Diagnostic game “Gestalter” – card method

About the methodology

“Gestalter” is a professional card technique for structured conversation about current experiences, feelings, and needs. The double-sided cards contain words and fragments of expressions about time, actions, emotions, questions, and other elements of the situation. A random combination gives the participant a starting phrase that he can relate to his request or use as a metaphor.

This is the basic version with 180 cards. The Business add-on is not included in the set. The methodology can be used separately, as a short filler at the beginning of a group, or as an additional block in another game or consulting work.

How is the work going?

The facilitator selects the appropriate categories of cards and explains the boundaries of the conversation. The participant draws cards, composes an expression from them, and first describes what exactly he or she noticed in it. The facilitator can then ask clarifying questions: what situation the phrase is associated with, what feelings or needs it evokes, what is appropriate and what is not in line with experience.

In a group format, the other participants listen, ask questions, and provide feedback. The combination of cards helps to quickly clarify the person’s condition, formulate a relevant request, and launch a lively group dynamic, while the specialist leads the conversation and helps deepen the material received.

A short round can take about ten minutes. A longer session depends on the task, the number of participants, and the depth of the discussion. It is important for the facilitator to determine in advance the time, the possibility of skipping a question, and the procedure for handling personal information.

A random phrase triggers associations, memories, and conversation about what is currently bothering the person. If the combination does not resonate, you can take another card or explore the reaction itself; this way the technique maintains flexibility in individual and group work.

What does the technique provide?

“Gestalter” helps to clarify the client’s condition in a few minutes, lead him to the disclosure of the current request and accelerate the start of the consultation. The game helps the participant to open up, turn to subconscious material, activates sharing and puts the group into a mode of live communication. The technique increases the dynamics of the psychologist’s individual and group work and can be used independently, as metaphorical cards or as part of other transformational games.

• formulating a relevant topic or query in your own words;
• naming feelings, needs, and actions;
• the distinction between fact, interpretation, and personal association;
• attentive listening and correct feedback;
• moving from a random phrase to a specific question for conversation.

For whom and for what situations

The technique is intended for psychologists, psychotherapists, facilitators, and play therapists. It helps speed up individual counseling, launch a group, reveal subconscious material, and lead the client to a relevant inquiry through feelings, emotions, and needs.

Equipment

180 double-sided cards of the basic version. The Business add-on is not included in this set.

Manufacturer

JDG Dzmitry Sedler DSDruk
ul. Lokalna 12, 04-903 Warszawa, Polska
[email protected]