Using OH Cards with Adolescents

Philippa Thomas

US

I have used the OH cards in an inpatient hospitalization setting with suicidal adolescents. Specifically, the Beauregard, Cope, and Ecco decks have really helped adolescent inpatients recognize their emotions, and the images bring life and visibility to feelings that they have trouble verbalizing.

The Persona and Personita decks have been really helpful in getting teens to understand their relationships and communication with their relatives. The Cope deck has also shown powerful effects in group therapy settings regarding trauma and resilience. I thank my mentor (a psychiatric nurse) for introducing me to this powerful therapeutic tool.