Break Through Your Inner Walls: How to Facilitate Deep Insight with “Challenge, Blockers, Enablers”

Have you ever coached someone who felt stuck, but couldn’t quite articulate why?

Maybe they could describe the problem in detail—but when you asked, “What’s holding you back?”… there was a long pause.

As a coach, this is a familiar scenario. Our clients often have blind spots, especially when it comes to internal roadblocks. That’s where the “Challenge, Blockers, Enablers” method comes in. It helps uncover hidden narratives through imagery, giving clients the clarity they need to move forward.

Let’s break it down.

This method uses picture cards to guide clients through three key reflections: what challenge they are currently facing, what internal or external obstacles are blocking progress, and what resources or strengths could help them overcome these hurdles. Instead of relying on abstract discussion, the use of visual metaphors allows clients to bypass mental filters and access deeper emotional insight. This approach is highly intuitive—and surprisingly revealing.

This method is a great fit when clients feel emotionally overwhelmed by a situation or find it hard to put their blockers into words. It’s also effective when a client is going through a transition or decision-making phase and needs to reconnect with their inner resources. You can use this method in one-on-one coaching, in peer coaching formats, or as a reflective segment within a broader group workshop.

This method is designed for two participants—perfect for individual sessions or partner-based work. A session typically takes about two hours. You’ll find this method particularly relevant to themes of reflection, visual storytelling, and therapeutic photography. For materials, we recommend metaFox deep pictures card sets, especially “World of Emotions”, “Building Resilience”, or “Leading Change”.

Your goal as a facilitator is to help the client build awareness around a situation they find challenging. Then, you’ll support them in identifying underlying blockers that might not yet be fully conscious. Finally, you’ll guide them to discover enablers—whether these are personal strengths, mindset shifts, or external resources—that can empower them to take action.

Start by preparing a quiet, inviting space—whether in person or online. If you’re working remotely, a tool like icebreaker.online helps you recreate the experience virtually. Arrange your picture cards where participants can comfortably browse them. The environment you create here matters. It sets the tone for trust and exploration.

Invite the client to choose an image that represents a current challenge in their life. This can relate to work, relationships, emotions—whatever feels most present. Don’t rush this part. Let them take their time. Often, the image they choose will speak volumes about the emotional weight they’re carrying.

If you’re in a group or peer setting, pair participants and give each person time to present their image without context. Their partner’s task is to share what they see in the picture, interpreting it based only on visual cues. This nonverbal analysis often opens up unexpected associations. 

After about 7 to 8 minutes, they switch roles. The insight often comes not from explaining, but from being seen through someone else’s eyes.

Once the initial challenge is explored, move into the second phase by asking, “What is holding you back?” Have the client select a new image at random, with the card faces down. 

This randomness can unlock subconscious associations. Ask them to reflect freely on the connection between this new image and their internal block. Encourage them to jot down raw thoughts or stream-of-consciousness reflections.

Shift the conversation to a more empowering perspective by asking, “What resource of yours can you activate?” 

This time, they choose an image intentionally. It might represent a strength, a source of support, or a future mindset. Again, encourage them to explore and reflect on how this image points to something they can use to move forward.

Bring everyone back into one group (if applicable) and create space for participants to share what they discovered. Let them speak to how the images helped them reframe their challenge, what blockers came to light, and what resources they uncovered. Often, what began as a murky issue becomes clearer just through this sequence.

End the session with a final round of reflections. Ask clients what insight they’re taking with them and what small action they feel inspired to take within the next 48 hours. This reinforces the shift from reflection to commitment—and that’s where change begins.

Our minds are wired to protect us from discomfort. So we rationalize. We avoid. We overthink. But images speak to something deeper. 

They tap into emotion, memory, and intuition. That’s why clients often say, “I didn’t even realize that was bothering me until I saw that picture.” It’s not about finding the perfect answer. It’s about uncovering an honest one—and trusting the process to do its work.

To run this method effectively, try one of the following card sets:

• World of Emotions — for identifying emotional blocks

• Building Resilience — for clients facing adversity

• Leading Change — great for coaching through transition

These card sets are more than tools. They’re catalysts for transformation.

Find this method interesting? 

Download our Coaching Tools Handbook for FREE and uncover 50+ methods for individual and group work. 

Enhance your coaching sessions today. 

Coaching isn’t about providing answers. It’s about creating a space where your client can uncover their own truth. The “Challenge, Blockers, Enablers” method gives you a clear yet flexible structure to guide that process.

Let the images speak. Let the client explore. Let the silence do its work.

And remember—real change begins when someone is willing to look at a challenge differently, and chooses to take a step forward.

If you want a printable guide or template to integrate this into your practice, check it out on SessionLab .