Last weekend at the metafox Inner Journey Certification workshop, organised by Vincent Soo and Maximilian Friedle, I had the privilege of making new connections with like-minded professionals as well as those who challenged me to push my boundaries (in a good way).

It was also a meaningful self-investment time where I was able to hold space for myself to go on an inward journey.🖼️

Even after years of being in helping professions, our learning must never stop. If we maintain the humble posture of a learner, consciously choose to be vulnerable and open, we will be more likely to be able to perceive deeper insight into ourselves and our circumstances that even the smallest of visual cues have to offer.

💙 As an individual — reconnecting with my inner landscape, and reminded why sustaining the discipline of self-awareness and honoring my own needs is essential. Without nurturing myself — emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually — I cannot fully show up or serve others with clarity and presence

🌀 As a practitioner — reflecting on my habits, assumptions, and presence in every interaction (Experience is great until it becomes our blind spot! More on how to avoid this therapy and coaching death trap soon.)

🔵 For my professional practice — fine-tuning how I guide parents and clients using visuals, metaphors, and frameworks.

I've just returned from an incredibly enriching 3-day immersion at the metaFox Coaching Tools Inner Journey Certification Workshop in Singapore (Nov 28-30, 2025), and I'm energized by what this means for our work at Vietnam Detox.

metaFox produces visual coaching tools designed to connect coaches and facilitators with their clients at profound levels through captivating imagery and thought-provoking questions. These aren't just pretty cards, they're gateways to deeper emotional awareness. The visual cards work by facilitating genuine expression and embodiment of emotions, allowing retreat guests to recognize not just their own emotional needs, but to understand and appreciate the emotional landscape of those around them.

What I learned this week reinforced how metaFox tools beautifully amplify the psychological and emotional dimensions of all four pillars. Whether guests are exploring their relationship with food, processing emotions during fasting, deepening their presence in nature, or integrating insights, visual tools create a shared language that words alone cannot.

After more than two decades in the mental health field, I’m still humbled by how much there is to discover, both within myself and in the sacred spaces we create with others.Over 3 days last weekend, I immersed myself in The Inner Journey coaching certification program by metaFox, and the experience was nothing short of profound.

✨As a practitioner who loves using analogies and metaphors to help clients connect deeply with their inner world, this workshop felt like home. Yet, it also stretched me in ways I didn’t expect — inviting me to explore new layers of my own self-awareness as both an individual and a clinician.

What struck me most was witnessing the collective subconscious at play. When a group is held safely, authentically, and intentionally, something powerful emerges. People open up. Patterns surface. Meaning reveals itself. And growth becomes not just possible, but inevitable.The workshop reminded me that tools are only as powerful as the courage we bring into the space — and this community brought so much of it. 🧠💛

A heartfelt thank you to Maximilian Friedle for his gentle yet masterful facilitation, and to Vincent Soo for co-organising this beautiful experience. Your work creates ripples far beyond the room. 🙏

Feeling grateful, grounded, and re-inspired to continue this journey of helping others connect with their truest selves.

I could have gone on for hours. It was creative. We went through all the levels of the room. We introduced ourselves with the cards, we “painted pictures” with tape and cards and developed our dreams. I can only recommend the seminar - it was an absolute game changer for me.

A workshop with an absolute addictive factor! Within a very short time, you will learn the most important tricks to really get started quickly with the colorful rolls and conjure up presentable results. In addition to a lot of fun and creative exchange with workshop leader Matthias and the participants, there is also plenty of inspiration for designing your own workshops and rooms. Ciao flipchart & PowerPoint! We're getting taped from now on!