Self-help technique: Totem animal resources

Technique that will help in the formation of new ways of thinking, gaining a fresh look at the problem, the emergence of insights.

Natalia Lukashuk
2/1/2023

Do you know what metaphorical associative maps are? - These are special pictures that are used for psychological counseling and psychotherapy, psychodiagnostics and psychocorrection. MAM consolidate the work of both hemispheres of the brain, which leads to the formation of new ways of thinking, gaining a fresh look at the problem, the emergence of insights.

In conditions when we all need additional resources, I suggest working with totem animals, which are presented in the materials of Lyudmila Kuznetsova's MAM. In the photo below there are several images (squirrel, tiger, dog, panther, eagle, fox, swan, dragon), read them carefully, and gradually complete the tasks.

Consider which event here and now "causes stress" and write it down in a notebook as your request.

Now gradually answer the questions, and fix the answers to them.

  • Which animal presented would be best able to react in this situation?
  • What quality would allow the animal to be effective? Do you have that quality?

Next, consider all the cards, determining what qualities allow each of the animals to withstand stress or develop stress resistance.

  • Do you have such qualities?
  • Do you know how they feel? Could you find a use for them?
  • What event or situation in your life made you realize or develop this quality?
Collection of T-shirts
with the Dove of Peace print