An easy way in to using art in coaching - the post card
In this blog I want to talk about an easy way in to using art in coaching – using postcards and how we can offer a deeper conversation as we would if the client was making their own image and we were using the ART in Coaching approach.
Coaching cards vs postcards
Many of us use picture cards in our coaching, buying packs of these from coaching organisations and training providers. I have picture cards myself, but I have also found myself collecting postcards from different places I visited.
I realised I was doing this because I felt the picture cards were missing something. In particular, more creative cards. So, I began collecting from art galleries, museums, book shops and visits to great buildings. Now my postcard collection is big and very varied, including all sorts to ensure there is choice for self-expression through imagery.
An accessible way in for clients?
I also found that when offering cards to my clients, both postcards and coaching cards, most of them chose images from the postcards rather than the coaching cards. I’m not sure why this is but it may be that postcards are more relatable and therefore accessible in some way. We have all seen, written and received postcards.
Using postcards
Where clients are reticent about making their own imagery, unsure about an art-based approach or we haven’t contracted for using art in their programme, I will offer postcards as a way in.
I may use them as a way of opening up a conversation, or inviting someone to express what they are feeling and experiencing if they are finding it hard to explain it, or as a way in to help with a complex situation.
I always have postcards with me and will either have them randomly out on the table when my client arrives or spread them out in the session if we are going to use them. Having them out this way, rather than handing the pack of cards to the client, enables the client to scan the postcards quickly and move them around if they are overlapping making it a more physical and engaging process. This is important as it allows for a more spontaneous connection to an image. When going through cards in a pack individually it encourages your client to think about each card.
Finding a card
Once we have got to the point in our conversation where we are going to use the cards, I will invite my client to allow an image to find them, without judgment or censorship. Even if the image on the card seems odd, out of context, silly or uncomfortable. I encourage the client to pick the card up.
I encourage the client not to think about what image they may like to find because it is a nice image or one they felt they should choose!
This approach gives the right brain a chance to communicate through visual imagery rather than the left brain coming in and telling them what they want to hear. It allows the right brain to express what is in need of recognition for the client. (Explore more with the now famous Gazzinga and LeDoux Chicken and Claw experiment and Gazzaniga’s the left-brain role as ‘The Interpreter’)
Connecting to the found card and finding meaning
Once a client has selected a card, I then ask them to tell me about the card. I do this without interpretation or judgement. I also do not get drawn into any judgement the client may make about why they have chosen the card.
As the client tells me about the card and what has drawn them to it I will open up a wider exploration through noticing colours, shapes, textures, marks etc. within it. This encourages the client to connect more deeply to their image which may bring new insights, meanings or thoughts to the fore.
Where the card is more abstract I may invite them to turn the card round 90° one way and then the other, as well as turn it upside down. Doing this the client may see new things within the image and chose a way of seeing that feels ‘right’. This can also unlock new meaning and insights for them.
It is also important to remember that the card chosen is an extension of the client in that moment. It is their externalised interior self and as such I may also encourage the client to talk in the first person about what is emerging to deepen that personal connection.
I hold this space just as I would as if the client had created the image themselves.
It is about holding the space for longer than a light touch conversation.
It is ensuring we don’t offer any interpretation which can be easy to do when using cards with very clear representational imagery within it. It is our client’s image which only they know the meaning it holds for them.
