Conceptual Fundamentals of Modern Development of Guided Affective Imagery (Symboldrama)

Abstract

The article covers the conceptual foundations of modern development of Guided Affective imagery (Symboldrama) based on theory and practice of the therapeutic method, the study of intersubjective paradigm and katatimny imaginations as the structured technique, therapeutic tool, but also to the importance therapeutic relationships as a factor of therapeutic change. The article defined that modern authors have a deeper and more balanced approach to the study of imaginative experience. Experience which unfolds in the patient's imagination, from the perspective of reflecting the dynamics of therapeutic relationships and consider building a reliable and safe therapeutic relationship.
In line with modern approaches to the development of the method of Guided Affective Imagery, the therapeutic functions of imaginations and symbols are distinguished and substantiated. It is noted that work with imaginary symbolism actualizes various productive mental processes (experience, reflection, prediction, reaction, integration, structuring, etc.), and the symbol in psychotherapy mediates the processes of semantic transformation of the patient's consciousness (awareness / generation / affirmation of meanings). Proving the significance of the symbol in the modern dimension of various psychotherapeutic modalities and schools on the factors determining the psychological problems and means of achieving the goals of psychotherapy, allows to enrich and expand the conceptual and applied aspects of Guided Affective Imagery.