The event was organised as part of the project Erasmus+ KA220-ADU TRUST: Trauma of refugees in Europe: An approach through art therapy as a solidarity program for Ukraine war victims (Grant Agreement No. 2024-BE01-KA220-ADU-000257527).
The project title is decoded as follows:
TRUST
T – Trauma
R – Refugees
U – Ukraine
S – Solidarity
T – Therapy
The project is co-funded by the EU and led by the Centre Neuro Psychiatrique St-Martin from Belgium, in partnership with the National University «Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic» (Ukraine), Greek Carers Network EPIONI (Greece), Fondazione Don Luigi Di Liegro (Italy), Lekama Foundation (Luxembourg), EuroPlural Project (Portugal).
At the beginning of the meeting, the working group of experts, consisting of the staff of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of the National University «Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic» – Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor Kira Sedykh, PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, Acting Head of the Department Lesia Klevaka, PhD in Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor Victoria Shevchuk, and PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Maryna Teslenko – outlined the primary goal of the session as creating a safe space for emotional expression, mutual support, and self-discovery through art. They drew the participants' attention to the importance of caring for mental health in the context of military instability, discussing the mechanisms of adaptation to change and the resources of inner resilience.
The participants in the event were students from various specialities and courses of the National University «Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic» who had a great opportunity not only to get acquainted with one another but also to share their life stories, experiences, and expectations from participating in art therapy.
The first step towards creating an atmosphere of trust and understanding was an introductory questionnaire, which would enable the experts to understand better the emotional state of the participants, their individual needs, and to identify topics that require special attention during the subsequent meetings.
The practical part of the session included the implementation of two key art therapy exercises. The first, “Draw Your Coat of Arms,” became a powerful tool for self-identification, allowing each participant to convey their inner values, sources of strength, and hope symbolically. This creative act contributed to emotional release and the strengthening of self-esteem.
The second exercise, “Tree of Meanings”, invited the participants on a deep journey into their inner world. In the process of creating an image of a tree, the branches of which symbolised personal meanings, life supports, and motivations, participants were able to structure their own experiences and see themselves as a source of strength and potential, even in difficult life circumstances.
The event ended with a warm discussion of the experience gained. In a sincere atmosphere of support and trust, the participants expressed deep gratitude for the created space of safety and inspiration, as well as for the opportunity for emotional renewal through creativity. The interest in continuing meetings of this format indicates the relevance and importance of continuous psycho-emotional support.
The participants thanked the organisers for the opportunity to feel heard, understood, and supported, which is one of the most valuable resources in times of challenges.
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National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”
