Metaphorical maps - what is it like to work with associative maps?

Metaphorical maps - a new, but already proven direction in psychology, relating to projective techniques. Psychologists who use associative maps in their work confirm their effectiveness. The plus of this method is that it is possible to work with maps and independently for the development of creative potential, imagination .

What is a metaphorical map?

Metaphorical associative maps (MAK) - a set of maps or postcards, which depict various events, figures, faces, nature, objects, animals, abstractions. Why do we need metaphorical maps that sometimes seem simple and primitive pictures? Psychologists say that such primitivity is deceptive, and working with maps is multi-layered and gives a wonderful healing, therapeutic effect in a short time.

Metaphorical maps in psychology

Metaphorical maps in the work of a psychologist are a powerful and effective tool that allows you to explore associations and images of the human subconscious. The well-known fact that the subconscious mind resists being manifested, and such a projective technique as the MAK helps to bypass this resistance and uncover the subjective causes of ineffective patterns of behavior, response.

The purpose of working with metaphorical maps

Psychosomatics and metaphorical maps as a method of diagnosis have long been used in the work of psychologists to identify the problem that served as an impetus for the development of the existing condition, the disease. Any area of ​​psychology, whether family, individual or group, can use associative maps as a serious helping tool. Objectives of working with IAC:

Metaphorical maps - types

Such different metaphorical maps - the meaning of each deck depends on the theme. There are more narrowly focused, but there are universal. But they are all very resourceful. The most popular among psychologists IAC:

How to choose a metaphorical map for yourself?

The best metaphorical maps are those that meet the goals, preferences and tastes of a person. Communication with the deck is formed intuitively, for some it is sufficient to throw one glance at the deck to feel the connection with those images that are imprinted in it. He will trust his feelings, hold in his hands. In the psychologist's office, the principle of choosing a deck is exactly the same: letting the eye "hook" the deck that will respond, if there are several (usually it is). Many existing IAC decks are multifaceted and allow to study different spheres of life.

Metaphorical maps - how to work?

Work with metaphorical maps begins with the existing request of the client, then with what he comes to the psychologist. In independent work, the principle of having a problem and the query associated with it also operates. The metaphorical maps of exercises and methods in each particular deck may differ, but in general, in working with metaphorical maps, there are two strategies:

  1. Open . Before a person, the deck is upside down. The psychologist asks the question and the client selects cards for his state, as he feels. The technique is considered safe, completely controlled, which causes confidence and relaxation, anxiety is reduced.
  2. Closed , or in another way can be called - guessing, this is a method of choosing cards blindly, as in traditional predictions, for example the Tarot. This technique of choosing random cards assumes a deeper work and is perceived intuitively by man as a message from above, "the finger of fate", which makes the technique more attractive, intriguing, can increase anxiety, so it is used by a therapist after working in open technique.

Techniques with metaphorical maps

Fortune-telling on metaphorical maps can be carried out in the following techniques:

  1. Change of the point of perception (M. Egetmeyer). Two cards are drawn blindly. One symbolizes the problem, the second - the solution. The person briefly tells how he sees it - the problem-solution through the images coming from the map. Then the cards are renamed: the one that was the problem becomes the solution and vice versa. To move from one state to another, you can draw another card from another deck.
  2. Figure . Pull the card out of the stack and position it on a blank sheet, as it is felt from the condition. The task is to draw the picture, continuing it on the sheet. Describe what happened.
  3. Analysis of existing relationships . To draw blindly 5 cards, for each of which there is a question, and the cards will be the answers to these questions:

Metaphorical Associative Maps - Training

Metaphorical training cards are best spent by certified specialists or authors of those decks that you would like to use in your work. There are a lot of courses on metaphorical maps and it is possible to get them remotely online if there is no possibility to attend the training personally. Popular for today, various courses on art therapy include the section of work with the IAC. But the most effective training is the practice, the experience in working with maps and reading professional literature, sharing experiences at forums dedicated to working with associative decks.

Metaphorical maps - books

Associative maps refer to projective techniques that are considered to be a very effective tool for a psychologist. Each specialist has his favorite deck, not all have benefits, because metaphorical associative maps are more of an intuitive tool. In general, there are standard general rules in working with maps. Some popular decks are so fond of psychologists, and all the experience gained is reflected in the following books:

  1. " Metaphorical maps " G. Katz, E. Mukhamatulina. Application of associative maps in counseling, business coaching, individual work with children and adults. Overview of different decks.
  2. " Associative maps in the work with a difficult case " N. Dmitriev, N. Buravtseva. This manual will be useful in working with deviant adolescents, in the treatment of crisis conditions. The book is interesting for students and already practicing specialists.
  3. " Metaphorical associative maps in family counseling " S. Tolstaya. The manual describes effective techniques and techniques for working with different decks, showing aspects of working in the following family systems: marital, child-parent and sibling.
  4. " 50 MAC technician for all occasions " T. Demeshko. Useful material outlined in the book examines the aspects of work with health, career, the sphere of family relations, finance.
  5. " From the life of everyone " Metaphorical maps in group work. T. Pavlenko. The manual abounds with different techniques of working with decks and touches on the topic of eating behavior disorders - how can this work through the IAC.

Scientific research on metaphorical associative maps

Metaphorical associative maps - many dissertations have been written on this subject, many authoring techniques and decks have been developed. In the course of the study it was confirmed that the human subconscious mind "thinks" with symbols and images, it is the simplest language for expression outside what is in the subconscious , but the result is always impressive. What can not be said and expressed directly in the course of a routine consultation is more easily achieved when working with associative maps - this is a huge therapeutic effect.