PECULIARITIES OF ORGANIZING AND CONDUCTING PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING FOR PARTICIPANTS N THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The article highlights the relevance of psychological counseling in preschool educational institutions as an essential component in ensuring children’s mental health and harmonious development. In the context of societal and educational changes, as well as the increasing psycho-emotional burden on children, educators, and parents, the need for qualified psychological support is significantly growing. The author views psychological counseling as a systematic professional activity aimed at supporting all participants in the educational process – the child, their family, and educators.The publication analyzes the main objectives of counseling in preschool institutions, including the promotion of children’s emotional well-being, correction of behavioral difficulties, development of social and communication skills, prevention of anxiety, and support during the adaptation process to new environments. The importance of early identification of psycho-emotional disorders and timely response to parents’ or educators’ concerns is emphasized.Special attention is given to the specifics of psychological counseling for preschool- aged children, which necessitates the use of indirect, gentle intervention methods such as play therapy, art therapy, fairy-tale therapy, and projective techniques. All of these approaches aim to create a safe space for the child to express themselves, their feelings, and experiences. At the same time, work with parents and educators focuses on explaining age-related characteristics of children, shaping effective parenting strategies, reducing adult anxiety, and strengthening adult-child interaction.The main forms of counseling in preschool educational institutions are outlined – individual, group, consultative-educational, preventive, corrective-developmental, and family counseling. The importance of collaboration between the psychologist and educators, medical staff, and social services is emphasized in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the child’s needs.