Sometimes the quickest path to insight isn’t through talking — it’s through art, imagery, storytelling, and metaphor.

In these sessions, we use curated image cards — from nature scenes to abstract art — as prompts to help you connect with thoughts, feelings, and perspectives that may not surface in ordinary conversation.

This approach is similar to art therapy or guided imagery: you select cards that you are drawn to, and together we explore the symbols, colors, or emotions they evoke. There’s no “right” interpretation — the meaning comes from your own associations, and our collaborative discussion together.

Why This Approach Works

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung emphasized the power of symbols, archetypes, and images to bridge the unconscious and conscious mind. He believed that when we work with symbolic material — whether in dreams, myths, or art — we create opportunities for insight, integration, and personal growth.

By engaging with imagery, we bypass overthinking and tap into deeper layers of awareness. Clients often find that their selections — and the metaphors we uncover — connect directly to the patterns, challenges, and possibilities in their lives. These connections can be surprising, even awe-inspiring, and they frequently lead to faster insight than talk therapy alone.

Decks & Imagery Choices

We can work with:

  • Nature and wildlife photography

  • Archetype and Jungian-inspired imagery

  • Abstract and contemporary art

  • Gentle oracle-style decks

  • (If you wish) traditional tarot imagery

You always choose what feels safe and resonant. If you’d prefer to avoid certain imagery, we simply use a different deck.

My Training

In April 2023, I earned 16 CEUs and became certified as a Tarotpy® Practitioner by Lauren Z. Schneider, LMFT, creator of this method. While the name includes the word tarot, The Tarotpy method is not at all about prediction, tarot, or fortunetelling — it’s a trauma-informed, psychotherapeutic process that uses imagery and metaphor to “lay the unconscious on the table.” It draws from the symbolic language of dreams, story, and art to spark meaningful, change-oriented dialogue.

What to Expect in a Symbolic Imagery Session

Originally conducted in person, this method can also be facilitated via telehealth. You may use your own deck(s), or I can provide options to choose from. We follow a structured sequence to create a layout, and then we explore what each card brings up for you.

This process often:

  • Brings root issues into focus quickly

  • Opens new possibilities for action or resolution

  • Helps integrate dream imagery into real-life circumstances

  • Adds creativity and depth to therapy work

If you are interested in reading the original training manual, please see Tarotpy - It's All In The Cards- A Pathway to Inner Wisdom, Divine Guidance, and Profound Healing, by Lauren Z. Schneider. LMFT.

Ready to explore your inner imagery? Contact me to learn more or schedule a session.

Cecily Longo, LMFT