Relational Resources

14/08/2026

BODY & MIND CONNECTION — Supporting Children & youth Who Experience Bullying

Bullying is not only about what is said or done. It can also affect how a young person feels in their body, carries themselves, responds to others and experiences their own sense of confidence and safety.

Dr Patricia Sherwood highlights how children who experience bullying may show uncertainty, fear or vulnerability through their posture, movement, voice and responses. While the responsibility for bullying always lies with the person choosing to bully, we can also equip vulnerable children with resources that help them feel stronger, more grounded and more confident in themselves.

The Body & Mind Connection Workshop explores practical, experiential exercises that strengthen:

• Body awareness and presence
• Confidence and self-expression
• Grounding and emotional regulation
• Awareness of personal boundaries
• The ability to recognise and respond to uncomfortable situations
• A stronger connection between what we feel, think and communicate through our body

For children who have experienced bullying, these approaches can help them reconnect with a sense of agency, strength and confidence — supporting them to respond rather than becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.

And the work does not stop with those experiencing bullying.

As Dr Sherwood emphasises, children who bully also need support to develop empathy. The workshop includes experiential exercises designed to build empathy, perspective-taking and greater awareness of how our actions affect others.

Bullying needs to be addressed from multiple directions:
building empathy in those who cause harm, while strengthening confidence, agency and body–mind awareness in those who experience it.

This is one of the areas we will explore in our upcoming Body & Mind Connection Workshop with Dr Patricia Sherwood.

Join us at the workshop on 20 and 21 August 2026. We have limited seats available.

Register at : https://tinyurl.com/mwte5yfu
View brochure at: https://tinyurl.com/yc2mx8mj

10/08/2026

This post came about after a conversation Marika and I had about AI-generated cards versus human-created metaphor cards. With so much being created through AI today, it was an interesting conversation — and I’m glad Marika decided to write about it.

Having carried Contemplation Cards at Relational Resources for many years, I’ve seen what makes these cards different. When you look closely at each image, there is so much thought behind it. The small details, the symbols, the positioning — they are intentional. They are not simply images; they are created to open conversations, evoke emotions and allow people to find their own meaning and story within the card.

And our customers love them! ❤️ Some have collected the entire series — Female, Male, Journeys, Systems and now Beliefs. We sometimes joke that it’s becoming a little like Pokémon — a new deck comes out and they come back to add it to their collection! 😊

What I particularly appreciate is that there are no words telling you what to think or feel. We have seen these cards connect with children as young as six and adults in their 70s and 80s. They cross language, age and cultural barriers — something especially valuable in multicultural Singapore.

Marika is already working on her next deck, and I know there will be customers waiting for it!

Do read her post below. It gives a lovely insight into what goes on behind the image — and the thought, experience, creativity and many hours of work that go into creating a human -designed therapeutic resource. ❤️

AI-Generated or Human-Created Metaphor Cards? The idea for this post came from a conversation with a colleague…

There are countless metaphor card decks around the world, and in recent years their number has grown even more thanks to artificial intelligence. AI-generated decks can now be found in major international online marketplaces, often at very affordable prices.

But does it really matter which metaphor cards we choose? For me, it does.

🎨I value tools created by artists and professionals—people who understand counselling, psychology, or therapy. Their work reflects the author's experience, intention, purpose, and PERSONAL TOUCH.

🎨At the same time, I completely understand when a counsellor uses AI as part of the creative process. If the idea, purpose, and professional expertise come from the author, then AI is simply a tool.

🎨In my opinion, AI-generated images often have a recognizable visual style. Perhaps that is why I increasingly appreciate work created by people. I believe that this PERSONAL TOUCH can be felt, and it is what makes every author-created metaphor card deck unique. 😊 Creating an original metaphor card deck is often A LONG JOURNEY. It begins with an idea that the author explores, reflects on, and carefully develops. For me, it is this creative process that gives metaphor cards their DEPTH and MEANING.

As a psychologist and counsellor, I also see more and more people using AI. They ask it for advice, look for answers, and use it to help make sense of their thoughts. Yet they still come to counseling. Why? Because beyond good questions and helpful answers, people also need genuine human connection, presence, and the feeling of being truly understood.

There will certainly be more AI-generated metaphor card decks in the future, and they have their place. In the end, everyone will make the choice that feels right for them—and that is what matters most.

And as I've shared before, the most important thing is that we feel comfortable using the metaphor cards we choose. 😊
Right 📷 by Maariel foto

04/08/2026

17/07/2026

Sitting beside my river today.

Not trying to stop its flow.
Not trying to change its direction.
Simply watching.

Today has been filled with unexpected turns. Emotional news. Difficult conversations. Moments that could easily pull me into the current.

My river has been flowing fast today—swirling at times, carrying uncertainty, emotions and endless thoughts.

Yet instead of letting it sweep me away, I choose to sit by its banks.

To observe without judging.
To breathe without rushing.
To pause without feeling guilty.

Each pause reminds me that I don’t have to move at the same speed as the river. I can steady myself, lift my head, and choose how I respond to whatever flows past me.

The river will continue to move.

And so will I.

Not by resisting the current, but by staying present within it—one breath, one pause, one mindful step at a time.

As I watch the river, I am reminded that calm is not the absence of challenges. Calm is the choice to return to myself, again and again, no matter how strong the current becomes.

Sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is not to control the river, but to learn how to remain grounded while it flows.

— A personal reflection by Gomathi



Gomathi Karu Story and Therapy

11/07/2026

I asked this card…

“Why are you so worn out?”

It smiled ☺️ and replied,

“Because I’ve been passed from hand to hand.”

“I’ve helped children discover strengths they never knew they had.”

“I’ve guided parents into deeper conversations with their children.”

“I’ve supported teachers, counsellors, social workers and helping professionals in building trust and connection.”

“I’ve been used in restorative circles, coaching conversations, affirmations, team reflections, and moments of healing.”

“I’ve sat beside people navigating difficult emotions, conflict, loss, and mental wellbeing.”

“I’ve travelled across schools, organisations, communities, and even countries.”

“And I’m not done yet.”

The best resources don’t stay on shelves.
They stay in people’s hands.
They become worn because they become part of someone’s story.

At Relational Resources, we don’t simply create conversation cards.

We create tools that spark meaningful conversations, strengthen relationships, support mental wellbeing, and bring the principles of Restorative Practices into everyday life.

Every worn corner tells us the same thing:

Another conversation happened. Another relationship mattered. Another life was touched.

Relational Resources
Connecting Lives. Building Relationships.

Innovative Resources
Gomathi Karu

29/06/2026

Behind every breakthrough is someone who refused to give up.

Social workers walk alongside individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. They listen, advocate, encourage, and remain steadfast—even when progress is slow or unseen.

It is not an easy profession. It demands patience, resilience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in people.

Yet, it is also one of the most rewarding heart-led callings.

This clip beautifully captures that spirit. Rather than pushing for change, the social worker starts by offering something meaningful to him—something he enjoys. A small gesture that builds trust, connection and safety. Eventually, we see him step out of his room and stand by the door. For many, it may seem like a small moment. But for someone who has withdrawn from the world, it is a significant breakthrough.

It is a quiet reminder that healing often begins with relationships, not solutions.

“I’m here. I won’t give up on you until you’re ready.”

To all social workers—thank you for your tireless persistence, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to the people you serve. You make a difference, one relationship at a time. ❤️

23/06/2026

💙 Always encouraging to hear from educators who are using our Thumballs regularly!

From Bullying Prevention 🛡️
to Being an Upstander 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️
to Character & Strengths ⭐

Our collection of 30+ Thumball titles helps teachers create engaging check-ins, meaningful conversations, and stronger student-teacher relationships and peer to peer relationships.

Small ball. Big conversations. 💬✨


Gomathi Karu YouthLight Susan Bowman

18/04/2026

Personal Reflection from the HERO Workshop conducted by Tatiana Chirev

✨ This card represents my safe space. ✨

When I look at it, I see the young girl as myself, standing and looking at the bear. At first, I thought the bear was frightening. But as I spent more time with the image, I began to see it differently. The bear is not scary—it feels safe. It feels like a protector—big, strong, and grounded.

As it looks at me, it gives me a sense of assurance: You are safe. You are not alone. You can move forward with confidence.

That presence brings me comfort. Every time I look at the bear, I feel held, supported, and calm.

The wind in the scene adds another layer—it represents freedom. Things are moving, flowing, and yet I still feel light and safe within it. Even in uncertainty, there is a sense of ease.

And then there’s the colour yellow. I’ve always loved yellow. Seeing the girl in yellow deepens that feeling of warmth, safety, and familiarity. It feels like me.

This card captures a moment where I feel safe, comfortable, and quietly confident. It reminds me that what may first appear threatening can, over time, become a source of strength and protection.

By Gomathi Karu
Image from Contemplation – Child’s hidden Messages






ContemplationCards Marika Saard

16/04/2026

Our workshop is happening. A great topic to learn how to support our tweens and youth

Looking forward to the learning

Restorative Practices Singapore

25/03/2026

Looking for resources without language barriers? 🌍

A customer came in searching for
a tool with no or little words—
something visual, emotional and universal. She plans to use it in her native country in Europe.

She explored our range…
and was surprised by what she found ✨

In the end, she chose one of our
most loved decks in Singapore 💛

Can you guess what it is? 👀

👉 Cars R Us / Bear Cards / Stones have feeling too

Innovative Resources
Gomathi Karu