“I will never be the person I was before,” Anna thought as she attended her first group session. She had faced the loss of her home, constant stress, and challenges that shook her confidence and self-belief.

At the first meeting, Anna was withdrawn, her eyes reflecting hopelessness: “I can’t do this.” But gradually, in the safe space created by our psychologist, Daria Zagranyuk, things began to change. Exercises designed to help participants recognize their strengths and internal resources allowed Anna to see herself in a new light.

One task stood out in particular: participants were asked to share each other’s achievements. When the group started talking about Anna, she was astonished. Persistence, creativity, and the ability to support others—these were qualities everyone else saw in her, though she could not see them in herself. That moment was a turning point.

After several sessions with Daria, Anna felt her energy and self-confidence gradually returning. She became an active participant in group discussions and eagerly engaged in the exercises. Most importantly, she rediscovered her value and uniqueness.
“Now I know I can rely on myself, even when things get tough,” Anna shared at the end of the program. It is possible to find the strength for recovery and a fresh start with support and dedicated self-work.

These consultations are part of the Comprehensive Psychological Assistance for Children and Families Affected by the War program, which is implemented under the USAID project building a Sustainable Public Health System with Pact support. The program provides psychological assistance to displaced adults and children who have experienced trauma.