SPIRITUAL AND MEANINGFUL POTENTIAL OF ART THERAPEUTIC PRACTICES IN PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive theoretical and methodological analysis of the spiritual, value and meaning-making potential of art therapy in the context of personal development, overcoming existential crises and finding life meanings. The evolution of scientific approaches to understanding art therapy is shown – from psychocorrectional technology to a holistic humanistically oriented practice aimed at actualizing internal resources, forming a value-meaning sphere, developing reflection, self-awareness and spiritual maturity of the individual. The theoretical principles of spiritually oriented art therapy are analyzed, which are based on the principles of humanistic psychology, existential analysis, logotherapy, positive psychotherapy and modern concepts of meaning-making. It is shown that artistic creativity is an effective means of symbolizing internal experience, safely processing complex emotional experiences, integrating traumatic experiences, developing self-reflection and restoring psychological integrity. It is substantiated that creative self-expression contributes to the formation of vitality, the development of resilience, the strengthening of internal resources and the development of new meaningful life guidelines in conditions of existential uncertainty.

The potential of intuitive painting as an effective tool for self-knowledge, the development of creative potential, the activation of meaning-making processes and spiritual self-development of the individual is highlighted. It is proven that the spiritual dimension of art therapy creates conditions for the formation of moral autonomy, the development of the ability to self-transcendence, the awareness of one's own uniqueness and responsibility for life choices. Art therapy is considered an important resource for personal transformation, which contributes to the transition from experiencing existential anxiety to finding life meanings, inner harmony and spiritual maturity.