The final part of the first training course for psychologists that work with war victims is concluded

On May 24-27, the third part of the training-course on psychosocial support and mental recovery of people affected by the war took place in Kyiv.

Over four days, thirty participants from various regions of Ukraine mastered the following topics: screening and prioritizing client needs, developing an action plan and setting goals, managing stress responses, identifying stressful situations and triggers, skills for overcoming stress reactions (anger and irritability, sleep problems, chronic stress, apathy, grief reactions), post-traumatic fears, identifying destructive and constructive thoughts, and much more.

Our trainers Olesia Druzhyna and Olena Sudakova not only provided participants with a lot of new theoretical information but also prepared an intense program for practical work in pairs and teams. Specifically, in small groups participants practiced topics such as "Problem Solving," "Encouraging Positive Activity," "Constructive Thinking," as well as using the "Matrix" form.

During the practical work, some psychologists took on the role of clients. Exercises in managing stress reactions helped improve skills in working with people affected by war. Additionally, participants were introduced to techniques that can be applied when working with children.

The event was held in the frames of the "Peace Building and Conflict Resolution in Ukraine – Step Forward" project, implemented with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office’s funds by IFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen), Funding programme zivik.