Group recovery: psychological support at I'Mariupol centers

The team of the mayor of Mariupol pays attention to the psychological and emotional state of Mariupol residents.  I’Mariupol centers offer not only personal sessions with psychologists but also group sessions. Thanks to this kind of support, our fellow countrymen feel much better and find the inner strength for life. During trainings with specialists, Mariupol residents unite, overcome psychological barriers and open up to new things. 

For example, at one of these meetings in Ivano-Frankivsk, Mariupol residents analysed their strengths and weaknesses, identified fears that hinder their development using art coaching techniques and metaphorical cards. They also developed new strategies to achieve their goals. 

In Vinnytsia, participants of a group session talked about anxiety and depression, which can be exacerbated by food mistakes. Mariupol residents got acquainted with this topic and learnt about the impact of our diet on our physical and emotional state. As part of the event, they also cooked. 

Among the participants was a Mariupol resident Zoia: "I took part in an interesting masterclass for adults on cooking healthy food. This is an opportunity not only to feel like a chef, but also to taste delicious and healthy food." 

Vinnytsia also hosts art therapy workshops with tea drinking based on the 5-4-3-2-1 stress management methodology, which involves all the senses.

"A handmade candle with a wish for a loved one becomes a pleasant bonus from a group psychological session," says Halyna, the psychologist of I’Mariupol. Vinnytsia.
 

In Ternopil, through creative psychological group sessions, participants build a psychological foundation together. 

In search of their own resources, Mariupol residents are exploring their psychological support points together with a psychologist from the I’Mariupol center in Ternopil. Reflections and analysis of life situations together with a specialist raise the spirit of the women in Mariupol. 

Every week in Khmelnytskyi, group classes are held in various areas: art therapy, neurography, and psychological meetings. Recently, the women from Mariupol attended an art therapy class called " Loose mandala with cereals ".

"During the art therapy session, we created resource mandalas in which we searched for our own support point. Thanks to the exercise, we got a useful and effective technique in our difficult times," says Lesia, the psychologist at the centre.

Together with specialists, we take care of the psychological health of Mariupol residents and restore their resources.