Perepelytsia Oleksandra Valentynivna

Education:

• University of Educational Management, National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, psychologist, crisis psychologist;
• International Institute for Symbol Drama by Hanscarl Leuner, psychotherapist of the Symbol Drama method (Catathym-Imaginative Psychotherapy);
• Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, biologist, biology teacher

Membership in associations, societies; attending conferences, thematic improvement courses:

• membership in the Symbol Drama Society of Ukraine named after Hanscarl Leuner, Mental Adviser Group, Ukrainian Association of Art Therapists (UAAT), and other professional communities;
• advanced training within the educational project "Child Psychiatric and Pediatric Propaedeutics" and the theoretical specialization course "Psychodynamic Integrative Psychotherapy for Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Youth" at the Ukrainian Institute of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Counseling (USP);
• specialization courses "Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: A Modern Integrative Approach" and "Symbol Drama in Working with Children and Adolescents" at the Institute for the Development of Symbol Drama and Depth Psychology (IRSHP);
• completion of educational and theoretical seminars and courses on "Solving Existential Problems and Questions of Relation to Death," "Psychotherapeutic Work in Family Crises," and "Symbol Drama and Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis OPD-2" by the International Society for Catathymic Experience of Images and Imaginative Methods (MTKPO);
• courses and trainings on psychotherapeutic techniques: "Working with PTSD and Traumatic Experience using See Far CBT" (Educational-Psychological Center "Content" / CSPC, Israel); online course "Initiatic Art Therapy" at the Institute of Sensori-motor and Initiatic Art Therapy; training course "Propaedeutics of Mental Illnesses" with an emphasis on Symbol Drama (Symbol Drama Society of Ukraine named after Hanscarl Leuner); courses on career guidance and self-realization, diagnosis of dysfunctional patterns using the Symbol Drama method (International Organization "Symbol Drama in Israel and Ukraine"), as well as the course "Symbol Drama in Working with Children and Adolescents" (IRSHP);
• specialized courses: "Theory and Practice of Psychodynamic Art Therapy" (International Institute of Depth Psychology) and a course in positive psychotherapy (Ukrainian Institute of Positive Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy, WAPP);
• participation in supervision groups and Balint group.

Areas of professional development:

• in-depth study of psychotherapy for children and adolescents, child psychiatric and pediatric propaedeutics through specialized training courses and seminars.

Priority areas in clinical practice:

• diagnosis and correction of psycho-emotional states in children (from 5 years old), adolescents, and adults using Symbol Drama (catathym-imaginative psychotherapy) and art therapy;
• work with children: assistance with fears, anxious and depressive states, psycho-emotional tension, separation anxiety disorder, social adaptation difficulties, anger management and impulsivity issues, emotional instability, low self-esteem, difficulties in peer relationships, neurotic manifestations (e.g., non-organic enuresis or encopresis), as well as support in resolving parent-child relationship problems;
• psychoeducation for parents regarding children's psychological development and parenting specifics, and family support during age-related crises;
• work with adults: reduction of psycho-emotional tension, restoration and strengthening of psychological resources, overcoming emotional burnout, depressive states, fears, and anxiety, as well as psychosomatic symptoms. Assistance in resolving internal conflicts, improving relationships, correcting self-esteem, forming healthy psychological boundaries, and working with existential questions.

Tell us about your professional interests other than your specialization:

• psychosomatics;
• dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Hobbies, favorite movies, books:

• "My work combines an interest in science with a desire to help others. Working with people requires not only knowledge but also inner resilience, attentiveness to oneself and others. Therefore, I regularly improve my qualifications and take care of my own resources: I practice yoga, participate in art practices, and recharge during walks in nature."

Doctor's advice:

• "Take care of your emotional stability and inner balance — this is the foundation of your health and quality of life. If you are parents, your attention, support, and time spent together create a safe environment where your child can unleash their unique abilities — not only in learning but also in communication, creativity, sports, or leadership. Your child is a unique individual, and it's crucial to listen to them, creating a space of love where their talents can unfold. Self-care helps preserve resources for a happy and balanced life. Don't ignore your own needs, find time to recharge, and seek professional support when needed."