Principles of SoulCollage™
The SoulCollage™ process is a flexible, creative and inclusive tool. It can be adapted to many settings with varied populations. It is a trademarked process in order to differentiate it from other collage/art therapy processes, and to provide the training and support important for solid and ethical work done under the “SoulCollage” name.
SoulCollage is the process, developed by Seena B. Frost, of creating a deck of collaged cards from found images—cards that are arranged in suits for the primary purpose of self-exploration and self-acceptance. These cards are made from original purchased art (e.g., art published in magazines, calendars, books, cards, etc.) and personal materials (e.g., photos). SoulCollage art is not to be sold, and is to be reproduced only for the personal use of the maker of the card. The SoulCollage card may be enlarged and used for illustrating the SoulCollage process, but it is a principle of SoulCollage™ that SoulCollage cards or art is not for sale.
SoulCollage can be introduced to a variety of populations by facilitators with varied backgrounds and trainings. Some will use SoulCollage as an adjunct to various types of therapies; some will offer groups specifically to create and ‘read’ SoulCollage cards; some may persuade an existing group to engage in the fun and deepening power of this process. Soulcollage is a creative tool, but is not in itself a therapy. The SoulCollage facilitator training highly recommends that facilitators develop and have ready a referral list of one or more licensed therapists who are familiar with the SoulCollage process and that facilitators make referrals to these therapists as the need arises.
The term, “SoulCollage Group,” is reserved for the use of SoulCollage facilitators who have completed an on-site, SoulCollage facilitator training that includes these things:
- The personal experience of card-making;
- Practice in encouraging unique ways individuals can use their cards, including readings;
- Examples of ceremonial uses of SoulCollage cards;
- Training in ethical issues with regard to scope of practice and scope of competence;
- Practical information about materials, resources, and community building;
- The use of the SoulCollage website.
In SoulCollage groups, facilitators will give a verbal introduction as outlined by Seena Frost in her book, SoulCollage, or explained in her audiotape, Introduction to SoulCollage. This verbal introduction will include:
- The importance of the Source Card, the four suits, and the concept of the ‘One and the Many’ in a SoulCollage deck. It is understood that in some group populations one or more of the suits may be emphasized while others may be omitted from the actual work. Some people may wish to add a suit to their personal deck;
- The concept of how every guide or challenger depicted on a SoulCollage card has some sort of positive intent for a person’s life, and how each also has a shadow or negative potential;
- Permission to work with creating the cards in one’s own unique way;
- The concept of a person’s personal or local story, and how it weaves into a larger, more archetypal story.
When introducing the SoulCollage process, and when leading SoulCollage groups, the facilitator will assist the participants to discover their unique inner and outer guides and challengers, and will give examples when useful. The emphasis is on creating an environment that supports creativity and where it is safe for each person to explore and express his or her unique soul, in its lightness and its shadow. Using the “I Am One Who” exercise is a crucial piece of this exploration, and facilitators will need to find various occasions where people can experience it. Competition is to be discouraged, and all cards are to be honored. Each person is encouraged to interpret his or her own chosen images before either facilitator or group members offer suggestions as to further possible meanings.
Facilitators who complete a training with Seena B. Frost and her designated staff and who adhere to these SoulCollage Principles may use the trademark “SoulCollage™” in the phrases “SoulCollage™ facilitator” or “SoulCollage™ group” when advertising. Others who are facilitating the SoulCollage process in accordance with the SoulCollage™ Principles, but who have not yet attended the SoulCollage facilitator training, may say in their advertising that they will be working with the group “using the process of SoulCollage™ as described in Seena B. Frost’s book, SoulCollage.”
~Copyright © 2003 by Seena B. Frost~
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