During March-May, trainers of the “Helping Hand for Ukraine” project conducted “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” therapy courses in Khmelnytskyi and Rivne regions. Larysa Sushko and Tetiana Solovei worked with the participants in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi region. Olena Lysianska and Tetiana Drabych worked in Berezne, Rivne region. Trainers taught children techniques of psychological self-help and recovery in conditions of stress.
We are sincerely grateful to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) for the financial support of our project.
We share one of the many stories of children who attend “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” therapy sessions to heal their souls, receive support from trainers and peers, learn to process their pain, overcome sadness, fears, obsessive thoughts and memoirs.
Ivan is 16 years old. Before the war, he lived in Selydove, Donetsk region, with his mother, father and younger brother. He loves sports and is training to become a professional boxer. At one session, Ivan shared his experiences with the trainers and group members: “My father went to protect us when the war started. I am very proud of him, but also very worried about him, especially when he does not write or contact me for days. I know that he is strong and courageous, that he will survive, I believe in him. My mother also believes, but often cries. We support her as much as we can. I continue to study and renew my training schedule so that I don’t lose shape. I am preparing for the competition that will take place in autumn; it is very important for me.” During the sessions, it was noticeable that Ivan has a strong connection with his father and worries about his health and safety. When children were creating amulets from air dry clay, Ivan sculpted the figure of his father, a warrior-protector, as a symbol of his support. And when they did the “Safe place” exercise, he drew his house and his dad, who came home alive and healthy.
