Is Tarot Therapy? Let’s Discuss.
Does tarot really constitute therapy? I get this question a lot – from students, clients and other professionals. So much so that I thought it was important to write a specific blog post to address the topic.
The short answer is no. While traditional tarot readings offer their own wisdom and guidance (depending on the reader), they are not interchangeable with therapy. I’ll get to the why in just a moment. But first, I want to note that the use of tarot in therapy is becoming more common as the use of tarot itself (and other spiritual practices such as ritual and dreamwork) are becoming more commonplace and accessible. In fact it was just a few years ago that The New York Times published an article on this very phenomena: Now Therapists Have to Figure Out Astrology, Tarot and Psychedelics.
Using Metaphor & Imagination in Depth-oriented Therapy
In my personal life, I have been using tarot since I was thirteen years old. I was gifted a deck and became enchanted by the imagery of the cards and fascinated with the concept of intuition. Professionally, I love sharing my experiences with tarot. And integrating tarot as a tool in my therapy practice made perfect clinical sense.
In addition to being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, I am also a trained expressive arts therapist. I regularly use metaphor, symbol and imagination in sessions to help clients more deeply understand their feelings and experiences. Tarot is an extension of that work.
Therapeutic Tarot vs Tarot Readings
So what makes tarot readings different than therapeutic tarot? Well, like with most things: context.
Tarot card readings are an age-old form of divination (i.e. prediction). Tarot readers are folks who are presumably skilled in reading the traditional meanings of cards in response to questions someone may have. It is very important to know that tarot readings are not interchangeable with therapy. And readings may even feel harmful if triggering material surfaces, and you are not held and guided by a therapist skilled in trauma-informed practices. In contrast, therapeutic tarot looks and feels different.
A safer Space to explore
In my work with clients I provide prompts and guidance as we use tarot in therapy. I also frequently check-in with clients during this process to assess for any feelings of overwhelm and to also note connection that clients may not see themselves. I work with clients collaboratively to explore the imagery of cards and to support them in developing their own intuition.
Therapeutic tarot is less about learning the traditional meanings of cards and specific spreads and more about paying attention to what thoughts, feelings and questions arise when you see the imagery of the card. Using tarot in therapy can help support self-inquiry and intuition development.
many ways to utilize tarot in therapy
You may wonder at this point what tarot in therapy may look like. Here are some examples:
- Some clients like to pick a tarot card at the beginning of each therapy session and then move in to verbal processing, reflecting later if they make any connection between their content and the card.
- Other clients like to explore a question they are wrestling with. The question may pertain to a life transition or an area in which they feel blocked. Then they may pull one (or more cards) to explore. We may note the reactions, thoughts and feelings that come up.
- Therapeutic tarot practice may also be combined with expressive arts therapy. Utilizing the arts takes issues or questions that arise deeper. For example, creating a piece of poetry or sculpture after utilizing tarot may further explore themes that arose. Meanwhile, clients who are more action-oriented, may want to create a behavioral plan based on material that emerges in their tarot session.
Getting Started With the World of Tarot
Therapeutic tarot is suitable for those who have a long-standing tarot practice, as well as those who are brand new to the practice. You do not need to be familiar with the traditional meanings before beginning this journey.
If your interest is piqued and you’d like to learn more about therapeutic tarot or my feminist therapy practice for women, please reach out here. I love to chat about all things tarot and healing! If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, you can do so here.
Till next time, wishing you health and ease,
Jessika
Begin Spiritual Psychotherapy in San Diego, CA
My approach is holistic and tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. Wherever you are at this moment, I'm in this with you - warm, direct, and transparent in the process. And I love the work I do. Let’s get started!
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Other Services Offered By Jessika Fruchter, LMFT- Therapy For Women And Girls
In addition to providing Spiritual Psychotherapy support for women in California, I also offer online therapy for women, therapy for teen girls, and expressive arts therapy for women and teen girls in California.
Other Services Include:
Groups and Workshops for Women: Magic happens when women come together! I offer new groups and workshops quarterly, both online and in-person. Topics and themes have included:
Therapeutic Writing
Mask Making
Tarot Practice for Developing Intuition
Women’s Circles
Clinical Consultation for Therapists:
I specialize in collaborating with clinicians who want to integrate expressive arts therapy or psychospiritual practices such as tarot therapy, dreamwork, altar making, and ritual, into their practices. I also offer training on these topics. To learn more about my offerings for clinicians visit: www.mycreativepractice.com.
Training for Psychotherapists:
I have a passion for providing creative and useful training to teams on the front line of community mental health. Past training has focused on trauma-informed expressive arts therapy interventions and burnout prevention. Training may also be developed/tailored based on the unique need of the team. Contact me here.
Books and Blogs:
Check out my first book project for teens published in September 2021. For articles and essays about women’s mental health and wellness, check out my blog, Say More where you can also subscribe for the latest updates and posts.
