Hierarchy of methodological features of metaphorical associative cards

Object of the study: methodology of art-therapeutic practices. Subject of the study: methodological foundations of metaphorical associative cards. The purpose of the article is to identify the hierarchy of methodological features of metaphorical associative cards. Metaphorical associative cards have become firmly established in the practice of psychotherapeutic work of psychologists. However, their methodological features in scientific and psychological research are clearly not sufficiently described and developed. The types of metaphorical associative cards have a significant variety and are constantly expanding. Due to this, they have found wide application in practice, allowing to enrich training and consulting work with children and youth. The main functions of the cards are psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic, they contribute to the search for an individual way out of crisis situations. The materials of the analysis are publications of recent years devoted to various aspects of the analysis and practice of metaphorical associative cards. The article is based on the categorical-systemic methodology. As research methods were used theoretical analysis and synthesis. The materials of the analysis were publications of recent years devoted to various aspects of the analysis of the theory and practice of MAC. The novelty of the research lie in identification of hierarchical determinants of the methodological foundations of metaphorical associative cards as a means of psychotherapy. When considering the methodological features of metaphorical associative cards, one should rely on technologies inherent in art therapy. Such support contributes to the creation of new techniques, methods and decks of metaphorical associative cards for solving vital problems of clients. Reliance on creativity and goal-setting when working with metaphorical associative cards seems important.