Visual Storytelling
to Process Feelings

I'm Jen Beman, and I invented BioGraffs based on a philosophy of storytelling I developed throughout my career as a documentary editor. I've spent 30 years understanding storytelling, the different ways stories can unfold based on different perspectives in a documentary, and how transformative storytelling can be for the storyteller themselves. ​ It started with talking about sex. In 2016 I started a monthly women's discussion group because I was interested in helping women share their stories about their relationships and their sexual experiences. I thought I might make a documentary about it. I invented an activity for that group that involved using cubes to stand for sexual values. It was so successful in my discussion group that I turned it into an interactive art installation called the Graphic Sex Project to help people tell their sexual stories, de-shame talking about sex, and open up new conversations about preferences. At multiple events across the country, I asked people to make a "graph" of a good sexual experience using colored cubes. The installations were a huge success. People could make a graph, or just browse the collection of graphs other people had made at previous installations. It was a featured event around DC & NY, as well as at several Sex Weeks events at Universities across the country. ​ What I discovered doing these installations was that this quirky way of looking at sexuality was a uniquely powerful way for a person to get a new perspective on their desires, and the graphs they created were a great conversation opener with a partner, sparking deep discussion on a typically difficult topic. ​ I soon realized that this was actually a very helpful way to think about any difficult topic. That couples could benefit from using this tool to open up tricky conversations, or just have a fun night of in-depth discussion of personal topics. I realized that the BioGraffs method creates the a structure that encourages active listening and the space for couples to really hear each other, expound on their perspective, and communicate better. I also saw how it could be a useful tool for therapists to share with their clients. I sought input from psychotherapists, psychologists, and counselors on how to make this tool work for people. In 2025 I launched "See What I Mean" as a live workshop to make this powerful method available to more people - including you!

That's one of the super powers of this method: it doesn't require that you feel very creative. It's just arranging objects, so the bar for artistic ability is REALLY low. If you can arrange objects on a table, you can do this. People are often surprised how naturally it flows once we get started. No drawing, no design—just meaning made visible.

At the workshop, I'll give you some ideas for prompts based on the questionnaire you filled out. Many people do one of the prompts I give them, and many people come up with their own, based on what is going on in their lives. There's also an online resource of hundreds of prompt ideas that you can browse through. This workshop meets you where you are. You can keep it light and playful, or you can dive into something meaningful and real. Some people share just a little. Others go all the way into the trenches, and work through real conflicts. There’s no pressure, no right way to do it. It’s your story. Your pace. Your boundaries. Whether you’re here for connection, curiosity, or to work through trouble spots in your relationship—this is a space where you get to choose how deep you want to go. Here are some popular prompts people use: Who am I? A Portrait A Perfect Day Together In My Head in a Bad Mood What Matters to Me Who You Are to Me A New Look at an Old Conflict

Everyone will need a piece of paper and a pen. Then you'll all need a collection of small objects. Ideally everyone has 100 to 150, in about 10 different colors. Ideal size is around 1 cm square. You should gather these before your event. Here are some ideas of what they can be: 🟪 Cut up colored construction paper or fabric 🟩 Candy like M&Ms, Jujyfruits, Jolly Ranchers. Anything not spherical, because they shouldn't roll around 🟥 Nuts and dried fruit 🟧 Modeling clay 🟦 Other things you might have that are small, numerous, varied I strongly urge you to not use pens, paint, markers or the like. You want to be able to MOVE them around on your palette. This is important. Also, once you introduce markers and paint, it becomes a different thing. For people that don't feel comfortable drawing or making "art" now you've introduced anxiety or shame. Arranging little objects keeps the bar attainable for all. OR you can buy materials from me! I have both magnetic and non-magnetic versions in my shop. If you sign up for the workshop and buy materials, you get a discount

See What I Mean is a workshop focused on communication skills and creative expression. It’s not formal therapy or counseling. Think of it as a guided activity or class that can complement your personal growth. It’s led by Jennifer Beman, a communication coach and creator of BioGraffs, who brings insight from her experience working with this with many people, but the tone remains fun, creative, and informal. Many people find it therapeutic to express themselves this way, but it’s not a substitute for professional therapy if that’s what you need. This is a guided experience that uses evidence-based ideas from relationship science and storytelling. It’s creative, structured, and emotionally resonant—designed to help people communicate with more honesty and clarity. It's game-adjacent. It's playful and fun, but it can also go to deeply emotional, even difficult, places if you choose to go there.

No! This workshop is about connecting with your partner/friend/family member. You'll be in a private zoom room so I can stop by to answer questions, but for much of the workshop, your group is interacting among just yourselves. There will be opportunities to share thoughts about the experience with other participants if you want to, but you’ll never be pressured to say more than you’re comfortable with.

These workshops are space limited to only 10 groups so I restrict cancellation with full refund to 96 hours before. Before 96 hours, you get a full refund of the workshop fee (minus kits if I've sent them already), or change your date to another one. If something comes up and you can't make it last minute, there will be a recording available for 10 days that you can watch and participate just like the live version. And if you ask me nicely, I'll give my phone number and you can text me with questions during your makeup session. I'll answer them if I can. But remember, I'm a person and you can always ask me and we can work something out. Write me at Jen@BioGraffs.com

The workshop is designed for 2 to 4 people. The base price covers 2 participants, and you can add a third or fourth person for just $7 each. This could be you and your partner, close friends, a mom and daughter duo, a family—any small group wanting to connect. You can have more, but it might get a bit unwieldy and you'll run out of time sharing. But that's up to you. Please let me know and I'll bill you for the extra people.

You can. You'll just have to take pictures of your BioGraffs and send them to each other for the sharing portion.

BioGraffs is the visual storytelling method we’ll be using in the See What I Mean workshop In simple terms, it’s a technique where you use tangible objects or images to create a “map” of what’s going on in your mind or life. By arranging pieces on a board or surface, you can literally visualize your thoughts and feelings. This supports you in communicating ideas that might be hard to put into words. Jen developed BioGraffs as a tool to help people talk about tough or abstract topics in a concrete, visual way. It’s very cool and we think you’ll love it, and get a lot out of it.

BioGraffs is a unique method that helps couples create visual representations of their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. First, it gives each person a chance to think through and organize what they want to say. The process of turning complex ideas into a visualization of emotions and perspectives helps to make those easier to share and aids in understanding. The sharing of the creations encourages active listening and curiosity about each others perspective, fostering deeper connections and more productive conversations. And it's fun and playful, so defensiveness is reduced.

Both! BioGraffs is a fun way to have a conversation about personal things. Use is a tool to just get to know each other better. You can make BioGraffs like: A Formative Moment in my Past, A Perfect Day, My Strengths, or My Next 10 Years. Use it for date night, or a fun time hanging out with a friend. BioGraffs can feel playful, but it's designed for serious communication too. Think of it as a tool that helps you express complex thoughts and emotions in a visual, hands-on way. While it might feel creative and even fun to use, the goal is to help you have meaningful conversations about things that matter—whether that's resolving conflicts, understanding each other better, or discussing deeper topics in your relationship. So while BioGraffs can definitely lighten the mood, it’s all about facilitating authentic, thoughtful dialogue and connection. It’s both a creative tool and a serious way to improve communication.

Very different! "Where Should We Begin" is great and there are literally hundreds of similar things on the market. They are all basically the same: a deck of cards with conversation prompts. Those are fun and can spark great conversation, but they are nothing like BioGraffs. BioGraffs is completely unique. You know what you need to talk about, so you make up your own prompts BioGraff helps you "externalize" something that's been on your mind BioGraffs doesn't center talking as the primary means of responding to the prompt BioGraffs is visually creative to pull more meaning out of your response and thoughtfulness BioGraffs goes into depth on a particular topic of personal meaning to YOU BioGraffs changes the structure of the conversation to focus on one person at a time You can take a picture of the BioGraff you made to return to the conversation later Every BioGraff becomes a springboard for more conversation on the a topic YOU choose

Active listening is the skill of fully focusing, understanding, and responding to someone during a conversation. Instead of just waiting for your turn to speak, active listening means you’re giving your full attention to the other person—hearing not only their words but also their emotions and intentions behind them. It’s a key component of effective communication and helps create a deeper connection. BioGraffs naturally supports active listening by providing a visual framework for communication. When you or your partner lay out thoughts using the BioGraffs cubes, it gives both of you something tangible to focus on. This makes it easier to listen without interrupting, because you’re not just reacting to words—you’re engaging with the visual representation of someone’s thoughts or feelings. By slowing down the conversation and allowing both parties to see and reflect on each other’s perspectives, BioGraffs creates space for more thoughtful responses and helps prevent misunderstandings. It turns the act of listening into something active, collaborative, and clear.

OMG Yes! BioGraffs started as a way to help people talk about sex, specifically. There are so many taboos and difficulties people have talking about sex, yet talking about sex is so important. It can be hard to tell you partner what you like and don't like. It can be hard even to know, yourself! What is your favorite sexual flow (how do you like sex to go?) What gets you in the mood? How does sex usually happen for the two of you? What is your partner's favorite way to have sex? What is your fantasy? What if you could be totally selfish - what would sex be like? These are just a few of the BioGraffs you might make and share with your partner, and then talk about it! ... with your BioGraffs as a guide.

Absolutely! BioGraffs is designed to help you navigate those tough conversations with clarity and understanding. When emotions are high, it’s easy to misinterpret each other’s words or get stuck in a cycle of frustration or antagonism. BioGraffs gives you a visual way to lay out your thoughts and feelings, so both of you can see the big picture and understand each other's perspectives more clearly. Instead of going back and forth in the heat of the moment, you can use BioGraffs to slow things down, focus on what’s really important, and find common ground. It gives you each a platform to completely share your perspective. It’s a great tool for turning arguments into productive discussions, where both people feel heard and understood. Also, it's playful quality - the colorful blocks, being creative - can tamp down defensiveness or stone-walling. By using BioGraffs, you’re not just talking about the problem—you’re working together to solve it.

The BioGraff method is a good fit for couples who: ✔ want to be proactive around communication, problem areas, and intimacy. ✔ want to move forward but find it hard to make time and space in their busy lives to talk. ✔ have very different communication styles, but are committed to understanding each other. ✔ like to play games or try new things

Like journaling, BioGraffs is a powerful tool for self-reflection. You can use it to think through complex emotions, clarify your thoughts, and visualize your inner story. It’s a great way to get perspective on what you’re feeling or experiencing before you bring it into a conversation with someone else. But unlike journaling, it's not so focused on words and composing sentences. It creates more access to your right brain, where the emotions live By arranging the cubes, you can better understand your own thoughts, identify patterns, and even work through personal challenges. Whether you’re using it to gain clarity for yourself or to prepare for a conversation, BioGraffs can help you process emotional topics.

Nope. You can do BioGraffs with things you might have around your house. Anything that is small, that you have a lot of, that come in different colors or shapes. You can do it with candy, little pieces of colored paper, nuts and berries - though the BioGraffs kits are nice with wooden magnetic cubes and whiteboards and support materials. So you can try it out right now! You can also use the online BioGraffs virtual tool from your desktop, under resources in the menu.

Once you've decided what your BioGraff is about, the next step is to assign meaning to the cubes. What are the parts of this story you are going to tell? When you think of the topic of your BioGraff, what are the thoughts, feelings, events, actions, or ideas that come to mind? Write down a word or two for each and put a colored cube next to each one. Now each part of your story is represented by a different colored cube. Play with the cubes and arrange them in a way that says more about your story. Maybe you arrange them like a timeline, where it shows the order of events or feelings. Maybe you arrange them in a design that shows connections between thoughts and feelings. You can literally play with your thoughts and feelings outside your head!

Yes! BioGraffs is very effective in a clinical setting either with couples, family, or with individuals. Check out the testimonials for things therapists say about using this method with clients. If you are a therapists, you will want a set for your therapy toolbox! If you are a client, suggest it to your therapist, or bring them a BioGraff you made and talk about it in session. BioGraffs is a totally unique tool to use with your clients, whatever the modality: ​ To help clients who are caught up in their own stories To help people get distance from their story (externalize) To help people talk about hard topics, with you or with a partner To help clients share their life experiences with you To help clients talk about traumatic experiences safely To gain clarity on confusing issues For clients who feel stuck For clients when you are feeling stuck For couples to understand each other better For families that need help hearing each other ​ The BioGraffs method is for any clinician looking for ways to expand their repertoire of approaches, and interested in exploring narrative and storytelling techniques. Externalizing internal narratives affords an opportunity for people to create distance from events and become the protagonist of their own choosing in the stories of their lives. Read more here

I'm Jen Beman, and I invented BioGraffs based on a philosophy of storytelling I developed throughout my career as a documentary editor. I've spent 30 years understanding storytelling, the different ways stories can unfold based on different perspectives in a documentary, and how transformative storytelling can be for the storyteller themselves. ​ It started with talking about sex. In 2016 I started a monthly women's discussion group because I was interested in helping women share their stories about their relationships and their sexual experiences. I thought I might make a documentary about it. I invented an activity for that group that involved using cubes to stand for sexual values. It was so successful in my discussion group that I turned it into an interactive art installation called the Graphic Sex Project to help people tell their sexual stories, de-shame talking about sex, and open up new conversations about preferences. At multiple events across the country, I asked people to make a "graph" of a good sexual experience using colored cubes. The installations were a huge success. People could make a graph, or just browse the collection of graphs other people had made at previous installations. It was a featured event around the DC areas, as well as at several Sex Weeks events at Universities across the country. ​ What I discovered doing these installations was that this quirky way of looking at sexuality was a uniquely powerful way for a person to get a new perspective on their desires, and the graphs they created were a great conversation opener with a partner, sparking deep discussion on a typically difficult topic. ​ I soon realized that this was actually a very helpful way to think about any difficult topic. That couples could benefit from using this tool to open up tricky conversations, or just have a fun night of in-depth discussion of personal topics. I realized that the BioGraffs method creates the a structure that encourages active listening and the space for couples to really hear each other, expound on their perspective, and communicate better. I also saw how it could be a useful tool for therapists to share with their clients. I sought input from psychotherapists, psychologists, and counselors on how to make this tool work for people in clinical settings. In 2022, I teamed up with ACT therapist Joey Salvatore and Dr. Miranda Morris, a psychologist, and together we are working to make this valuable tool more widely available to people, including through therapists, counselors, coaches, and educators.

There's two ways! The first way is to simply think about what's been on your mind or how you've been feeling about something. Is there something you've been thinking about a lot? Make a BioGraff about it. The other way to to browse through the categories on the title-picker, right here on this website. There 15 different life categories and each one has lot of BioGraff-making ideas to inspire you.

Yes! BioGraffs is very effective in a clinical setting either with couples, family, or with individuals. Check out the testimonials for things therapists say about using this method with clients. If you are a therapists, you will want a set for your therapy toolbox! If you are a client, suggest it to your therapist, or bring them a BioGraff you made and talk about it in session. BioGraffs is a totally unique tool to use with your clients, whatever the modality: ​ To help clients who are caught up in their own stories To help people get distance from their story (externalize) To help people talk about hard topics, with you or with a partner To help clients share their life experiences with you To help clients talk about traumatic experiences safely To gain clarity on confusing issues For clients who feel stuck For clients when you are feeling stuck For couples to understand each other better For families that need help hearing each other ​ The BioGraffs method is for any clinician looking for ways to expand their repertoire of approaches, and interested in exploring narrative and storytelling techniques. Externalizing internal narratives affords an opportunity for people to create distance from events and become the protagonist of their own choosing in the stories of their lives. Read more here

It doesn't take long for most clients to catch on to what they are supposed to do, once they get their hands on the cubes. It's easy to explain - just a minute or two. You give them a prompt to start with based on what you are working on with them. Most people spend about 10 or 15 minutes making a BioGraff. In therapy sessions, many people "narrate" what they are doing, giving you valuable insight into their thought process. Once they are done, there will be a lot to talk about. Taking a picture of the BioGraff means you'll be able to take the conversation up again next week. In the BioGraffs training, you'll get practice and instruction on what to look for in your client's BioGraffs and how to ask questions that can lead them to more insights.

I'm Jen Beman, and I invented BioGraffs based on a philosophy of storytelling I developed throughout my career as a documentary editor. I've spent 30 years understanding storytelling, the different ways stories can unfold based on different perspectives in a documentary, and how transformative storytelling can be for the storyteller themselves. ​ It started with talking about sex. In 2016 I started a monthly women's discussion group because I was interested in helping women share their stories about their relationships and their sexual experiences. I thought I might make a documentary about it. I invented an activity for that group that involved using cubes to stand for sexual values. It was so successful in my discussion group that I turned it into an interactive art installation called the Graphic Sex Project to help people tell their sexual stories, de-shame talking about sex, and open up new conversations about preferences. At multiple events across the country, I asked people to make a "graph" of a good sexual experience using colored cubes. The installations were a huge success. People could make a graph, or just browse the collection of graphs other people had made at previous installations. It was a featured event around the DC areas, as well as at several Sex Weeks events at Universities across the country. ​ What I discovered doing these installations was that this quirky way of looking at sexuality was a uniquely powerful way for a person to get a new perspective on their desires, and the graphs they created were a great conversation opener with a partner, sparking deep discussion on a typically difficult topic. ​ I soon realized that this was actually a very helpful way to think about any difficult topic. That couples could benefit from using this tool to open up tricky conversations, or just have a fun night of in-depth discussion of personal topics. I realized that the BioGraffs method creates the a structure that encourages active listening and the space for couples to really hear each other, expound on their perspective, and communicate better. I also saw how it could be a useful tool for therapists to share with their clients. I sought input from psychotherapists, psychologists, and counselors on how to make this tool work for people in clinical settings. In 2022, I teamed up with ACT therapist Joey Salvatore and Dr. Miranda Morris, a psychologist, and together we are working to make this valuable tool more widely available to people, including through therapists, counselors, coaches, and educators.

I'm Jen Beman, and I invented BioGraffs based on a philosophy of storytelling I developed throughout my career as a documentary editor. I've spent 30 years understanding storytelling, the different ways stories can unfold based on different perspectives in a documentary, and how transformative storytelling can be for the storyteller themselves. ​ It started with talking about sex. In 2016 I started a monthly women's discussion group because I was interested in helping women share their stories about their relationships and their sexual experiences. I thought I might make a documentary about it. I invented an activity for that group that involved using cubes to stand for sexual values. It was so successful in my discussion group that I turned it into an interactive art installation called the Graphic Sex Project to help people tell their sexual stories, de-shame talking about sex, and open up new conversations about preferences. At multiple events across the country, I asked people to make a "graph" of a good sexual experience using colored cubes. The installations were a huge success. People could make a graph, or just browse the collection of graphs other people had made at previous installations. It was a featured event around the DC areas, as well as at several Sex Weeks events at Universities across the country. ​ What I discovered doing these installations was that this quirky way of looking at sexuality was a uniquely powerful way for a person to get a new perspective on their desires, and the graphs they created were a great conversation opener with a partner, sparking deep discussion on a typically difficult topic. ​ I soon realized that this was actually a very helpful way to think about any difficult topic. That couples could benefit from using this tool to open up tricky conversations, or just have a fun night of in-depth discussion of personal topics. I realized that the BioGraffs method creates the a structure that encourages active listening and the space for couples to really hear each other, expound on their perspective, and communicate better. I also saw how it could be a useful tool for therapists to share with their clients. I sought input from psychotherapists, psychologists, and counselors on how to make this tool work for people in clinical settings. In 2022, I teamed up with ACT therapist Joey Salvatore and Dr. Miranda Morris, a psychologist, and together we are working to make this valuable tool more widely available to people, including through therapists, counselors, coaches, and educators.

Yes, many people have made that connection. Like sand tray therapy, it access the metaphorical way our brain thinks. BioGraffs is similar to sand tray therapy in several key ways, though it has distinct differences that make it a unique tool. Similarities to Sand Tray Therapy: Nonverbal Expression of Inner Experience: Like sand tray therapy, BioGraffs allows individuals to represent their thoughts, emotions, and relationships in a tangible way rather than relying solely on verbal explanation. Symbolic Representation: In sand tray therapy, miniature objects and figures represent people, emotions, and experiences. BioGraffs uses cubes to stand for complex ideas, enabling individuals to externalize their thoughts and see them in a structured form. Facilitates Deep Conversations & Insights: Both methods help people express and process difficult topics, allowing themes to emerge that might not surface through traditional conversation alone. Interactive & Collaborative: Just as therapists use sand trays to observe patterns, relationships, and changes over time, BioGraffs enables a guided dialogue where individuals or couples can share their perspectives visually. Key Differences: Structured vs. Freeform Approach: Sand tray therapy is often open-ended, allowing clients to arrange figures in any way they feel compelled to. BioGraffs, on the other hand, provides structure through guided prompts, making it a more intentional framework for exploring communication and self-awareness. Portable & Scalable: Unlike sand tray therapy, which requires a physical tray and a collection of miniatures, BioGraffs is compact and easy to use in various settings, from coaching sessions to at-home discussions. Designed for Conversations, Not Just Therapy: While sand tray therapy is primarily used by trained therapists, BioGraffs is accessible to couples, coaches, and even individuals looking for a tool to facilitate meaningful conversations without needing formal therapeutic training.

BioGraffs is a unique method that helps couples create visual representations of their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. First, it gives each person a chance to think through and organize what they want to say. The process of turning complex ideas into a visualization of emotions and perspectives helps to make those easier to share and aids in understanding. The sharing of the creations encourages active listening and curiosity about each others perspective, fostering deeper connections and more productive conversations. And it's fun and playful, so defensiveness is reduced.

OMG Yes! BioGraffs started as a way to help people talk about sex, specifically. There are so many taboos and difficulties people have talking about sex, yet talking about sex is so important. It can be hard to tell you partner what you like and don't like. It can be hard even to know, yourself! What is your favorite sexual flow (how do you like sex to go?) What gets you in the mood? How does sex usually happen for the two of you? What is your partner's favorite way to have sex? What is your fantasy? What if you could be totally selfish - what would sex be like? These are just a few of the BioGraffs you could have your couples make in session, and then talk about with you. This is sure to be a conversation that continues after the session.

BioGraffs can be a very helpful way for people to talk about traumatic experiences with a bit of distance. It's a way to externalize painful memories and thoughts with less reliance on words, or having to say things out loud. It can be a way to ease in to a difficult topic. The playful aspect of the colorful cubes can also help calm reactiveness. The tactile and experiential aspect of moving the cubes around might have benefits of accessing different parts of the brain to integrate painful memories.