A series of the “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” group therapy sessions has been conducted in Vinnytsia. This initiative provides psychological support to children affected by the consequences of war, helping them process traumatic experiences, learn self-help techniques, and discover inner resources for recovery.
Visible Changes from the Start
With each session, trainers observed noticeable improvements in the children’s mood and emotional state. Initially, painful memories triggered intense reactions, but through specially designed exercises, children began to respond to their experiences with less distress.
“Each session transformed the way how children perceived their memories and traumatic events. We witnessed them gradually opening up, learning to overcome fear and sadness, and stabilizing their emotions,” the trainers share.
Vyacheslav’s Story: A Path to Hope
One of the participants, Vyacheslav, a 15-year-old boy from Kherson, experienced the hardships of war firsthand. Due to constant shelling, his family had to hide in a basement, and after one attack, their house was damaged, and their yard was destroyed. With no electricity, they stayed at friends’ for several days before evacuating to Vinnytsia.
At first, Vyacheslav barely spoke. But during one exercise, he shared a painful memory—the day his dog went missing. He and his mother searched for their beloved pet but never found him. This loss haunted the boy, becoming one of his most distressing memories.
At the final session, Vyacheslav expressed a new perspective—he now believes that someone found his dog and is taking care of him. “I imagine that his new owner is also a boy, just like me. And maybe, one day, we will meet,” he said with a smile.
The Importance of Such Initiatives
The “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” program continues to prove its effectiveness in helping children cope with trauma. Through structured exercises, emotional support, and a safe space for sharing experiences, participants can reframe their past and take steps toward healing.
This is yet another example of why it is crucial to create environments for children’s psychological rehabilitation, ensuring they receive the support needed to overcome the impact of war.
This project was created by (insert name of the organization – Grant Recipient) with the support of a
