Recently, I had a special milestone: running a 1:1, three-hour coaching session (1st one since becoming ill last year), using the Collage Coaching Technique™ (CCT) developed by Andréa Watts. This method not only empowers individuals to get unstuck but also unlocks creative potential, making it ideal for navigating pivotal life, career transitions, or innovative strategic thinking, and team cohesion.
A Joyful Transformation
My client, currently in the midst of a career pivot, arrived feeling uncertain but open to exploration. The session was designed to help them gain clarity and develop actionable ideas for their business.
During the storytelling phase—a critical step in the CCT process—I witnessed an extraordinary transformation. As they interpreted their collage, their body language shifted, becoming more animated and confident. Then came the “aha” moment, a visible breakthrough where their ideas clicked into place. It was a moment of joy and clarity, not just for them but for me as their coach.
Why Collage Coaching Works
Collage Coaching is not about artistic talent or understanding design principles. It’s about tapping into the power of visual storytelling to unlock the unconscious mind.
Here’s why it’s so effective:
Whole-brain engagement: Combining the analytical and creative parts of the brain encourages fresh perspectives.
Visual-emotional connection: Emotions are processed in the same part of the brain where visual memories are encoded, making visual imagery an effective tool for accessing deep insights.
Processing speed: The brain processes visual information at 10 million bits per second compared to just 45 bits per second for text. This creates a richer, faster pathway to uncovering hidden ideas and solutions.
The session didn’t just end with ideas. My client left with a workable action plan—a tangible outcome that bridges creativity with actionable hope.
A Versatile Tool for Growth
While that session focused on an individual career challenge, the possibilities for CCT are vast:
- Problem-solving: Unlock innovative solutions for personal or professional roadblocks.
- Team cohesion: Strengthen group dynamics and foster creative collaboration.
- Strategic thinking: Develop big-picture ideas in a way that feels intuitive and rewarding.
In fact, I had the opportunity to use this technique during the inaugural Festival of Veterans Arts (FOVA) last year in Melbourne. This group workshop, hosted by the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM310), brought together veterans navigating career and life transitions.
Participants unleashed their creativity through gathering images, ripping, cutting, and arranging them into collages that reflected their personal themes. The storytelling phase was particularly impactful, as it allowed them to process and share their journeys in a safe and supportive environment.
For many, this was their first time engaging in a creative activity like this, but the results spoke volumes. Insights emerged, connections were deepened, and there was a shared sense of purpose and hope for the future.
The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I was honoured to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from FOVA for facilitating the workshop. It reinforced my belief in the power of creativity to unlock potential and bring people together.
Stretching the Box
For both individual and group sessions, I use shuffled and randomly stacked magazines. This small tweak—removing the comfort of predictability—helps participants stretch beyond their habitual thinking patterns. It’s this emphasis on #StretchTheBoxThinking that makes CCT so impactful, encouraging exploration of perspectives that might never have been considered.
A Moment of Reflection
As part of the process, I also created my own collage alongside participants. For example, in the individual session, my theme was “Authentic Me.” One phrase I was drawn to in German was:
“Du bist nicht perfekt und das ist wunderbar”
(“You are not perfect and that is wonderful”).
This phrase resonates deeply with me, reminding me that being authentically myself—strengths, quirks, and imperfections—is enough.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to see how my client progresses with their action plan and how their ideas take shape. Each coaching session, whether individual or group-based, reminds me of the transformative power of creativity—not just for problem-solving but for building confidence, clarity, and hope.
Whether you’re navigating a personal or professional challenge, CCT offers a way to unlock new possibilities, grounded in the belief that solutions often lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
What would you create if you gave yourself permission to think differently?
Jenn Barfield - Holistic Career Development Coaching 