customized depending on your needs, requires 1-3 weeks for preparation)

​Q4: How long is each class?
Each class can be from 1 to 3 hours.
(the term "workshop" is used for simplifying the description)

Formats:
1) 1 workshop (1.5 / 2/ or 3 hours intensive)
2) 5 workshops x 1 hour  or  2h + 2h + 1h
3) 8 x 1.5h workshops

​Q5: Is it a customized training or there is a certain program?
Training is based on certain concepts and must-know information and skills, however it is individualized, conducted in a custom format - curriculum varies depending on the needs of the participant (which is discussed on registration).

Q6: Is this training offered online or in person, and group format?
Currently the training is offered online (in Zoom, at times in skype), however it is also possible to take it in-person when it is not during social distancing months (room rental fee is extra). 

Online training is offered with a recording of sessions provided to the student (within 3-5 days). In-person training does not include recording of the sessions. However it is possible to record them audio format. Recordings cannot be shared with other people and can only be used for personal education.

Group Training - there will be an on-demand and group course available on MACards closer to 2021.

Please keep in mind, I prefer not to offer training in FB, whatsapp, telegram, viber.
However whatsapp / telegram / viber can be used for chatting related to the course and inquiries.

Q7: Does the training include both theory & practice?

Yes, each training includes:
* theory
* demo-sessions with you as the client. 
* If you choose the 12(+)hour program - after theory and demo sessions you can find a volunteer / client and 1-3 hours of supervision can be included.
You can also add extra hours for the training & supervised sessions.

Q8: What are my options for the training in terms of content?

Depending on the amount of hours, you can choose what you'd like out of these topics:
(NB: there are some basics which are necessary to know if you haven't worked before with metaphorical associative cards, I will let you know after your choice and request.)

Each class usually has a practical element.

Must-know topics:
  • Definition - what are MACards? 
  • Roots of the method - How it all started
  • Principles of working with MAC
  • Advantages of this method
  • Who is this not for
  • Functions of MAC 
  • Types of MAC decks
  • Where to find cards and how to choose your decks
  • ​Ways of working with MAC (online and in person)
  • Practical exercises (techniques)
  • Difference in approach for various areas (pros & cons)
  • Ethical questions, agreement with the client

Optional (theory & practice):
  • MAC & Counseling
  • MAC & Art Therapy
  • MAC & EIT (Emotion-Image Therapy)
  • MAC & Life Coaching
  • MAC & Business Coaching
  • MAC & Self-Development
  • MAC & working with kids
  • Specifics of group work with MAC
  • (*) MAC for special groups of people 
  • How to adapt the tool & skills to your clientele
  • Practice & Supervision
  • Problem-solving, Q&A, mentoring
  • (*) MAC & Astrology / Numerology
  • (*) MAC & Divination
  • (*) How to create your own MACards deck
  • (*) Promotion, SMMarketing for services with MACards
  • (*) How to start a YouTube channel (basics, strategies)

Q9: Are exercises (techniques) the same for everyone or they can be adapted for my needs?

Some exercises can be helpful no matter what the targeted audience is, however others can be adapted. I can help you create your exercises either adapting existing ones or from scratch, because it is impossible to know all fields and types of clients and cases, you might know the needs of your clients better than any instructor. So when 5+ hours of training is taken it is a collaboration where we can work together to create a few exercises (MACards schemes for your sessions).

Practice shows that in most cases the practitioner has to be more flexible to be able to follow a client-centered approach. 

Q10: Is the training in English only?

Training can be provided in English or Russian, you'd have to decide in advance which language, or what is the main language which will be used in the presentation (if slides are used) and discussion. Occasional use of the other language is ok.

Q11: How much does it cost & how can I pay?

Right now during Covid-19 weeks in summer 2020 I am offering sessions on a sliding scale:
USD $55-150 / hour (1 person) 
e.g. if you are taking a 12-hour training: 12 x (price per hour) = training cost 

Contact for rates for groups of 2+ people.

Training can be paid in 1-2 installments. The first one has to be minimum 3 days before the first class. Preparation of the training requires 1-3 weeks. ​

Payment info >>

Q12: Do I need to have Metaphorical Cards for this training? and what else is necessary?

​Decks of cards & slides with cards are provided for the sessions / classes. 
If you happen to have a deck of MACards at home, you can tell which one you have and if it fits the program it can be used as well.

You do not need to have anything special apart from fairly good wifi connection, 
a peace of paper & pen or pencil for notes, and download the Zoom app, then check that video & sound are working ok. you can follow the Zoom link before the session and do a "test" through zoom. Link to the meeting is provided. 


Clients' Testimonials >>
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Exercise: How do you feel now?

Choose a chard that best describes your feeling(s), if you do not relate to the full card, you can choose the one that has an element that resonates with you and the question.

What does that card mean to you?
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(I could ask more guiding questions to help you dive deeper in the card and whatever can be helpful when there is a particular request / task for the session).

Feel free to CONTACT for any additional questions and discussing the collaboration.​

You can register for the training filling out the google form (see the button below).

"It was a wonderful experience, very pleasant and interesting, I found answers to my questions and gained confidence. I was able to sort out my feelings and choose the direction in which I want to go further. I really enjoyed talking with Tatiana, she sensitively guided me and helped me to understand myself. I am very impressed .Thank you very much, Tatiana!"
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"I found the the session was conducted in a sincere, professional and non-judgmental manner that encouraged open and honest discussion of whatever or wherever the cards took us. I was surprised that artwork on cards, some picked at random and some chosen for a purpose, could help in getting me to talk with Tatiana about how I was feeling about certain issues/conflicts. I think this type of counselling would be useful for those who might benefit from a better understanding of their own feelings, motivations, etc., but need assistance to begin the process."