Shadows and Deeper Shadows
Shadows and Deeper Shadows
Shadows and Deeper Shadows
Shadows and Deeper Shadows
card sets

Shadows and Deeper Shadows

Product Code: 3800

$89.95 inc. GST

emotionally resonant cards to help people share their stories

200 in stock

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SKU: 3800 Category:
Product Overview

Telling stories can be a powerfully therapeutic practice. For many people, sharing their lived experiences is an important part of moving forward.

Shadows and Deeper Shadows acknowledges that pain and suffering (such as grief, loss, depression, and violence) often need to be storied before people can start to find a more hopeful path.

The 48 emotionally resonant watercolour images in Shadows and Deeper Shadows prompt people to explore the meaning of the shadows in their lives. Each of the images also contains a subtle suggestion for hope and light.

Use these cards to help adults and young people connect with their stories, struggles and strengths and watch their resilience and confidence grow.

What's Included?
  • 48 full-colour cards (210 x 210mm) in a slipcase box

BONUS: access to a digital set of the 48 Shadows and Deeper Shadows cards that you can view and use anywhere, anytime

  • a digital version of the booklet, full of extra information and ideas for using the cards
  • ideas banks, blogs, card hack videos, interviews and other support material

To use the digital toolbox, simply create a customer account. All digital products follow our Digital Usage Policy – see Copyright and Digital Usage for details.

 

How to Use
  • Conversation starter: Choose a card that represents how you’re feeling now. Talk about the picture you’ve selected … why this picture now?
  • Choose a card at random: What does it remind you of? Can you relate it to your own experiences? Does this image remind you of someone in your life?
  • Creative writing: Choose a card and write from that character’s perspective. Put yourself in their shoes. What are they thinking, feeling, dreaming?
  • Reflecting on practice: Use the cards with a colleague or in supervision to think more deeply about a question, incident or concern. Can you choose a card that resonates in some way for you? What thoughts and feelings do you have about it? What does this say about the assumptions and values that are important to you? How does this connect to how you see yourself as a worker?

For more inspiration, explore our Ideas Bank.

Creators
Fiona Gardner
Fiona Gardner
Author

Fiona is an Associate Professor and currently Discipline Lead for Social Work and Social Policy at the Rural Health School, La Trobe University. She worked as a social worker in both the UK and... 

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Carolyn Marrone
Carolyn Marrone
Illustrator

Carolyn was an extraordinarily talented artist and a much-loved member of the Innovative Resources family. Carolyn has won numerous awards over the years and has works in collections around Australia and overseas. Her powerful... 

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Tim Lane
Tim Lane
Designer

Tim is the director of Woosh Creative, a small, focussed design studio nestled in the Macedon Ranges just out of Melbourne. With a focus on sports design, sports graphics, product design and apparel, he... 

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John Holton
John Holton
Author

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Suitable for

This resource is designed for people working in roles that support others, including:

  • Counsellors, psychologists and social workers
  • Spiritual care practitioners
  • Educators

testimonials

  • Discover what makes our products a favourite!
Mental Health Counselling

‘I purchased the Shadows cards at an American Counselling Association Convention, where I was asked to provide feedback. As a mental health counsellor at a small university, I work with many art students and have found these cards especially helpful for clients struggling to disclose or focus on their issues.

Today, I used the cards in a group session and collected feedback. Students described the cards as insightful, thought-provoking, and revealing. They said the cards encouraged self-reflection, introduced relatable feelings, and evoked strong emotions through powerful artwork.

As the facilitator, I observed that several members shared more openly than in any previous meeting. I truly value this tool for helping me support others.’

Pat Rusinek, Counsellor, Alfred University (USA)
Shadows in Japan

Grief counsellor Linda Espie often uses Shadows cards in Japanese workshops. Participants shared:

“Exploring darkness through the cards gave me valuable self-awareness.” — Palliative care nurse

“Our chosen cards reflected daily life and past experiences, helping us connect.” — Pastoral care worker

“We all picked the same card showing green growth among dark trees, and focused on hope.”— Unit nurse manager

Linda Espie, grief counsellor
Grief and Loss:  Hidden feelings and masks

‘I use Shadows and Deeper Shadows cards in grief workshops, particularly in a module on “masks of grief.” Participants select cards to express hidden feelings behind their public appearance.

A card with a brick building and flowers symbolized emptiness and loneliness, yet a flicker of life. Her mask used layered veils with brightness underneath to show hope for renewal.

A card with a mug and cracked glasses reflected feeling “shattered”; her mask displayed deep cracks.

Masks were created in silence, allowing focus and reflection. Designs ranged from bright and shiny with sadness beneath, to jeweled masks honoring children, veiled masks hiding the “real me,” and one simply painted with a single tear.’

Bette Phillips, Grief Support Worker

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