Creative Methods of Overcoming Stress: a Comparative Analysis of Various Approaches in Psychological Counselling/Psychotherapy

Abstract

Background. In the modern geopolitical situation, Russians increasingly show symptoms of life stress, which causes an increase in anxiety and depressive states, and the need for ecologic and effective forms of self-help, psychocorrection, psychological assistance, psychotherapy is growing. At the same time, the problem of using creative methods to provide assistance in various approaches to psychotherapy and psychological counseling is insufficiently covered in the literature. Despite the wide range of methods used, there is no holistic analysis of creative methods within the framework of various psychological paradigms.

Objective. To study the possibilities of applying creative methods of overcoming life stress within the framework of various psychological approaches and modalities in domestic and foreign scientific literature.

Methods. A systematic analysis of the literature in databases (PubMed, ELIBRARY, Google Scholar) was conducted using the keywords "creative method", "stress", "psychological counselling", "art therapy", "expressive therapy" and their combinations. The analysis included the articles on using creative methods in different types of psychotherapy, including art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, and dance movement therapy.

Results. The analysis made it possible to summarize information about creative methods, the mechanisms of their impact, and the possibilities of applying creativity in accordance with the theoretical principles of the main psychotherapeutic approaches. It has been shown that art therapy using artistic means, music, dance-movement and drama therapy lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels. The use of a combination of creative methods and techniques related to other areas of psychotherapy, as well as integrative approaches, was also effective, in particular, for people suffering from migraines and pregnant women.

Conclusions. Creative methods have a significant potential in dealing with stress. Their use and integration into existing therapeutic approaches enhance the possibilities of psychotherapy. However, additional research is needed to expand the evidence base and determine the optimal ways to use them in dealing with stress.

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