METAPHORICAL IMAGES AS A RECOURCE FOR REFLECTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SELF-REGULATION OF THE PERSONALITY IN AN INCLUSIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT ENVIRONMEN

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis the possibilities of using metaphorical images as a resource for the development of reflection and psychological self-regulation of the personality in an inclusive psychological support environment. The paper reveals the potential of image-symbolic techniques as a safe and universal tool for working with a person’s inner experience under conditions of emotional vulnerability, traumatic experiences, difficulties in verbal expression, and various forms of life crisis. Introduction. The modern psychological support environment brings together people with different levels of psychoemotional stability, life experience, and ability to become aware of their own experiences. Under such conditions, methods that allow working with a person’s inner world without pressure and without the need for complex verbalization become especially important. Metaphorical images provide a safe access to deep inner experiences, activate reflection, and contribute to the formation of new ways of self-regulation. Purpose of the work. The purpose of the article is to provide a theoretical justification and description of an author’s metaphorical technique as a resource for the development of reflection and psychological self-regulation of the personality in an inclusive psychological support environment, as well as to highlight the possibilities of its practical application for the awareness of internal resources, difficulties, and meaning-making orientations. Scientific novelty. An author’s metaphorical model is proposed, which integrates reflective and self-regulatory processes through an image-symbolic structure of a person’s «life movement». Its universality and ecological nature for use in an inclusive psychological environment are substantiated. A system of guiding questions for each element of the image has been developed, which facilitates the activation of inner dialogue, awareness of resources, and the formation of a sense of control over one’s own life. Conclusions. The use of metaphorical images in an inclusive psychological support environment creates conditions for gentle work with a person’s inner experiences and contributes to the restoration of their inner resources. The proposed technique can be used as an effective tool of inclusive psychological support, combining symbolic meaning, resource orientation, and accessibility, and ensuring the development of reflection and psychological self-regulation with regard to the uniqueness of each personality