The event was dedicated to issues of recovery, psychological resilience, and the mental health of society during wartime and post-war reconstruction.
The speakers of the conference were some of the most experienced practical psychologists in Ukraine, who work with veterans, combatants, former prisoners of war, wounded service members, internally displaced persons, and their families from the very beginning of the hostilities in Ukraine.
The event was joined by Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Tetiana Kiriienko, Director of the Department of Social Protection of the Population of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration Olena Kryshen, regional coordinator of the mental health program “How Are You?” Viktoriia Nazarenko, adviser of the project “Gender-Sensitive Approaches to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Ukraine” Maksym Vernyhora, Acting Head of the Veterans’ Department of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration Oleksandr Pivtoratskyi, as well as representatives of state institutions, hospitals, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, higher education institutions and others.
The key feature of the conference was its format, which included workshops, sectional reports, practical exercises and techniques, and discussions of modern methods of psychological work. Particular attention was given to the urgent needs of veterans and civilians for psychological support, the importance of cooperation between psychologists from various fields and institutions, and the prospects for post-traumatic growth of Ukrainian society.
DSUIA psychologists took part in six workshops where they developed skills in crisis counseling, working with loss, resource-based support, and prevention of emotional burnout. University representatives shared their own experience of working with combatants and wounded veterans undergoing rehabilitation, living with amputations, or working in educational institutions..
According to Serhii Vyshnevskyi, Head of the Psychological Support Department, the practical significance of the event lies in strengthening ties with the professional psychological community of Ukraine and in presenting DSUIA’s experience in crisis counseling, working with loss, and addressing the needs of combatants and veterans.
DSUIA psychologists have already been invited to participate in the third All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Conference “Living Life During and After…” as workshop trainers.
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