INTEGRATION OF EXPERIENCES THROUGH SYMBOL AND ACTION: THE «DOT MANDALA» METHOD

Abstract

The article presents the author’s method “Mandala by Dots” as an innovative tool for emotional stabilization, combining the simplicity of technical execution with the depth of symbolic meaning. The aim of the study is to substantiate the therapeutic, diagnostic, and educational potential of the method in conditions of psycho-emotional tension, loss, and crisis. The methodology is based on the integration of art therapy, body-sensory, cognitive, and s ymbolic approaches, allowing the process of creating a mandala to be considered as a multidimensional act of self-expression and self-regulation. The central idea lies in the use of dots as a metaphor for the fragmentation of the inner state, while the process of connecting them symbolizes the path toward integration, coherence, and inner order. Within the study, the influence of the method on the development of reflection, reduction of anxiety, improvement of group dynamics, and the formation of a sense of inner support is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the symbolic dimension of the practice, which contributes to the transformation of chaotic experiences into structured images with therapeutic effect. The practical significance of the method lies in its universality: it can be adapted for work with children, educators, women who have experienced traumatic events, and can be integrated into inclusive education programs, emotional resilience training, and certification courses for professionals in supportive fields. The social implications of applying the method include the creation of a safe space for self-expression, support of mental health, and the development of ecological pedagogy oriented toward harmonizing the inner and outer worlds of the individual. The originality of the method lies in the step-by-step creation of a mandala without a predefined form, which enables the client not only to express emotions but also to structure them, visualize direction, and activate inner resources. Future research directions include the study of the diagnostic potential of the method, its impact on integration processes in post-traumatic states, and its possible use in interdisciplinary psychosocial support programs.