Therapeutic Support Group for women who have experienced trauma from violence
This Saturday 26th of October 2024 the first session of the therapeutic support group aimed at women who have experienced traumatic violence (including representatives of LGBTIQ communities) 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.
The first step of the meeting involved discussing the group rules, particularly the importance of confidentiality, which helped create an atmosphere of trust and openness. The participants agreed to adhere to these principles, laying the foundation for further work.
Next, the group was introduced to the psychological support module, which covered the key aspects of group therapy. The facilitator emphasized how group work can impact the participants’ psychological state, aiding in their emotional recovery.
Following this, the participants got to know each other, allowing each woman to share about herself and her experiences. This helped foster a sense of community and support, as all the women were in similar circumstances.
The main topic of the session was the concept of trauma: the participants learned what trauma is and how it affects the psyche and emotional state. The facilitator highlighted that recognizing one’s own experiences is an important step on the path to healing.
Next was a session where participants could share their experiences of traumatic violence. This became a powerful moment for each of them, as connecting with women who had undergone similar situations created a sense of solidarity.
After discussing their experiences, the group moved on to exercises for managing anxiety. These techniques provided participants with practical tools to better control their emotions and relax in difficult situations.
At the end of the meeting, participants shared their impressions of the session. They expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere of support and understanding, noting that they gained new tools for dealing with their emotions.
To conclude, the facilitator announced the invitation to the next session, presenting a new topic that intrigued the participants and encouraged them to continue their work in the group.
The event marked an important step for each participant on their journey toward healing and personal growth.
This is the first event that the public organization “Ecological Network of Ukraine” is conducting for women who have experienced trauma from violence.
