Helping teenagers talk about their lives cards

Why professionals working with teenagers need these cards. This resource comprises 48 cards with expressive, thought – provoking artworks that convey the most common mental states, emotional experiences (positive and negative) and concerns of teenagers. The purpose of the cards is to encourage teenagers to stand back and reflect on their lives, with the help of an emotionally available adult who offers understanding, empathy and gentle enquiry. Most teenagers never have the opportunity to think deeply about their lives. They never talk to someone who really listens to the pains and joys of their relationships, their hopes and fears, where they get stuck in their lives, what delights and interests them and what they feel passionate about. As conversation – starters, the cards enable teenagers to talk more freely about what matters to them, bringing more meaning, ease and flow to a dialogue and to engage in the process of life review. Many teenagers tell us it’s a huge relief to reflect on their lives. As one 15 -year-old said, “Where have these cards been all my life?”