Relationship-Based Practices Cards

This deck provides a readily available reminder of eight important elements of relationship-based practices for trauma-informed care. Two cards each are devoted to engagement, environment, empathy, egocentricism, evidence, enthusiasm, endurance, and extending. This deck is ideally suited for self and group assessment and review.

It’s not easy to find the right time, the right place, and the right words to tackle serious topics. This deck of sixteen cards is designed to provide some structure when talking to the important people in your life. Each card begins with a quote, continues with a reflection, and ends with an activity.

Access Relationship-Based Practices I Deck

Access Relationship-Based Practices II Deck

Using These Cards

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Conversation Cards offer almost unlimited possibilities for engaging youth in important and meaningful discussions. Teachers have used them to enhance educational plans. Counselors find them valuable for introducing sensitive topics. Therapists make them available when clients are stuck. Staff and volunteers working with vulnerable populations turn to them for ideas about how to approach youth who seem too scared to talk. Foster parents find them a helpful tool for getting to know the children who come into their care.

The photograph on the front of each card helps to open the conversation.
The reverse offers a quote related to the theme.
A suggestion for reflecting on the quote follows.
Each card ends with an idea for an activity.

“These cards were surprisingly easy to use in the youth group I supervise. The quotes, suggestions, and activities were helpful conversation starters and the kids (ages 12-14), enjoyed having the deck as well. I highly recommend this tool.” A. Smith, Youth Counselor

Conversation Cards provide creative approaches to relationship-based practices for trauma-informed care. The content is drawn from the experience and expertise of the professional mental health team of A Home Within. Extensive material can be found in Relational Treatment of Trauma, by Dr. Toni Heineman and Relationship-Based Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults edited by Drs. Heineman, June Madsen Clausen, and Saralyn Ruff.