AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO THE USE OF AN AUTHORIAL FAIRY TALE IN PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

Abstract

The article is devoted to the theoretical substantiation of an integrative approach to the use of an authorial fairy tale in psychological counseling and psychotherapy. An authorial fairy tale is understood as a fairy tale created by the client during the process of psychological work as a metaphorical representation of the client’s inner world, life experience, current psychological state, and the characteristics of interaction with oneself and others.

The aim of the article is to present the possibilities of using an authorial fairy tale as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool in psychological counseling and psychotherapy, as well as to demonstrate the possibilities of transitioning from psychological counseling to psychotherapy through the integration of different theoretical approaches.

Results. The study demonstrates that the use of an authorial fairy tale makes it possible to explore the client’s inner world, the characteristics of the client’s life script, psychological resources, and internal conflicts, as well as to identify directions for further psychological work. The possibility of a consistent transition from the diagnostic stage of psychological counseling to psychotherapeutic work through the deepening of authentic therapeutic contact between the psychologist and the client is demonstrated, thereby creating the conditions for the birth of a psychotherapeutic fairy tale.

Conclusions. It is demonstrated that the integrative approach expands the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic possibilities of using an authorial fairy tale in psychological counseling and psychotherapy, provides a holistic understanding of the client’s psychological issues, and preserves the methodological integrity of each of the theoretical approaches applied.