Trauma often lives beyond words, embedded in images, sensations, and emotional memory. Play therapists and creative therapists of children, teens and adults are uniquely positioned to meet clients in this nonverbal space—using metaphor, symbol, and story to foster healing. 

This training explores the therapeutic power of image-rich card decks to help clients externalize inner experiences, process trauma safely, and reconnect with their innate wisdom. 

Grounded in Jungian theory and trauma-informed practice, participants will learn practical, ethical techniques for incorporating playful symbolic card work into sessions with both children and adults, honoring the creative and intuitive ways clients naturally heal.

Sand Tray Isn't Easily Portable... Therapy Cards Are!

What a FUN and experiential way to learn. In this hybrid training experience, you will …. 

🎴 Purchase a deck or two (or more) of cards with symbolic imagery and bring them to class (virtual or in person).

☀️ Resiliency and self care related imagery will have a completely different feel than shadow work and trauma healing.

Some imagery is light hearted and other imagery is bit darker/heavier in it's feel.

📧 Need help choosing? Sign up and we will email a list of example decks with links to purchase

🧑🏽‍💻 Attend virtually via ZOOM (3 non-contact CEs) after exam (80%+)

-OR-

☕️ Join (3 contact CEs) in person at Ridgetop Coffee & Tea 21631 Ridgetop Cir, Sterling, VA 20166.

🎴 Tell Me The Details!

Friday, December 12, 2025 | 9:30AM–12:45 PM EST

$99

"Using Symbolic Card Decks to Support Trauma Processing in Jungian Play Therapy and Creative Therapy"

– VIrtual: 3 Non-Contact CE (NBCC & APT) / In Person: 3 Contact CE (NBCC & APT)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least three ways image-based tools can be used to support trauma processing through a Jungian-informed lens in

  both play therapy and creative therapy settings.

• Demonstrate how to facilitate a card-based activity that promotes symbolic expression and emotional regulation for clients

  impacted by trauma, tailoring approaches for use with both children and adults.

• Describe the function of both brain hemispheres and explain therapeutic timing when integrating therapeutic cards in a session.

• Explain the role of archetypes and the unconscious in trauma recovery, drawing from Jungian theory, and apply this

  understanding to interpret client-selected imagery in session.

• Evaluate when and how to ethically and effectively incorporate image-rich decks into trauma-informed care, considering

  cultural humility, developmental level, and the client’s expressive style—whether in play-based or verbally creative therapeutic

  work.

• Explain the importance of self care for the therapist involved in many trauma related cases

☀️ Who Should Attend ☀️

☀️ Play therapists and creative arts therapists

☀️ Trauma therapists (children, teens, or adults)

☀️ Counselors, social workers, psychologists

☀️ Expressive therapists who love imagery and metaphor

☀️ Anyone wanting fresh, right-brained tools for trauma healing and self-care

Agenda (Eastern Time)

9:30    Jungian Overview & Research

10:00  Brain Hemisphere and Function Overview

10:30  Experiential Practice & Collaboration 

12:45  See You Next Time!