COUNSELING OF PARENTS REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF CHILDREN'S FEARS USING THE MEANS OF STORY THERAPY

Abstract

The article elaborates recommendations for parents on the prevention of children's fears by means of fairy-tale therapy. The definition of fairy-tale therapy is given within the framework of the article. Thus, fairy-tale therapy is proposed to be understood as a method of non-directive psychotherapy, the purpose of which is the transfer of life experience, a way of interacting with the inner self with the help of a special fairy-tale world. Arguments in favor of the use of fairy tales in the prevention of children's fears are given, namely: simplicity, accessibility, non-directiveness, imagery, mythology, etc. It is emphasized that fairy tales contribute to the realization of the potential, opportunities and value of one's own life, to the understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships of events and actions, to the knowledge of different styles of perception of the world, meaningful creative interaction with the surrounding world, and an inner feeling of strength and harmony. The rules of behavior that parents need to follow in the course of preventing children's fears by means of fairy-tale therapy are highlighted (avoid additional psychotraumatic situations, do not overload the child, be in constant contact, reflect the child's emotions, be enthusiastic about the process, do not interrupt the child, use different types of fairy tales, etc.). The possible options for working with a fairy tale are summarized and their explanations are given. In particular, the following aspects of fairy tales are proposed: using a fairy tale as a metaphor, drawing based on a fairy tale, discussing the behavior and motives of the characters, playing episodes of a fairy tale, using a fairy tale as a moral parable, creative work based on a fairy tale, composing fairy tales. The rules of behavior of parents in a critical situation, when a fairy tale becomes an additional traumatic trigger for a child, are highlighted. Yes, it is important to hug the child, constantly saying that the child is safe, because mom or dad is next to him; promise the child that mom and dad will always be there and will be able to protect him; offer to do exercises-movements, and it is also important to explain to the child where there is a fairy tale and where - reality.