The Story Behind METAFORA
The Spark of an Idea
My journey started with a background in clinical psychology, shaped by working in three different countries across various therapeutic institutions and schools. These diverse experiences gave me a broad perspective on how people approach emotions, challenges, and growth.
Beyond my clinical practice, I also delivered trainings, group therapies, psychoeducation sessions, and guidance programs. I’ve always been passionate about making therapeutic interactions engaging and impactful, often incorporating different supports and tools to enrich dialogues. For me, these tools were gateways to deeper exploration, helping clients uncover insights and express themselves in unique ways.
One of those tools was metaphors. For me, metaphors were not just a communication tool—they became a bridge, helping clients connect with their inner struggles and find clarity through new perspectives.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I’ve always been drawn to visual art. I love how images can express what words sometimes cannot. Over time, I started experimenting with integrating visual elements into therapy—using photographs, drawings, and illustrations to complement the verbal metaphors. I quickly noticed how these visual aids created breakthroughs, especially in “stuck” moments where words alone weren’t enough. Clients could suddenly express emotions they struggled to verbalise, and our sessions became more dynamic and impactful.
The Journey to METAFORA
Drawing on my clinical observations, I wanted to create a tool that would help therapists like me facilitate deeper communication with clients, particularly in moments of emotional or conceptual blockages.
I was fortunate to work with an incredible team who shared my vision. Each of us brought something unique to the project, and it became an international collaboration merging psychology and art. The project was born in Switzerland, where I began researching visual artists who could understand and align with my vision. This search led me to incredible collaborators in different countries, including Switzerland, Italy, and Hungary. Together, we refined the concept, carefully crafting each card to reflect a blend of psychological insight and artistic expression.
With the support of other mental health experts, we also created a structured method to use the cards effectively. This method serves as a guidance and complementary activity in therapy, exploring obstacles, personal resources, goals, and potential solutions—all expressed through the evocative power of illustrations.
This synergy allowed METAFORA to evolve into a tool that not only supports therapeutic work but also inspires creativity and connection. METAFORA then traveled all the way to Australia, where it was presented for the first time at a conference on emotional intelligence, marking an important milestone in its journey.
Passion and Purpose
METAFORA is more than just a toolkit; it’s a culmination of my passions, experiences, and commitment to supporting others. Its foundation is built on various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, systemic therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. What makes METAFORA truly special is its versatility: it can be used across different fields and adapted to suit a wide range of clients and scenarios.
Creating METAFORA has been a deeply personal and fulfilling journey. Today, it’s a tool that helps professionals facilitate conversations, unlock emotions, and empower clients to find their own solutions. When I see how therapists and coaches around the world are using METAFORA, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude. It’s a reminder that when we blend creativity, science, and compassion, we can create something truly impactful.
METAFORA was born from my passion for helping others communicate and heal. Whether you’re a therapist, coach, a professional whose work involves helping others, or simply someone curious about exploring emotions through visuals, I invite you to experience METAFORA for yourself. Let it inspire you, just as it has inspired me throughout this journey.
