Scientists of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports of the National University "Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic" – Doctor of Psychology, Head of the Department, Professor Svitlana Yalanska, Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor Nina Atamanchuk, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Lesia Klevaka, and practical psychologist of the university, Candidate of Psychological Sciences Yevheniia Khomenko held an open meeting of the psychological studio "Path to Success" dedicated to the topic "Harmonization of psycho-emotional state of the individual in difficult living conditions: a resource of the laboratory of psychodiagnostic as well as correctional and developmental work."
Dean of the Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports Lina Rybalko congratulated the participants of the psychological studio meeting, emphasizing the importance of the problem of the individual’s psychological state during the war.
"The present requires flexibility and superhumanity from us. There is no doubt that the main value is human life. People are the main source of support in these difficult times. It is important to mobilize our internal resources," – emphasized the Head of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy Svitlana Yalanska. – "We invite everyone to further meetings of the psychological studio "Path to Success"! We are strong in our unity! We are beautiful for our humanity! Keep calm! Let's inspire each other with our calmness and confidence! Everything will be UKRAINE!"
The head of the department invited the audience to perform the exercise "I am today – I am after the VICTORY" with the use of metaphorical associative images.
"The images presented on the cards become a visible metaphor of our values, fears, desires or are associated with our inner experience. It is important that everyone can imagine and feel something of their own. This is one of the projective techniques that lifts unconscious impressions from the depths of the subconscious that determine the reaction to various life situations," – explained the scientist.
Practical psychologist Yevheniia Khomenko presented life hacks to reduce situational anxiety.
Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor Nina Atamanchuk conducted her own art exercise "Helping Hand", which helps to activate internal resources to combat evil.
"Hands are a channel that shows the inner state of a person, the willingness to accept and give, so the direct use of hands as a transitional image is quite appropriate," – noted the scientist. Each of those present was asked to circle their hand and write words of support to themselves and the people around them inside the picture. The participants decided to post a photo gallery of drawings on the department's Facebook page.
Scientist Lesia Klevaka taught to overcome feelings of chaos, anxiety and weakness during the war, using the metaphor of a colorful elephant in a cage.
"This is a special metaphor for structuring, systematizing and calm in times of crisis. All three components of the metaphor are powerful structures: the elephant is a symbol of strength, wisdom, prudence, the guardian of the world; cage is a psychogeometric structure of balance; color is a manifestation of an emotional state. The combination of these structures in one metaphor creates a positive effect," – explained the scientist.
The participants of the meeting also learned about the use of a recliner chair for the purpose of psychological relief due to the function of massage and temperature changes in combination with music therapy.
President of Student Parliament Liudmyla Bylym shared her impressions of the training and said that such psychological training is important for the volunteers of the headquarters, as their activities are closely related to communication with IDPs, who are in dire need of attention and support.
The next meetings of the psychological studio are also scheduled in the laboratory of psychodiagnostic as well as correctional and developmental work. The laboratory is a multifunctional platform for providing quality educational services to students, undergraduates majoring in "Psychology" and "Preschool Education" specialties, providing psychological services for individuals and legal entities, and conducting research. Such multifunctionality is possible thanks to special laboratory equipment.
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National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”
