Projective Cards Help & Resources

Projective Cards Instructions

Level 1: Pick a card and share it

Enhances the ability to make a choice, make a connection by sharing that choice.

Level 2: Share the experience of choosing the card

What was their process like in choosing? Fast, slow, needed help, sense of fun, frustrated, etc? Increased level of connection and self-awareness of their own process.

Level 3: Describe the card in detail

Describe shapes, forms, colors, objects, people, greater connection and engagement.

Level 4: Describe the scene using "I"

Asking the client to be a part or the whole picture strengthens their ability to project parts of themselves onto the card. Enhances sense of self, creativity and imagination.

Level 5: Questions to deepen the projection

"What's it like to be that part?", "What do you do as that part?" Allows the child to connect to a part of themselves that they may not otherwise talk about.

Level 6

Watch for cues in voice tone, posture, expression and silence. All are fine and are a sign of a child's process.

Level 7: Owning

Asking "Does this fit in your life?", "Do you ever feel that way?" Allows the child to gain awareness of their life as reflected in the projection. If they say no, it can be due to resistance, and they need to strengthen their sense of self. They can still benefit from the experience.

Level 8

Leave the scene and explore how the awareness can be applied to the child's life.

Projective Cards Using the Oaklander Model Course

Learn how to effectively use projective cards in therapy to help clients of all ages enhance their sense of self, experience and express their emotions. This course, led by experts in Gestalt Play Therapy and expressive arts, offers a blend of theory and demonstrations showing how to use projective cards as a powerful media both in-person and online.

This course includes:

Case study showcasing the impact of projective cards.
Step-by-step walkthrough for using projective cards in play therapy.
In-depth exploration of the Oaklander approach and where and how to get or make your own projective cards.
Practical prompts and examples for therapists working with diverse clients
Demonstrations on working with adolescents, children, and parents, both online and in-person using projective cards.

This course is ideal for play therapists and educators looking to integrate creative, visual tools into their practice.

Oaklander Model Projective Cards Deck

These projective cards have an unlimited number of uses. They are a unique tool that can be used as projections of one’s self. Each deck includes directions with eight different levels of use, 50 full color unique designs, information about the Author Karen Fried, and come in a sturdy plastic box.

Projective cards can be used as a projective activity for children. They are particularly helpful for children who don’t like to draw, or when you are short on time. They can be used in many different ways.