Private psychologists from various charitable organizations and psychological assistance centers, as well as school psychologists and social educators came to a three-day training in Slavyansk, Donetsk region, to learn self-help techniques for the program “Children and War. Teaching Recovering Techniques”. 14 specialists from Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, Kamensky Dnepropetrovsk region and Zolote Lugansk region were trained by experienced trainers from Kiev – Irina Sukhova, Natalya Podolyak and Elena Bozhor. All participants were very motivated and came for effective tools to help immigrants, as well as families living in eastern Ukraine, where battles were or are going on right now. The coaches, along with their “students”, worried about their loved ones, who were in the territories subjected to shelling right during the training. We hope very much that the healing techniques will help trained specialists and their wards overcome the accumulated fear and hard memories, and that they will be able to look ahead with hope.
The event took place on October 7–9 thanks to the support of the “Helping Hand for Ukraine” project.
Feedback from participants:
Galina Suprunenko, social worker (Slavyansk, Donetsk region): “I remembered what happened 5 years ago. I realized – my “war” remained in me. I worked on the technique. They work!!! Actually, since for sure most of the inhabitants of Slavyansk have their own war. I liked all the techniques and cartoons. Not enough time – I wanted to continue. Cool coaches, cool atmosphere. Thanks!”
Viktoria Yanovskaya, psychologist, school No.1 and No.11 (Kramatorsk, Donetsk region): “The topic is very relevant. It was useful that there were a lot of exercises, and it was possible to work out each of them on oneself. Just enough! Thanks for the practice and experience. I got material with which I can quickly help others”.
Svetlana Savenkova (Nikolaevka, Donetsk region): “The topic was useful, since childhood trauma is not an isolated case, and it is useful to know how to understand this and how you can help. The most useful is experience, experience from life and experience in practicing exercises. Everything was good and voluminous. Thanks for your work, experience and good atmosphere”.
Anna Gaponova (Nikolaevka, Donetsk region): “For me personally, the topic is not urgent, but it is aimed at working with injured people and showed how, without any unique diplomas and incredible awards, I can help a person who needs it. Harmonious combination of practice and theory. Everything was great. A capacious, simple, succinctly presented material. The work of the trainers is simply invaluable!”
Olga Bezruk, psychologist, Center “Union of Samaritans of Ukraine” (Zolote, Lugansk region): “At this stage of my life – it’s very important! On a thermometer – 10 points. Both for work, and personally! I liked the whole program as a whole. Thanks! Cool! Useful! Resource!”
Larisa Sushko, psychologist, schools No.16 and No.12 (Kramatorsk, Donetsk region): “For me, the information is very relevant. Schools have many references on this topic. Useful drawings that helped to work out the traumatic event. The Ladder of Fear exercise was very resourceful and practical. Grateful for everything. Thank you for your inspiration and strength for further work with children”.
Anna Zlobova, Kramatorsk educational complex, school No.6 (Kramatorsk, Donetsk region): “100% relevant. The most useful are techniques and answers to questions. There was not enough practical study of the group: I would like to stay more in the role of a coach and hear recommendations. This is one of my best experiences attending such events thanks to the level of trainers”.
