What is Tarotpy?
Pioneered in 1983 by Lauren Z. Schneider, M.F.T., Tarotpy® integrates psychotherapy - including hypnotherapy, Depth Psychology, Systemic Therapy, Eco-therapy, and dreamwork - with the rich symbolic imagery of Tarot, Dream Cards, Soul Cards, and other archetypal images.
Psychotherapy is by definition the healing of Soul. However, Soul is often left out of the therapy process. Integrating psychotherapy and tarot, Tarotpy is about listening to the deeper wisdom of the Soul.
"M" randomly selected a tarot deck, then chose a card to represent her central conflict. It turned out to be a "moon" card, which is common in every deck. But, this card was different; instead of being flanked by castles, the moon was flanked by wine bottles. When I asked, "Is there a drinking problem in your family," she dissolved in tears. Her husband had died of alcoholism and her two sons were both alcoholics. Already, we were confronting a problem she had spent years avoiding.
Profound Results
Image, the root of imagination, is the language of the unconscious. Imagery activates hidden, often inaccessible unconscious resources, and stimulates the intuitive and imaginative faculties. Tarotpy is a highly effective projective tool. We approach the images without preconceived ideas or “meanings.” We are present to the “living image” which tells a very specific story about who we are and what we need. The outcomes achieved through Tarotpy are not random or coincidental but are the result of intentional, meaningful interaction with the unconscious mind. This enables the therapist and the client to access deeper truths and explore possibilities beyond the conscious level and ego defenses. In reflecting upon the image, profound insights, creative solutions, and significant shifts in awareness happen spontaneously. The effect can be profound and immediate, reducing what may take months or years of treatment to only a few sessions.
Sarah randomly selected two cards: the “Chariot,” which in this deck was illustrated as an oversized helmeted head looming over a race car. She assigned this position to represent “health.” The other card, which she designated to represent “guidance," was the “Death" card. The imagery--a head that seemed disconnected from the body, and the issue of “death” prompted Sarah to more deeply explore buried concerns about serious health issues and mortality. A combination of Dream work and Tarotpy® motivated Sarah to take charge of her situation. Months later, after a change in physicians and medication, her health improved significantly.
There seems to be an invisible mastermind at play whenever someone selects so-called random images with uncanny correspondence to their concerns. Synchronicity, an extraordinary correlation between the image and client’s concern, is a powerfully healing experience. Synchronicity promotes a sense of wholeness and well-being, a deeper connection to Self and something greater than Self. Tarotpy transcends the mundane, touching on something mysterious, enchanting, and powerful. Tarotpy brings soul back into psychotherapy.
Benefits of the Tarotpy method:
Bypasses conscious blocks to open deep conversation
Lays the unconscious on the table to access inner resources
Stimulates imagination for insight and creative problem-solving
Enhances intuition
Extraordinary synchronicities promote a sense of awe and connection to higher consciousness
Accelerates therapeutic process – insight and profound shifts happen spontaneously.
Shifts burnout to inspiration. Rejuvenates both the facilitator and the client.