A course of “Children and War: Teaching Recovery Techniques” therapy sessions for children, traumatised by military actions in Eastern Ukraine, and their parents (IDPs), was held in Kolomyia in December 2016 – January 2017 as a part of Phase V of the “Helping Hand for Ukraine” project. The therapy was conducted by psychologists Natalya Zhydak and Volodymyr Akimov who went through respective certified training in Ivano-Frankivsk, and Ihor Ivakhniuk, Head of Children Affairs of Kolomyia City Council.
The participants (20 adults and 11 children) learned practical techniques of overcoming difficulties which they can apply nowadays and in future if necessary. They also touched acute topics of traumatising flashbacks, stressful situations and fears. The children adopted new experience readily, showed their intellectual and creative potential. Therapy sessions were held in the premises of Kolomyia city hall.
