Principles of SoulCollage®

The SoulCollage® process is a flexible, creative, and inclusive tool. It can be adapted to many settings with varied populations. It is a trademarked process in order to differentiate it from other collage/art therapy processes, and to provide the training and support important for solid and ethical work done under the “SoulCollage” name.

SoulCollage® is the process, developed by Seena B. Frost, of creating a deck of collaged cards from found images—cards that are arranged in suits for the primary purpose of self-exploration and self-acceptance. SoulCollage® cards are made from original purchased art (e.g., art published in magazines, calendars, books, cards, etc.) and personal materials (e.g., photos). SoulCollage cards are not to be sold, traded, or bartered and are to be reproduced only for the personal use of the maker of the card. SoulCollage cards may be used as examples to illustrate the SoulCollage® process, but it is a principle of SoulCollage that SoulCollage® cards are not for sale, trade, or barter.

SoulCollage can be introduced to a variety of populations by facilitators with varied backgrounds and trainings. Some will use SoulCollage as an adjunct to various types of therapies; some will offer groups specifically to create and ‘read’ SoulCollage cards; some may persuade an existing group to engage in the fun and deepening power of this process. Soulcollage is a creative tool, but is not in itself a therapy. The SoulCollage facilitator training highly recommends that facilitators develop and have ready a referral list of one or more licensed therapists who are familiar with the SoulCollage process and to whom facilitators can make referrals as the need arises.

The term, “SoulCollage® Group,” is reserved for the use of SoulCollage facilitators who have completed an on-site, SoulCollage® facilitator training, organized by SoulCollage LLC. The term “SoulCollage® Group” describes a group that includes these elements:

— The personal experience of card-making;
— Practice in encouraging unique ways individuals can use their cards, including readings;
— Examples of ceremonial uses of SoulCollage cards;
— Training in ethical issues with regard to scope of practice and scope of competence;
— Practical information about materials, resources, and community building;
— The use of the SoulCollage website.

In SoulCollage® groups, facilitators will give a verbal introduction as outlined by Seena Frost in her book, SoulCollage, or explained in her audio CD, Introduction to SoulCollage. This verbal introduction will include:

— The importance of the Source Card, the four suits, and the concept of the ‘One and the Many’ in a SoulCollage deck. It is understood that in some group populations one or more of the suits may be emphasized while others may be omitted from the actual work. Some people may wish to add a suit to their personal deck;
— The concept of how every guide or challenger depicted on a SoulCollage card has some sort of positive intent for a person’s life, and how each also has a shadow or negative potential;
— Permission to work with creating the cards in one’s own unique way;
— The concept of a person’s personal or local story, and how it weaves into a larger, more archetypal story.

When introducing the SoulCollage process, and when leading SoulCollage groups, the facilitator will assist the participants to discover their unique inner and outer guides and challengers, and will give examples when useful. The emphasis is on creating an environment that supports creativity and that is safe for each person to explore and express his or her unique soul, in its lightness and its shadow. Using the “I Am One Who...” exercise is a crucial piece of this exploration, and facilitators will need to find various occasions in which participants can experience it. Competition is to be discouraged, and all cards are to be honored. Each person is encouraged to interpret his or her own chosen images before either facilitator or group members offer suggestions as to further possible meanings.

SoulCollage® cards are made either from one’s own art or from images found in materials which have been bought by or given to the SoulCollage card maker. These collaged cards are used only for the cardmaker’s own inner exploration. SoulCollage cards are not sold, traded, bartered, or copied (except as a back-up for the cardmakers own use). Where SoulCollage cards are available to be seen by others, it is for the purposes either of demonstrating the SoulCollage process or of sharing the cardmakers' inner process in the context of community. SoulCollage® is grateful to the artists and photographers who make this deep awakening process possible, and, in all ways, SoulCollage® seeks to be respectful of their rights.

SoulCollage® is written as one word, not two, and SoulCollage cards are called “SoulCollage cards,” rather than some shortened version of that term, in order to avoid confusion with other products and techniques.

SoulCollage cards may be exhibited publicly for the purpose of demonstrating and describing the SoulCollage personal exploration process. The purpose of the exhibit and the fact that SoulCollage cards are not art for sale, trade or barter should be clearly printed and displayed both on flyers and on any poster mounted for the exhibit. Exhibitions should include SoulCollage cards made by five or more persons. The cards should be enlarged and exhibited as a grouping separate from any other art, especially art for sale, so that persons viewing the exhibit are not confused between art for sale and SoulCollage cards.

Facilitators who complete a training with Seena B. Frost and her designated staff and who adhere to these SoulCollage Principles in their groups may use the trademark “SoulCollage®” in the phrases “SoulCollage® facilitator” or “SoulCollage® group” when advertising. Others who are facilitating the SoulCollage process in accordance with the SoulCollage® Principles, but who have not yet attended the SoulCollage® facilitator training, may say in their advertising that they will be working with the group "using the process of SoulCollage® as described in Seena B. Frost’s book, "SoulCollage.”"

SoulCollage LLC trains, but does not certify facilitators. SoulCollage, LLC is the only entity authorized to train “SoulCollage® Facilitators.”

Copyright © 2003, 2007 by Seena B. Frost

SoulCollage LLC

Seena B. Frost
SoulCollage LLC
PO Box 8051
Santa Cruz, CA 95061