RESILIENT SELF
THERAPY CARD DECK
Words by Jackie Flynn
Illustrated by Angel Flynn
The Resilient Self Card Deck was created for the moments when someone feels overwhelmed, shut down, activated, or unsure what’s happening inside, and needs a way to name it without pressure.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Inspired by Dr. Karen Fried (Oaklander Model) and Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), the deck uses color as a pathway into nervous system awareness. The colors reflect how the body may be protecting or connecting.
In therapy rooms (and in real life), clients often struggle to explain what’s happening internally, even when something is clearly shifting.
This deck helps people:
recognize nervous system states without shame
explore activation and shutdown with gentleness
build emotional vocabulary through image + felt sense
notice patterns of protection and connection
increase self-compassion and internal safety
support co-regulation and meaningful check-ins
It’s gentle enough for kids, teens, and adults, and powerful enough to shift the tone of a session in seconds.
RESILIENT SELF
THERAPY CARD DECK
Words by Jackie Flynn
Illustrated by Angel Flynn
The Resilient Self Card Deck was created for the moments when someone feels overwhelmed, shut down, activated, or unsure what’s happening inside, and needs a way to name it without pressure.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Inspired by Dr. Karen Fried (Oaklander Model) and Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), the deck uses color as a pathway into nervous system awareness. The colors reflect how the body may be protecting or connecting.
In therapy rooms (and in real life), clients often struggle to explain what’s happening internally, even when something is clearly shifting.
This deck helps people:
recognize nervous system states without shame
explore activation and shutdown with gentleness
build emotional vocabulary through image + felt sense
notice patterns of protection and connection
increase self-compassion and internal safety
support co-regulation and meaningful check-ins
It’s gentle enough for kids, teens, and adults, and powerful enough to shift the tone of a session in seconds.
