ANALYSIS OF MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING METAPHORIC ASSOCIATIVE CARDS AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL AID TOOL

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the most common misconceptions about metaphorical associative cards. The reasons for their occurrence among clients and specialists themselves are explained, as well as possible ways to overcome them are described. It is shown that this is not a new, but an approved psychological tool, the effectiveness of which has a strictly scientific, and not magical justification. The author clarified why metaphorical associative cards themselves could not be considered as a diagnostic tool. The need for a comprehensive analysis of the verbal and non-verbal parameters of the client’s activity is indicated. It is pointed out in the article that the client’s choice of cards cannot have unambiguous interpretations and generally is of a secondary nature.

 The advantages of metaphorical associative cards are systematized within the framework of psychological counseling and psychotherapy (a wide range of tasks, forms of work, the possibility of using various psychological areas; environmental friendliness for the client; attracting resources of consciousness and the unconscious to solve the problem; accelerating the solution of various problems; creating a common symbolic code for the client and specialist; flexible working rules; attractiveness for customers of different ages).

The main limitations and contraindications to the use of this tool in psychological practice are considered. It is considered which psychological defense mechanisms can be overcome with the help of metaphorical associative maps (displacement, dissociation). The article describes the key mechanisms which help to ensure the actualization of problems of the client (associations, projection, identification) and the actual mechanisms of therapeutic cards (dissociation, awareness, decentration, metaphorization, reflection).