* FAQ about MACards and sessions * |
FAQ about Metaphorical Associative Cards
|
* Discovering reality
* Touching to the subconscious * Understanding yourself & others * Integrating yourself MACards can help to: --> Find a solution --> Make a choice --> Fulfill your creative potential --> Let go of what is not needed --> Create the life of your dreams |
|
My education in ART THERAPY and METAPHORICAL CARDS comes from the Russian & Ukranian schools and I was lucky to learn from a lot of very experienced practitioners (more information on training >>) .
Metaphorical Associative cards at the moment are extremely popular in Europe and hope that in North America and the other world they will also be widely known not only by the practitioners yet also general people.
Many people find it a much more rewarding and interesting to work with projective techniques like Metaphorical Associative cards and art therapy, because the insights they can provide and also it feels more creative and effective than a session based on discussion of problems and feelings only from the logical mind. Projective tools can provide a creative outlet and in some cases a release, relief effect. To be noted that artistic skill is not at all important at such sessions and usually there is no judgement of what the client interpreted, through questions the practitioner will guide the client towards exploring their artwork in the context of the request (topic) of the session.
The methods I currently use in Art Therapy and MACards sessions are:
* metaphorical (projective) cards
* drawing & painting therapy
* working with clay (various types)
* sand tray therapy & semolina therapy
* tale therapy and narrative
* doll therapy, sculptures
* working with foil & paper
* collage techniques
* body therapy (e.g. working with gestures, etc)
* combining some of these methods
* other art therapy and expressive art therapy methods.
Metaphorical Associative cards at the moment are extremely popular in Europe and hope that in North America and the other world they will also be widely known not only by the practitioners yet also general people.
Many people find it a much more rewarding and interesting to work with projective techniques like Metaphorical Associative cards and art therapy, because the insights they can provide and also it feels more creative and effective than a session based on discussion of problems and feelings only from the logical mind. Projective tools can provide a creative outlet and in some cases a release, relief effect. To be noted that artistic skill is not at all important at such sessions and usually there is no judgement of what the client interpreted, through questions the practitioner will guide the client towards exploring their artwork in the context of the request (topic) of the session.
The methods I currently use in Art Therapy and MACards sessions are:
* metaphorical (projective) cards
* drawing & painting therapy
* working with clay (various types)
* sand tray therapy & semolina therapy
* tale therapy and narrative
* doll therapy, sculptures
* working with foil & paper
* collage techniques
* body therapy (e.g. working with gestures, etc)
* combining some of these methods
* other art therapy and expressive art therapy methods.
FAQ about MACards and sessions:
1) What are Metaphorical Associative Cards?
Metaphorical cards are specially designed decks of projective cards which address directly to our SUBCONSCIOUS and UNCONSCIOUS MIND, as well as conscious mind also can be activated. They are designed to provoke imagination and associations, and usually clients may see and feel quite different things and give various interpretations. Depending on how a MAC deck is designed, there could be dozens if not hundreds of possible meanings which helps in work with all sorts of circumstances and cases, to find resources and solutions. Facilitator may suggest a particular deck of MAC for specific sessions. One of the key benefits of MACards is also opening the door to your inner soul who knows better than mind what is good for you now.
MACards are currently used in 27+ countries all over the world in a wide variety of professions and for many different purposes. Most decks of the so-called OH-cards and a few other types of auteur MACards decks from around the world are used as a supplementary tool for psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and in life/ business / creative coaching (art coaching) helping to facilitate the session with a client.
It is important to note that there are a few terms used to define the same method: 1) metaphorical cards 2) metaphorical associative cards 3) metaphoric cards of association 4) metaphoric cards 5) projective cards 6) associative cards.
They all usually mean the same method. I also use abbreviation MACards or MAC for the convenience or writing, in Russian the term is use as "Метафорические Ассоциативные Карты" or "Метафорические Карты" (in abbreviation - МАК).
Roots of the method:
https://www.oh-cards-institute.org/
2) Do I need to have any decks of MAC to book a session? And should I buy materials for the art therapy session?
You don't have to have any decks however if you happen to have 1-2 decks it can help in some type of sessions in the online sessions, however usually MAC decks are chosen and provided by counselor / coach / therapist.
For some type of online sessions it can helpful if you have access to 1-2 decks of MACards or oracle cards yet it is not obligatory and better if you do not connect any special pre-defined interpretations with the cards used at the sessions (like Tarot / oracle decks might be).
As far as Art Therapy sessions go, it will be specified before each session whether and what materials you might need to prepare for that session. Usually these are not expensive materials and can be easily purchased in a dollar store (color pencils, pastel or crayons, gauche or watercolor, paper, clay, foil and other materials). For some in-person sessions materials might be provided by the practitioner.
3) Can I work with MAC on my own?
Even if with proper knowledge it is possible to work on your own with MAC for some brief simple questions provided that you have experience with a specialist and own a few decks of metaphorical cards, and you can create narratives - stories with MAC, however for counseling, therapy and coaching it can be much more effective if not absolutely required to work with a specialist rather than on your own. Imagine if you need a high-quality haircut or a medical procedure, or turn up your vehicle, would you do it yourself or rather turn to a trained specialist? The reason why a session with a specialist / colleague is usually much more effective is because this tool is first of all created to tap into the sub/ unconscious mind, working with it logically from your conscious mind and asking questions yourself only would not help enough to uncover the potential of unseen side of psyche and finding necessary resources to cope with the situation or emotions in the best way and best timing.
4) Ethics for working with MAC:
5) What is the difference between counseling, therapy and coaching sessions?
To answer this question briefly, counseling and psychotherapy (including art therapy) usually are targeted at helping the person to overcome their blocks and negative emotions, whatever traumatic experiences coming from the past, to help to become more authentic and confident in yourself, to improve, harmonize relationships with yourself and others, that is in a way healthier in their mind, body and spirit.
Life coaching addresses present and future, getting from point A to point B more efficiently and effectively to achieve your dreams and usually there is a spiritual element in coaching as well as it can be in counseling also.
Every counselor, therapist and coach might work in a somewhat different way as there are a lot of different approaches and many specialists combine a few approaches and there might be a cross over between those "roles" at some sessions as not every client clearly understands what kind of session would be best suited for them at the current moment or some unexpected emotions, feelings, limiting beliefs, blocks can surface and might be more reasonable to address them immediately rather than continuing with the original plan of the session. Such things require specific experience and education and it definitely helps if the specialist has various education in wellness to choose the best method possible for the current client.
Having a filled out form and a first-time client consultation helps to define what type of session and method would be most beneficial in a particular case. In many cases 2+ sessions are beneficial rather than one as a series of weekly/ biweekly / monthly sessions. Some questions might be resolved and moved forward within 1 session.
I plan to create a few videos with FAQ about Metaphorical Cards so stay tuned for the updates.
6) What is the difference between Metaphorical Associative Cards and oracle cards / Tarot?
Tarot, Oracle Cards are one of the so-called intuitive consulting systems and usually are aimed at either diagnostics, forecasting or providing insights for a certain situation (whether spiritual, karmic or holistic). Qualification of the intuitive often is not always possible to check and it can be hit of miss.
Metaphorical Cards sessions are usually offered by qualified specialist with a respective training and experience.
There is quite a big difference between the MACards themselves and what they depict vs Oracle Cards and Tarot, however some MACards practitioners and art therapists also use certain oracle and Tarot cards in their work usually letting the client to interpret the images rather than offering ready-made definitions.
NB: the author of this website respects various types of qualified practitioners and methods, including esoteric ones and contemporary methods of therapy, counselling and coaching. It is ultimately the Client's right to decide what type of specialist and method can be beneficial for them.
Common things:
Differences:
7) Do I need to tell all my life story at the session?
Because I practice holistic, integrative, client-centered approach it definitely helps to have some information about your current situation a bigger picture of your life. Yet NO, you do not have to tell your whole life story and even at times as a practitioner I might have politely remind about timing of the session, focusing and guiding the process during the session towards the chosen goal. It can be hard at times actually as clients usually are full of stories and also might have a need to tell something for a longer time. At the same time it is what helps to make sure that the process of counselling/ therapy or coaching is appropriate and beneficial for you as the Client.
Having said that it is absolutely crucial that there is trust and sincerity as well as safety at the sessions and you as the client can be yourself and expression through art therapy or MACards work what you feel and think.
8) Does the session ensure I will feel good after?
Because the process of therapy and counselling is not aimed at entertainment and also people often do not come to such a practitioner when everything is great in their life (unless that is what bothers them),
9) Do I have a right not to read the card or change it if I don't like it?
Yes as mentioned in Q4 you have the right not to interpret the card. However, the practitioner has a right to ask supplementary questions why you prefer not to read it or how it makes you feel, how you would prefer to feel, what would you rather see there and so on. Clients usually find it helpful and often it can bring to some unexpected insights.
In some cases the facilitator of the sessions himself/ herself would offer to change or substitute the card if it can be beneficial for the client and session. In general it helps to "take into work" whatever comes up at the session.
10) Do you set any diagnosis?
I do not give any diagnosis and do not prescribe any medicine. For any medical issue, it is recommended to consult a health practitioner without further delay. If you came to find the psychosomatic reason behind a certain illness and your situation (case) is not in my competence I will try to recommend another specialist for you if I know someone who practices that method which might be more beneficial or who specializes on such types of request.
11) What else do I need to know about MACards sessions?
Here are a few other things that might help to know:
* drawing & painting therapy
* working with clay (various types)
* sand tray therapy & semolina therapy
* tale therapy and narrative
* body therapy (e.g. working with gestures, etc)
* combining some of these methods
Feel free to contact for any other questions >> .
1) What are Metaphorical Associative Cards?
Metaphorical cards are specially designed decks of projective cards which address directly to our SUBCONSCIOUS and UNCONSCIOUS MIND, as well as conscious mind also can be activated. They are designed to provoke imagination and associations, and usually clients may see and feel quite different things and give various interpretations. Depending on how a MAC deck is designed, there could be dozens if not hundreds of possible meanings which helps in work with all sorts of circumstances and cases, to find resources and solutions. Facilitator may suggest a particular deck of MAC for specific sessions. One of the key benefits of MACards is also opening the door to your inner soul who knows better than mind what is good for you now.
MACards are currently used in 27+ countries all over the world in a wide variety of professions and for many different purposes. Most decks of the so-called OH-cards and a few other types of auteur MACards decks from around the world are used as a supplementary tool for psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and in life/ business / creative coaching (art coaching) helping to facilitate the session with a client.
It is important to note that there are a few terms used to define the same method: 1) metaphorical cards 2) metaphorical associative cards 3) metaphoric cards of association 4) metaphoric cards 5) projective cards 6) associative cards.
They all usually mean the same method. I also use abbreviation MACards or MAC for the convenience or writing, in Russian the term is use as "Метафорические Ассоциативные Карты" or "Метафорические Карты" (in abbreviation - МАК).
Roots of the method:
https://www.oh-cards-institute.org/
2) Do I need to have any decks of MAC to book a session? And should I buy materials for the art therapy session?
You don't have to have any decks however if you happen to have 1-2 decks it can help in some type of sessions in the online sessions, however usually MAC decks are chosen and provided by counselor / coach / therapist.
For some type of online sessions it can helpful if you have access to 1-2 decks of MACards or oracle cards yet it is not obligatory and better if you do not connect any special pre-defined interpretations with the cards used at the sessions (like Tarot / oracle decks might be).
As far as Art Therapy sessions go, it will be specified before each session whether and what materials you might need to prepare for that session. Usually these are not expensive materials and can be easily purchased in a dollar store (color pencils, pastel or crayons, gauche or watercolor, paper, clay, foil and other materials). For some in-person sessions materials might be provided by the practitioner.
3) Can I work with MAC on my own?
Even if with proper knowledge it is possible to work on your own with MAC for some brief simple questions provided that you have experience with a specialist and own a few decks of metaphorical cards, and you can create narratives - stories with MAC, however for counseling, therapy and coaching it can be much more effective if not absolutely required to work with a specialist rather than on your own. Imagine if you need a high-quality haircut or a medical procedure, or turn up your vehicle, would you do it yourself or rather turn to a trained specialist? The reason why a session with a specialist / colleague is usually much more effective is because this tool is first of all created to tap into the sub/ unconscious mind, working with it logically from your conscious mind and asking questions yourself only would not help enough to uncover the potential of unseen side of psyche and finding necessary resources to cope with the situation or emotions in the best way and best timing.
4) Ethics for working with MAC:
- Honoring the privacy of the session / client (you) and the Facilitator (this principle is valid for any sessions from this website and is a general practice for counselling and therapy, unless the client agrees for the disclosure of the case for whatever reason).
- You can choose the cards openly or without seeing the image, and the Facilitator will recommend the best way to do it within a particular technique / method (depending on the focus of the session).
- You have a right to choose not to comment about a particular card. However the Facilitator can ask about the reason of that and can suggest to choose another card.
- You may change the card if it is too difficult to "activate" the card and he/she can't find any connection with his/ her current situation / relationship in question.
- You may take as much time as needed to contemplate on the card(s) and get an insight.
- (!) There are NO "correct" interpretations of the pictures, no misreading of words. CLIENT IS ALWAYS RIGHT with his/ her interpretations. Everything that the client is saying is respected and taken into account. Often same cards might be perceived differently by the same client in various situations, this process is totally individual.
- We honour each other's imagination and intelligence. The Facilitator or other clients at the session do not interpret / re-interpret the cards chosen by the Client however Facilitator can ask questions about the card and how the Client can relate to it, as well as can suggest to do something with the card(s), for example choose another one or re-position them on the table.
- We honour each other’s individuality. When I interpret my cards I do not assume that you see what I see, feel what I feel, read what I read. That is also applied for group sessions (with 2 or more people).
5) What is the difference between counseling, therapy and coaching sessions?
To answer this question briefly, counseling and psychotherapy (including art therapy) usually are targeted at helping the person to overcome their blocks and negative emotions, whatever traumatic experiences coming from the past, to help to become more authentic and confident in yourself, to improve, harmonize relationships with yourself and others, that is in a way healthier in their mind, body and spirit.
Life coaching addresses present and future, getting from point A to point B more efficiently and effectively to achieve your dreams and usually there is a spiritual element in coaching as well as it can be in counseling also.
Every counselor, therapist and coach might work in a somewhat different way as there are a lot of different approaches and many specialists combine a few approaches and there might be a cross over between those "roles" at some sessions as not every client clearly understands what kind of session would be best suited for them at the current moment or some unexpected emotions, feelings, limiting beliefs, blocks can surface and might be more reasonable to address them immediately rather than continuing with the original plan of the session. Such things require specific experience and education and it definitely helps if the specialist has various education in wellness to choose the best method possible for the current client.
Having a filled out form and a first-time client consultation helps to define what type of session and method would be most beneficial in a particular case. In many cases 2+ sessions are beneficial rather than one as a series of weekly/ biweekly / monthly sessions. Some questions might be resolved and moved forward within 1 session.
I plan to create a few videos with FAQ about Metaphorical Cards so stay tuned for the updates.
6) What is the difference between Metaphorical Associative Cards and oracle cards / Tarot?
Tarot, Oracle Cards are one of the so-called intuitive consulting systems and usually are aimed at either diagnostics, forecasting or providing insights for a certain situation (whether spiritual, karmic or holistic). Qualification of the intuitive often is not always possible to check and it can be hit of miss.
Metaphorical Cards sessions are usually offered by qualified specialist with a respective training and experience.
There is quite a big difference between the MACards themselves and what they depict vs Oracle Cards and Tarot, however some MACards practitioners and art therapists also use certain oracle and Tarot cards in their work usually letting the client to interpret the images rather than offering ready-made definitions.
NB: the author of this website respects various types of qualified practitioners and methods, including esoteric ones and contemporary methods of therapy, counselling and coaching. It is ultimately the Client's right to decide what type of specialist and method can be beneficial for them.
Common things:
- Images on the cards or discs can have certain metaphorical meaning.
- Both types of sessions can help you to find answers to certain questions and solutions for situations, understand yourself and others better including tapping into the subconscious / unconscious.
- Duration for sessions usually are from 15min up to 1.5 hours.
- Both types of sessions do not require any prior preparation.
Differences:
- the main difference is that in Metaphorical Cards sessions (counselling, coaching or therapy) the cards are read by the CLIENT, and not by the practitioner. We work in the PRESENT moment, meaning that what the person sees in the images and any connected feelings reflect first thing his/ her state of mind & body in the present. It is not uncommon when by the end of the session or series of sessions same card might be perceived in a different way and evoke different feelings, emotions and associations.And that is totally OK, the main thing is sincerity and trust in describing the cards at the sessions.
- In sessions with MACards usually practitioner asks supplementary questions helping the client to "feel" and understand the card better and get some insights. He would usually not give any direct advice to the client on what to do, feel, choose, instead asking questions and mildly guiding the person in whatever appropriate way through the process of connecting to themselves.
- At the MACards sessions responsibility of interpretations of the images and metaphors of the cards is fully on the Client. Exceptions are the cards from decks with "messages" as a form of advice from your higher self or a person taken into account at the session (whether real one, subpersonality or imaginary hero/ heroine, etc). Whereas during intuitive consulting sessions the Client might hold the intuitive responsible for the reading.
- MACards are usually chosen by the Client (you), and the coach, counsellor / therapist / consultant facilitates the process of client reflecting on the card and connecting if with his / her life situation (if needed). In SyncroVISION™ sessions (except for the Vectors of Realization session, at all other sessions syncrodiscs are usually chosen by the Syncrolog (who does it in a "clear" state of mind and body, tuned into the special state like the one after a good meditation). *** However there are a few techniques when it can also be effective if the Facilitator chooses cards, for example, if a session is offered in a written form distantly. No matter how the card is chosen, the reflection on the MACard is done by the Client and as usual the specialist only helps the person to reflect on the card without adding any personal judgement.
- When working with MACards the cards can be chosen openly or blindly by the client or practitioner. In intuitive consulting systems the "reader" usually chooses the discs blindly with the method of spontaneous choice. He/she can also suggest the Client to choose the cards, however it is considered that the "reader" has to be in a neutral "clear" state of mind and not involved emotionally in the situation of the Client, so-to-speak in a "cleansed", tuned up state. Which in a way also true for MACards sessions even if no special ambiance is required.
- MACards sessions as art therapy sessions usually are given in safe environment, in a separate room which might be closed to exclude any interference and interruption (distraction). Group trainings with MACards is a different story yet also given in a distraction-free zone. Whereas Tarot and oracle cards readings might be offered in noisy, crowded spaces or public places like coffee shops, stores, etc. Both types of sessions though can be offered by practioners in the form of distant consultation.
- Work with MACards is mostly done with the present time and what affects it from the past or projected future (also see q.5). Near future can be taken in the focus and favorability of certain choice options can be taken into account through connecting to the subconscious mind assuming also that "any card chosen would have some value in it and can provide insights", even if with the help of supplementary questions.
- When working with MACards usually 1 request / situation / question is taken per session, even if some situations might touch a few spheres / layers of your life, and after resolving one issues through 1-5 sessions another request might surface and call for attention. Also that is the reason why it can be hard to predict exact timing of the session. Sessions with MAC imply and require your active involvement in the whole process.
- At SyncroVISION™, astrology and intuitive consulting it is possible to take a few different questions and spheres of life at the same session and look at a bigger picture as well. In such cases the approach is so-to-speak horizontal when in counselling it is deeper, more vertical. Consultant usually guides what can be best for the Client in the current session.
7) Do I need to tell all my life story at the session?
Because I practice holistic, integrative, client-centered approach it definitely helps to have some information about your current situation a bigger picture of your life. Yet NO, you do not have to tell your whole life story and even at times as a practitioner I might have politely remind about timing of the session, focusing and guiding the process during the session towards the chosen goal. It can be hard at times actually as clients usually are full of stories and also might have a need to tell something for a longer time. At the same time it is what helps to make sure that the process of counselling/ therapy or coaching is appropriate and beneficial for you as the Client.
Having said that it is absolutely crucial that there is trust and sincerity as well as safety at the sessions and you as the client can be yourself and expression through art therapy or MACards work what you feel and think.
8) Does the session ensure I will feel good after?
Because the process of therapy and counselling is not aimed at entertainment and also people often do not come to such a practitioner when everything is great in their life (unless that is what bothers them),
9) Do I have a right not to read the card or change it if I don't like it?
Yes as mentioned in Q4 you have the right not to interpret the card. However, the practitioner has a right to ask supplementary questions why you prefer not to read it or how it makes you feel, how you would prefer to feel, what would you rather see there and so on. Clients usually find it helpful and often it can bring to some unexpected insights.
In some cases the facilitator of the sessions himself/ herself would offer to change or substitute the card if it can be beneficial for the client and session. In general it helps to "take into work" whatever comes up at the session.
10) Do you set any diagnosis?
I do not give any diagnosis and do not prescribe any medicine. For any medical issue, it is recommended to consult a health practitioner without further delay. If you came to find the psychosomatic reason behind a certain illness and your situation (case) is not in my competence I will try to recommend another specialist for you if I know someone who practices that method which might be more beneficial or who specializes on such types of request.
11) What else do I need to know about MACards sessions?
Here are a few other things that might help to know:
- It is absolutely crucial to feel safe in the relationship (collaboration) with the practitioner whichever method they practice. If by any reason you do not feel that environment is safe, please share that and it can be dealt with. It might be also easier to work with and open up to a certain person rather than another and it might not be anyhow connected with their qualification (supposed that both know their craft). It can be totally personal choice and for example might reflect some synastry in astrology or social connections, or any associations. You can choose what to do it that happens and that is why the 1st session is designed to get acquainted and discuss the collaboration and mutual work.
- Both for kids and adults it is quite important to have an independent room for the time of the session with no other people in it, unless they are also involved in the session with metaphorical cards or art therapy. It is noticed by many specialists that kids when supervised by their caretaker might not have the same level of sincerity and comfort to share what they feel and think when reflecting on MACards or any projective techniques in art therapy.
- It is best when you are not in a hurry to some other appointment and can be focused on the session and your request rather then the next event following up the session. Although it that happens it might also "be taken into work" with a possible adjustment of the theme of the session (if the practitioner thinks it is more appropriate).
- One of the things I think is good to mention is that many people find it much more rewarding and interesting to work with projective techniques like Metaphorical Associative cards and art therapy, because it feels more creative and effective than a session based on discussion of problems and feelings only from the logical mind. Projective tools can be even fun to work with or provide some kind of creative outlet and a relief effect, even if artistic skill is not at all important at such sessions.
- The methods I use in Art Therapy and MACards sessions are mainly:
* drawing & painting therapy
* working with clay (various types)
* sand tray therapy & semolina therapy
* tale therapy and narrative
* body therapy (e.g. working with gestures, etc)
* combining some of these methods
- Apart from art therapy, counselling and coaching with MACards I also practice a few other holistic methods which can be quite effective depending on the case - astrology, numerology and alternative healing like crystal healing, EFT, aromatherapy and Bach Flower Remedies. If the client is open to such methods I might recommend to combine it with the MACards, art therapy or art coaching.
Feel free to contact for any other questions >> .