Continuation of the Therapeutic Support Group for Women Who Have Experienced Trauma from Violence
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, a therapeutic support group for women who have experienced trauma from violence took place in Kyiv. The group was conducted by psychologist Eleonora Davtyan, a member of the NGO “Ecological Network of Ukraine,” who brought together participants in a safe space where each woman had the opportunity to share her experiences in a secure and supportive environment.
Goal of the Group:
- Formation of a group field and sense of unity among the participants.
- Reduction of emotional and physical tension.
- Work on personal growth and life satisfaction analysis.
Description of Techniques and Exercises:
- Methodology for Creating Group Field:
A technique was used to foster a sense of unity and support within the group. Participants worked in pairs, performing exercises aimed at developing empathy. One of the key practices was mutual listening and collaborative task completion, which promoted a harmonious exchange of energy and improved mutual understanding. A collective exercise was also conducted, where participants conveyed their feelings through non-verbal means (facial expressions, gestures), helping to strengthen the internal unity of the group. - Two Exercises for Reducing Tension: • Relaxation Exercise “Breathing with Emotion”:
Participants practiced deep breathing with a focus on consciously exhaling negative emotions and tension. The exercise helped them release emotional burdens and restore inner balance.
• Physical Warm-up:
A series of exercises focused on muscle tension and relaxation was conducted to alleviate physical tension. These exercises improved physical well-being, helped reduce fatigue, and relaxed tense areas of the body. - Personal Growth Technique “Wheel of Life Balance”:
The exercise allowed participants to assess their level of satisfaction in various areas of life (work, relationships, health, hobbies, finances, etc.). Each participant distributed their energy across the wheel and identified areas in which they needed development or change. This enabled them to recognize their weak points and set concrete goals for improving their lives.
The technique also helped participants understand which aspects required more attention, serving as a foundation for further work within the group.
Homework: Participants were given several tasks to continue their work:
- Continue working on the “Wheel of Life Balance” technique, recording specific steps to improve the areas with the lowest scores.
- Keep a journal in which they track their emotions and physical state throughout the week. This will allow them to monitor changes and note progress in various aspects of life.
Results:
Participants expressed satisfaction with the session. Most noted the positive atmosphere in the group and the importance of the proposed exercises for personal development. Specifically, relaxation practices helped reduce emotional tension, while self-esteem exercises contributed to a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Participants mentioned that they were eagerly looking forward to the next sessions for further work and growth.
The session was an important step in the process of building group unity and identifying paths for the personal growth of each participant. Further group work will help participants achieve greater harmony in various areas of life and strengthen their inner resources to overcome life’s challenges.
