In May, the “Children and War: Teaching Recovery Techniques” psychological support groups for teenagers were held in Kamianets-Podilskyi. The groups were facilitated by trainers Tetiana Hordii and Tetiana Khameliuk within the framework of the “Helping Hand for Ukraine” project.

The participants were children and teenagers from Melitopol who were forced to leave their homes because of the war. For many of them, these meetings became not only an opportunity to learn how to better cope with fear and anxiety, but also a space where they could experience support, acceptance, and a sense of safety.

Each group had its own unique character, yet similar changes could be observed in all of them. Teenagers who initially kept their distance or hid their feelings behind humor or reserve gradually learned to talk about their emotions, trust one another, and share meaningful experiences. Within the safe environment of the group, they found support, opened up to sincere communication, and increasingly became a source of support for others. Particularly valuable were the conversations about their experiences of war, the loss of home, and fears that had previously been difficult to discuss even with close family members.

During the sessions, participants learned self-regulation techniques, worked through their fears, practiced recognizing their emotions, and explored their inner resources for recovery and resilience. For many teenagers, exercises focused on creating a sense of safety, developing empowering thoughts, and managing anxiety proved especially meaningful.

By the end of the program, a warm atmosphere of trust and acceptance had developed among the participants. The final meetings were filled with hugs, words of gratitude, and hopes to meet again in the future.

We sincerely thank the trainers for their compassionate and professional work, as well as every child and teenager for their trust, courage, and willingness to walk this path of healing and recovery together.

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