Cope

COPE – A Visual Language for Healing and Emotional Expression

The COPE deck is more than just a set of cards; it is a bridge between the subconscious and the conscious mind. Developed as a specialized tool for exploring complex emotions and processing trauma, COPE provides a safe, non-verbal space for healing. This deck is the result of a profound international collaboration between a Russian artist, an Israeli therapist, and a German publisher, resulting in a universal language of imagery that transcends cultural boundaries to touch the core of the human experience.

Whether used in a professional therapeutic setting or for deep personal self-reflection, these cards offer a gentle way to navigate the landscape of the soul. From the depths of sorrow to the heights of resilience, COPE invites the viewer to look inward and find the path toward recovery and connection.

About this Deck

COPE is characterized by its "projective" nature. Unlike traditional tarot cards with fixed meanings, these cards act as mirrors for the user's internal state. The "vibe" of the deck is one of profound empathy and safety. The imagery is designed to be evocative yet sensitive, ensuring that even when addressing difficult themes like trauma or loss, the user never feels overwhelmed by "shock" imagery. Instead, the artistic style remains inviting and symbolic, allowing for a gradual unfolding of emotional insights.

As part of the renowned OH Card series, COPE is built on the philosophy that the observer is the expert of their own experience. The cards do not give answers; they ask questions through their visual metaphors, making them an essential companion for anyone seeking to articulate the "un-speakable."

Symbolism and Themes

The symbolism in COPE is rooted in the universal stages of crisis and recovery. The deck explores the multifaceted nature of healing, focusing on themes such as protection, vulnerability, community, and inner strength. The imagery avoids being overly literal, which allows users to project their own unique stories onto the cards.

A recurring theme is the "resource"—the internal or external support systems that help us survive and thrive. By engaging with these visual metaphors, users can identify their own coping mechanisms, recognize hidden emotional blocks, and visualize a way forward through the lens of creative association.

The Creators

Marina Lukyanova
An accomplished Russian artist whose sensitive and expressive style gives the COPE cards their unique emotional depth. Her ability to capture the nuance of human feeling through color and form makes the cards both beautiful and functional as therapeutic tools.

Dr. Ofra Ayalon
A world-renowned Israeli therapist and expert in trauma recovery. She provided the conceptual framework for COPE, ensuring the cards align with psychological principles of healing and resilience-building.

Moritz Egetmeyer / OH Verlag
The founder of OH Verlag, Egetmeyer is the visionary behind the "projective card" genre. His German publishing house is dedicated to creating tools that foster communication, empathy, and personal growth without the constraints of dogma.

Practical Use

COPE is widely utilized by therapists, counselors, and educators to facilitate communication in one-on-one sessions or group workshops. It is particularly effective in situations where a client finds it difficult to verbalize their feelings. By selecting a card that "feels like their current state," the individual can speak about the card rather than themselves, providing a helpful layer of psychological distance.

For individuals, COPE serves as a powerful journaling or meditation aid. It can be used alone or combined with other decks from the OH series (such as the original OH cards or Persona) to add layers of meaning to a session.

"To begin a session of self-discovery, draw one card to represent 'the challenge' and another to represent 'the hidden resource.' Allow the images to tell a story of how your inner strength can transform the obstacle."

Features

• Number of cards: 88 evocative image cards
• Language: Multilingual (includes English, Dutch, and German instructions)
• ISBN: 9783928304934
• Publisher: OH Verlag
• Weight: 340 g
• Dimensions: 89 x 127 mm

Expert FAQ

Can COPE be used for children?
Yes, the cards are very suitable for children and adolescents. Because the images are artistic and symbolic rather than literal or frightening, they provide a gentle way for younger users to express feelings they may not yet have the vocabulary for.

Do I need to be a therapist to use this deck?
While COPE is a professional-grade tool for therapists, it is also accessible to anyone interested in self-exploration. The included guide provides simple methods for using the cards effectively for personal growth and communication with others.

How does COPE differ from a standard Tarot deck?
Unlike Tarot, which has traditional meanings and structures (Major/Minor Arcana), COPE is a projective system. There are no "right" or "wrong" interpretations. The meaning of the card is entirely dependent on what the viewer sees and feels in the moment.

Is this deck compatible with other OH Verlag cards?
Absolutely. All OH series cards are designed to be compatible. You can mix COPE with the original OH word frames or use them alongside the Persona or Habitat decks to create a more complex visual narrative.

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