OTM THERAPY AS AN INNOVATIVE METHOD OF STRESS MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATION OF PAINTING TECHNIQUES IN PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC PRACTICE
Abstract
Relevance of the study. In the context of increasing collective traumatization caused by military actions, the search for effective psychotherapeutic methods for stabilizing the psycho-emotional state of the population has become critically important.
Purpose and methodology. The aim of this article is to provide a theoretical substantiation and empirical validation of OTM therapy (Obrazotvorche Mystetstvo Therapy) as an innovative method for psychological correction of stress disorders. The abbreviation OTM is derived from Ukrainian and stands for «Therapy through Visual Arts», highlighting three key components of the method: visual image creation, artistic mastery, and therapeutic influence. The methodology includes theoretical-methodological analysis, meta-analysis of empirical studies, content analysis of scientific publications in neuroaesthetics and art therapy, as well as original empirical research using clinical observation, qualitative and quantitative analysis of psycho-emotional dynamics with standardized psychometric tools.
Results. It has been demonstrated that the integration of structured painting techniques with elements of depth psychotherapy leads to significant emotional stabilization (d = 1.85), reduction in anxiety, and restoration of inner resources in conditions of chronic stress.
Conclusions. OTM therapy represents a scientifically grounded and empirically validated approach to overcoming the consequences of psychological traumatization in the context of war.
References
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doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2003.10.003
2. Dobrodary (2024). Art-terapiia za dopomohoiu Land Art: Vidnaidennia Harmonii cherez Pryrodu. Available at: https://dobrodary.org/art-terapiia-za-dopomohoiu-land-art-vidnaydennia-harmonii-cherez-pryrodu/
3. Panasenko, N. M. (2022). Art-terapevtychni metody stabilizatsii psykhoyemotsiynoho stanu. Funktsionuvannia tvorchoho myslennia v umovakh informatsiinoi nevyznachenosti: Materialy 22 Vseukrainskoi naukovo-praktychnoi konferentsii (pp. 169–174). Kyiv: Instytut psykholohii imeni H. S. Kostiuka NAPN Ukrainy. Available at: https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/730807
4. Panasenko, N. M. (2023). Vid travmy do tvorchosti: Art-terapiia u podolanni PTSD ta vidnovlenni psykichnoho zdorovia. Osobystisni ta psykhofiziolohichni resursy zhyttiestiykosti: Materialy IV naukovo-metodychnoho seminaru (pp. 69–71). Kyiv: Instytut psykholohii imeni H. S. Kostiuka NAPN Ukrainy. Available at: https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/737657/
5. Abbing, A., Baars, E. W., Van Haaften, M., De Sonneville, L., Ponstein, A. S., & Swaab, H. (2024). Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) for psychological trauma: A mixed method single case study. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 90, 102174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2024.102174
6. Abbing, A., Baars, E. W., Van Haaften, M., De Sonneville, L., Ponstein, A. S., & Swaab, H. (2024). Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) for psychological trauma: A mixed method single case study. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 90, 102174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2024.102174
7. Abbing, A., Ponstein, A., van Hooren, S., de Sonneville, L., Swaab, H., & Baars, E. (2018). The effectiveness of art therapy for anxiety in adults: A systematic review of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. PLoS One, 13(12), Article 0208716. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208716
8. AATA (2017). American Art Therapy Association Standards.
9. Bandura, A., Freeman, W. H., & Lightsey, R. (1999). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 13(2), 158-166. https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.13.2.158
10. BAAT (2019). British Association of Art Therapists Guidelines
11. Chatterjee, A. (2014). The aesthetic brain: How we evolved to desire beauty and enjoy art. Oxford University Press.
12. Chatterjee, A., & Vartanian, O. (2014). Neuroaesthetics. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(7), 370-375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2014.03.003
13. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
14. Edwards, D. (2014). Art as therapy. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526401533
15. Ellamil, M., Dobson, C., Beeman, M., & Christoff, K. (2012). Evaluative and generative modes of thought during the creative process. NeuroImage, 59(2), 1783-1794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.08.008
16. Gussak, D. (2009). The effects of art therapy on male and female inmates: Advancing the research base. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 36(1), 5-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2008.09.001
17. Ishizu, T., & Zeki, S. (2011). Toward a brain-based theory of beauty. PLoS ONE, 6(7), Article 21852. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0021852
18. Jung, C. G. (1966). The spirit in man, art, and literature. Princeton University Press.
19. Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy
20. Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 45, 68-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2016.02.002
21. King, R., Neilsen, P., & White, E. (2019). Creative arts in counseling and mental health. International Journal of Art Therapy, 24(2), 87-95.
22. Malchiodi, C. A. (2020). Trauma and expressive arts therapy: Brain, body, and imagination in the healing process. Guilford Press.
23. Monti, D. A., Peterson, C., Kunkel, E. J. S., Hauck, W. W., Pequignot, E., Rhodes, L., & Brainard, G. C. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) for women with cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 15(5), 363-373. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.988
24. McNiff, S. (2004). Art as medicine
25. Paivio, A. (1986). Mental representations: A dual coding approach. Oxford University Press.
26. Rogers, N. (1993). The creative connection: Expressive Arts as Healing. Science & Behavior Books.
27. Slayton, S. C., D'Archer, J., & Kaplan, F. (2010). Outcome studies on the efficacy of art therapy: A review of findings. Art Therapy, 27(3), 108-118. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2010.10129660
28. Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497
29. Schaverien, J. (1992). The Revealing Image: Analytical Art Psychotherapy in Theory and Practice. Tavistock Books.
30. Theorell, T., Konarski, K., Westerlund, H., Burell, A. M., Engström, R., Lagercrantz, A. M., Wallén, M. B., Schenck-Gustafsson, K., & Ullén, F. (2009). Treatment of patients with chronic somatic symptoms using a short-term group treatment program: A randomized controlled study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 23(5), 427-438.
31. Ulrich, M., Keller, J., Hoenig, K., Waller, C., & Grön, G. (2014). Neural correlates of experimentally induced flow experiences. NeuroImage, 86, 194-202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.10.030
32. Vartanian, O., & Skov, M. (2014). Neural correlates of viewing paintings: Evidence from a quantitative meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Brain and Cognition, 87, 52-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2014.01.008
33. Winnicott, D. W. (1971). Playing and reality. Tavistock Publications.
34. Zagon, L. (n.d.). Art4Healing® method. Art & Creativity for Healing. https://art4healing.org/
35. Zaidel, D. W. (2010). Art and brain: Insights from neuropsychology, biology and evolution. Journal of Anatomy, 216(2), 177–183. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2009.01099.x
36. Zeki, S. (2001). Artistic creativity and the brain. Science, 293(5527), 51-52. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1062331
37. Zeki, S. (2004). The neurology of ambiguity. Consciousness and Cognition, 13(1), 173–196. https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2003.10.003
Published
2025-11-30
How to Cite
Panasenko, N. (2025). OTM THERAPY AS AN INNOVATIVE METHOD OF STRESS MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATION OF PAINTING TECHNIQUES IN PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC PRACTICE. Kyiv Journal of Modern Psychology and Psychotherapy, 10, 108-122. https://doi.org/10.48020/mppj.2025.02.09
Section
Articles
