Ahacards | Iva Ouhrabková

AHACARDS

A set of therapeutic cards for work with the body and art

AHACARDS© are therapeutic cards created by me that I use in my therapeutic practice with clients. They were first introduced at the International Biosynthesis Congress in Barcelona in the spring of 2018. I offer a set of 147 double-sided cards, AHACARDS©, together with accompanying courses, to creative therapists.

The cards can be used in a variety of creative ways. Since I have been using the cards for a long period of time now, I also offer inspirational workshops in Liberec for those who are already licensed to work with AHACARDS.

We can use the cards in two basic ways: for individual therapy or group therapy. The choice of appropriate method depends on the specific needs of the client or group of clients. The role of the therapist is to create as much space as possible so that the clients can express themselves freely, and discover meanings and hidden points of view together with the therapist.

Working with the cards

I place 1/3 of the cards colourful side up and 2/3 of the cards body side up. I turn the card over at the end of the process – does it fit or not, what can I change in terms of colour/movement to make it fit?

Method A (feelings)

Chose the card that best represents how you are feeling today.

Method B (work with the lifefield model) intended for more sessions

1. draw a lifefield model (educate on it)
2. go through it
3. colour in individual segments based on your feelings
4. choose an AHACARD for each segment and place it into that segment
5. place the card as far from the essence (center) based on what you felt in the given segment
6. explore the body cards, take different positions, their range and variations
7. explore which position would make you feel better
8. reflection

Method C1 (my life journey)

1. draw your life story in 5 year segments on a strip of paper
2. choose an AHA card for each significant event
3. share and explore movements, or colours; what does it mean for us?
4. turn over a card at the end of each exploration (Does it fit or not? What can I do to make it fit?)
Method C2 (my journey since our last session)
1. select an AHA card for each event that has happened since last session and place the cards on a strip of paper
2. draw a background for each of them
3. explore movements and colours
4. turn the cards over

Method C2 (my journey since our last session)

1. select an AHA card for each event that has happened since last session and place the cards on a strip of paper
2. draw a background for each of them
3. explore movements and colours
4. turn the cards over

Method D (working with restrictive pictures/internalized messages from our parents)

1. write down restrictive phrases that have followed you in your life
2. explore your attitude (and how to change it)
3. turn the card over

What do AHACARDS look like?

AHACARDS are based on large-format pictures that originated during my basic training in Biosynthesis. These pictures resulted from my need to express what was happening with my body, what I was feeling and how I perceived it. They were also inspired by meditative dance (Butoh), which was part of each unit. I was charmed by this dance! My journey was to touch my internal sources without words. It was a journey into myself. Biosynthesis borrowed from Butoh the principle of expression, knowing that the body is wise. The body knows exactly what to do at any given moment. It was my first big AHA! The continuous change of my self was reflected in parallel changes in my body during the five years of my training in Biosynthesis and Butoh. For example, from my initial darkness curled up in a ball was born a completely new being – ME.

The cards can be obtained only after attending a workshop the outcome of which is a certificate and a set of AHACARDS with your own personal number.