As part of the PACT project, our consulting psychologists continue to provide valuable assistance to those affected by the war. One particularly noteworthy case is the story of 12-year-old Artem, whose childhood was stolen by war and the occupation of his hometown.

During her first meeting with the teenager, psychologist Olena Kramarenko encountered a withdrawn and distant child. Artem, who had spent several years in the isolation of an occupied city, faced severe challenges with socialization. He avoided contact with peers and adults, showed no initiative and any communication caused him noticeable anxiety and distress.

Olena understood that this was a challenging case. She knew that every individual is unique and that each situation requires a personalized approach. Therefore, she decided not to use standard methods but to develop a unique psychological pathway for her patient.
The first sessions were focused on building trust. The psychologist patiently listened to the boy, allowing him to share his experiences at his own pace. She used various methods—from art to play therapy—to help Artem express his feelings and emotions.

Gradually, Olena began introducing elements of group therapy. At first, the boy was reluctant to participate in group activities, but eventually, he became more open. The psychologist encouraged his small victories whenever he dared to speak to another child or participate in a group game.

With each session, Olena observed positive changes. Artem started participating more actively in group games and initiating conversations with other children. He increasingly raised his hand to answer questions during discussions, and his responses became more detailed and confident.

Olena’s work extended beyond the child; she also engaged with his family. It was crucial to help the parents understand their son’s needs and support him in his recovery process. Collaboration was also established with the boy’s teachers. Olena provided recommendations to educators on how to best interact with this student in the school environment.

After several months of therapy, Artem became much more confident. He made new friends and finally began to talk about his desires and dreams. While there is still much work ahead, the first steps toward restoring his childhood have been taken.

The consultations are part of the Comprehensive Psychological Assistance for Children and Families Affected by War program, implemented within the USAID project Building a Sustainable Public Health System with the support of PACT. The program aims to provide psychological support to displaced persons—both adults and children—who have experienced trauma.

P.S. The child’s name has been changed for safety reasons.