Continues of Therapeutic Support Groups for women who have experienced trauma from violence

This Saturday 9th of November 2024 a second session of the therapeutic support group took place in Kyiv, Ukraine. The group was led by psychologist Eleonora Davtian, a member of the PO “Ecological Network of Ukraine,” who gathered participants in a save space where each woman had the opportunity to share her experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

1. Purpose of the meeting
The main goal of the second meeting of the therapeutic group was to stabilize the internal state of the participants, improve their self-regulation skills, and develop active listening and empathy. We focused on exploring the connection between emotions and the body, as well as establishing a deeper connection with the external world.

2. Description of Exercises and Techniques

• Stabilizing the internal state: Participants engaged in exercises aimed at calming both the mind and body. These included breathing techniques and simple body practices that helped reduce tension and anxiety within the group.
• Active listening: As part of this exercise, each participant had the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings, while others listened without interrupting, responding through non-verbal cues — eye contact, nodding, and supportive facial expressions.
• Exploring the connection between emotions and the body: Participants worked on becoming more aware of how emotions manifest through physical sensations. They discussed where in the body they feel different emotional states and learned to better recognize these signals.
• Contact with the world: The final part of the session was an exercise aimed at re-establishing contact with the external world through mindful interaction with the environment, which included meditative practices focused on presence in the moment and attention to small details around them.

3. Results of the Meeting

• Emotional support: Participants noted that during the group work, they felt supported and understood by others, contributing to an atmosphere of safety and trust.
• Increased self-awareness: All participants observed that thanks to the exercises, they became more attentive to their emotions and physical sensations. This allowed them to better understand their reactions in stressful situations.
• Improved communication skills: Active listening helped participants better understand each other and improve their emotional support skills in the group context.

4. Next Steps
In the upcoming sessions, we plan to continue working on self-regulation and emotional literacy. Special attention will be given to further exploring the connection between bodily sensations and emotions, as well as addressing inner barriers that prevent the establishment of deeper connections both with oneself and with others.