“Focus into the Soul” – Development Cards

What are they? What ideas and values guide them? The cards are designed around primary, archetypal shapes—forms from which anything can be constructed. Each card can be “looked into” like a 3D cube—revealing layers, messages, and meaning.

They keep us in a pre-verbal realm—prior to existing patterns—helping us return to origins and the subconscious. We give shape to non-verbal experiences, redefine thought patterns, and discover new parts of the self. We engage with difficult inner parts, build strength, and learn to stay in the here-and-now—moving toward growth and development.

How else do they help?

• Explore and examine different parts of the self
• Reignite childlike curiosity, spontaneity, and play
• Elevate imagination as an engine for growth
• Sharpen observation and presence in the here-and-now
• Give form to non-verbal experiences; access origins, subconscious, and early memories
• Release old patterns; create fresh perspectives and new directions
• Motivate action through an enjoyable, experiential process—fostering clarity and evolution

Examples

The doodle that helped get the job: A talented young woman repeatedly failed job interviews. She chose a “doodle” card that embodied her authentic self. At the next interview, recalling that card connected her to her strengths—and she got the job.

The card that strengthened a relationship: A woman chose a card with two parallel purple lines and surrounding blue lines. She saw the lines as her relationship’s two realms and realized she wished for roles to be balanced. After reflection, she allowed her partner to come closer—strengthening security and connection.

Parenting through the circle and the dot: A young mother selected a circle with a dot. As she connected through her body, a headache “moved” to her heart—signaling the solution lay in feeling, not reasoning. The symbol connected her to integrity and inner strength.

The cross that guided a life move: A 30-year-old considering a distant move selected a “cross.” She realized she could combine the move with a shift in vocation—from academia to therapy—aligning life direction with values.

The cards foster playfulness, imagination, and ingenuity—bridging vision and execution, connecting your adult self with your inner child.

What is Focusing? Why integrate it with Art Therapy?

“Focusing” is a method developed in the 1970s by Eugene Gendlin, a philosopher and psychologist. It is a unique process of introspection that tunes into bodily sensations and the mental imagery we generate. When we bring these inner signals to the forefront, they often surprise us—while offering clarity, liberation, and motivation that move us toward action and personal growth.

Both Art Therapy and Focusing arise from our inner world, helping us discover our authentic selves. Together, they deepen insights, boost clarity and motivation, and can lead to innovative solutions and conflict resolution.

The Cards

The “Focus into the Soul – Development Cards” are designed around archetypal primary shapes—the fundamental forms every toddler draws as part of motor, emotional, and inner development (doodles, circles, crosses, triangles, etc.).

These shapes are liberating: they help us reconnect to origins and access hidden memory and the subconscious; they sharpen observation, open new ways of thinking, support conflict resolution, and catalyze personal growth and action.

In individual sessions and workshops, we observe the cards alongside free-style creative expression, giving outlet to our inner world. This synergy repeatedly surprises and moves me with its impact and its power to guide people in the right direction.

Participants say:

• “The cards helped me find a meaning that exceeded their universal meaning—something personal and individual.”
• “It opened up my mind; I can’t imagine it happening without these cards.”
• “The combination of focusing, cards, and art showed me how to keep going and listen to my heart. It was very moving.”

Join a 90-Minute Zoom Workshop

“From the Inside Out – Rediscovering the Self in a Time of Constant Change and Movement.”

I’m Michal Bogin, an experienced Art Therapist and graduate of “Focusing for Therapists.” Time after time, the encounter between Focusing and Art amazes me—deeper insights, delightful surprises, and newfound clarity.

Over the last year I developed the “Focus into the Soul – Development Cards”, inspired by my book “Please Do Not Disturb, I Am Drawing.” The cards use primary archetypal shapes whose simplicity reveals profound depth. The synergy between Focusing, the cards, and Art enriches each approach and nurtures growth and awareness.

No art experience needed. You’re warmly invited to join us on this journey of self-discovery.

Contact for dates & booking: [email protected]