ART-THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF THE SYNERGY OF RELIGION AND ART IN WAR CONDITIONS: METHODOLOGICAL GUIDELINES OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Abstract

The article explores the therapeutic potential of the synergy between religious symbols and narratives and artistic meanings, with a focus on its significance in the context of the war in Ukraine. The author reflects on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates philosophy, religious studies, theology, and cultural studies to comprehend the complex processes of trauma and recovery. Special attention is given to three types of art therapy: (1) archetypal therapy based on the ideas of C. G. Jung, which reveals the role of the collective unconscious; (2) existential therapy, which emphasizes the importance of the search for meaning despite the absurdity of war; and (3) aesthetic-cathartic therapy, which facilitates emotional cleansing through empathy and inner transformation. The study also examines the impact of such practices on the formation of a culture of memory, social responsibility, and the support of psycho-emotional well-being in crisis situations. The researcher underscores the importance of developing practical methodologies for implementing the therapeutic potential of religious-artistic synergy in the fields of chaplaincy, art therapy, and humanitarian aid.