As the level of the psychologist’s professional competence is assessed by a client through the application of criteria for effective and short-period therapy, it is the study of images that makes it possible to find a faster way to solve the client’s deep problems. The paper is aimed at analyzing psychological approaches to the application of images and symbols. Such techniques reflect the general evolution in psychological practice. 1. Sign priority over symbol (Freud). This period witnesses subjectivity and unambiguity in interpreting that sometimes destroys the subject. 2) Individual analysis of the dynamic interaction between archetypes (Yung and his disciples) can be described as a period of symbolism in applying an image in psychological practice. Taking into account the client’s subjective experience is important, but the formula for interpreting the basic archetypes is preserved. 3. «Clean language» and «symbolic modelling»: Environmentally friendly reconstruction of the client’s symbolic world. It works not only in the visual and behavioral modes. Working with verbal representations makes it possible to reach the specificity of understanding of the world.