We all need a little extra support sometimes. That’s why affirmation cards and therapy cards are such amazing tools for self-care. Whether you need a reminder of your worth, you’re trying to learn meditation and mindfulness techniques, or you want to practice skills you learned in cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy, these cards can help you stay positive and motivated.
Affirmation cards are also great gifts to give to someone who needs a little extra love and encouragement. These cards will remind them that they are enough just as they are.
In this complete guide to self-care cards, we’ll discuss the various options available and how you can use them to improve your mental health. We’ve also attempted to organize the vast and confusing variety of cards into categories so you can find the right deck for your needs.
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What are affirmation cards?
Affirmation cards are tools for self-care and positive thinking. They come in a variety of forms, such as decks of cards with inspirational quotes, printable cards you can download, and funny cards with expletive-laded motivational messages.
How to Use Affirmation Cards
Using affirmation cards is easy – light a candle, shuffle the deck, and pick a card. Read the card out loud and focus on the positive message it contains. This simple act can help you reframe your thoughts and shift your perspective in a more positive direction.
What are therapy cards?
Therapy cards are designed to help people cope with emotional struggles. Some card decks are intended to be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy and serve as a way to practice techniques and skills for coping with stress, managing anger, and processing trauma. Other decks are less structured and can enhance narrative or art therapy through the use of evocative imagery or writing prompts.
Therapy cards are a simple way to practice self-care and find positive ways to cope with difficult emotions. They break complex and sometimes overwhelming concepts and emotions into bite-size pieces and make it easier to pursue personal growth every day even if you don’t have much time.
How to Use Mindfulness Cards and Therapy Cards
Using therapy cards is a great way to practice self-care and find new and creative ways to cope with emotions. Here are some tips for using therapy cards:
1. Take your time. Give yourself the space to sit with your card and really think about what it means. You can also look up the quotes or words online to get a better understanding of their meaning and depth.
2. Practice mindfulness. Focus on whatever emotions come up as you read through each card, take deep breaths, and let your thoughts flow freely.
3. Look at the imagery. If there is imagery on the card, take a moment to observe any patterns, elements, or symbols that stand out. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to meditative associative cards; all that matters is what the image or symbol means to you.
4. Write reflections. Once you’ve taken in what the card says, try writing out your own reflections in a journal or talking about them with someone else if you feel comfortable doing so. Journaling about what the card means for you personally can help integrate its message into your life more deeply.
Types of Cards
Affirmation cards, mindfulness cards, and therapy cards come in many different forms. In this guide, you’ll find decks for all ages and some specifically designed for the unique needs of various communities.
Cute and Funny Affirmation Cards
If you like a healthy dose of humor and charm with your positive motivation, these self-care cards will bring a smile and a laugh to your face every time you use them.
Irreverent and Swearing Affirmation Cards
Do you kind of hate affirmations, yet found yourself reading this article? Well, these are the cards you need. Tell toxic positivity to f*** off with these expletive-laced motivational card decks.
Creative Affirmations Cards
These cards are for the writers, artists, musicians, and other creatives among us. Creating art is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but sometimes our own self-doubt and insecurities can get in the way. And for professional creators, the pressure of trying to succeed in a highly competitive industry can be soul-crushing. These card decks help you let go of these everyday stresses and re-discover why you love being creative with quotes from famous artists, inspiring writing prompts, and more.
Affirmation Cards for Self-Esteem and Empowerment
These affirmations cards help you re-center yourself with messages of empowerment and body positivity.
Affirmation and Mindfulness Cards to Help You Conquer Anxiety
Anxiety causes us to doubt ourselves and holds us back from performing at our best. These decks tame the anxiety monster so you can go out into the world with greater confidence.
Animals and Nature Affirmation Cards and Mindfulness Cards
I love these animal and nature-themed cards, especially the emotional support animal deck. Our pets give us the kind of unconditional love we should be giving ourselves, so they are perfect theming for a mindfulness card deck.
Affirmation Cards for the LGBTQ+ Community
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people often struggle to accept ourselves because of self-doubt and societal judgment. The recent increase in homophobic and transphobic rhetoric and violence has left many in our community feeling even more anxious, depressed, and alone. These LGBTQ+ affirmation cards remind us that love is love and that we are good enough just the way we are.
Affirmation Cards for the LatinX Community
Affirmations for the LatinX community can be an incredibly powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding. For Hispanic and LatinX individuals, affirmations should be culturally relevant and speak to their experiences. These could range from traditional Spanish sayings, to prayer cards, to words that acknowledge their strength and resilience as a people. Through affirmations, LatinX individuals can remind themselves of their worth without having to fit into anyone else’s mold or idea of who they should be. They can also provide solace when faced with difficult times, offering hope and faith that things will get better.
Affirmation Cards for the Black Community
Affirmations can be a valuable tool for resilience, healing, and strength when you are a Black person living in a country with a history of racism and oppression. These cards use the accomplishments of Black icons to motivate, and celebrate the beauty and strength of Black minds and bodies.
Affirmation and Therapy Cards for Kids
Affirmation cards can be an important tool to help children build self-esteem and foster positive thinking. For kids, these cards should have cheerful images and simple messages that focus on their potential, strength, creativity, and uniqueness. They can encourage children to believe in themselves by reminding them of the gifts they possess, while also providing reassurance that they can do anything they set their minds to. Through affirmation cards, kids can feel empowered both at home and in school while learning to accept themselves as they are.
Spiritual Mindfulness and Meditation Cards
With meditation cards, users can practice mindfulness without the need for a lengthy guided meditation session. They can be used in various settings including at home or even while commuting to work or school, allowing users to stay centered no matter the situation. Meditation cards can also provide helpful reminders of how to take care of oneself throughout the day.
Meditative Associative Therapy Cards for Inner Work
Meditative associative cards are a great tool for anyone looking to explore their inner workings while cultivating self-compassion. These cards feature visual prompts that aim to help users draw connections between their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Each card offers an opportunity to practice mindful contemplation and to better understand how one’s mind works in different contexts. By taking the time to ponder each prompt, users can gain insight into their core values and connect with universal archetypes such as the Shadow and Divine Feminine. Meditative associative cards serve as helpful reminders for those wanting to deepen their connection with themselves or unearth areas of growth.
Therapy Cards for Healing From PTSD and Trauma
These therapy cards teach coping strategies for living with the long-term effects of trauma, and assist in managing PTSD symptoms such as panic attacks, dissociation, and hypervigilance. Some sets come on keyrings so you can take them anywhere and quickly consult them for support during difficult moments.
CBT and DBT Skills Therapy Cards
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and its offshoot dialectical behavior therapy are growing in popularity because they provide practical strategies for emotional regulation and coping with stressful situations. Many CBT skills and DBT skills use memorable names and acronyms to teach simple yet life-changing concepts you can use to shift your mindset. That makes these treatment modalities especially well-suited to the therapy card format. CBT and DBT therapy cards can help you practice what you’ve learned with your therapist at home and review key skills to prepare yourself before entering a potentially triggering situation.
Therapy Cards for Self-Exploration
These therapy cards are designed for self-exploration and personal growth. They can be used on your own or, ideally, with the support of a professional counselor.
Therapy Cards for Relationships and Starting Conversations
So many personal and societal conflicts could be prevented or peacefully resolved with better communication. These therapy cards facilitate conversations between romantic partners, family members, and friends, and can be used in a professional setting or at home.
If you’re looking for an easy way to practice self-care, try using affirmation cards. They may be small but their power is huge!
Didn’t find what you need here? Check out our guide to self-care boxes for more items that can help you process emotions and lift your mood.
How have therapy cards or affirmation cards helped you?
Share your experience with our safe and supportive community in the comments.
Coffee junkie. Spoonie. Writer about all things chronic illness and mental health. Friend of animals everywhere.