“I can’t breathe… It’s like something is crushing me from the inside, stopping me from living,” Oksana (name changed) described during her first session with psychologist Nataliia Lypchak. She had lost her home to the war, left behind everything she had built over the years, and found herself in a foreign city where even simple tasks felt overwhelming. Anxiety, despair, and helplessness became her constant companions.

Realizing she couldn’t cope, Oksana contacted our Hope and Healing Center. Those first sessions were incredibly challenging. Speaking about her feelings and sharing her inner struggles was difficult for her. But Nataliia created a safe, judgment-free space where Oksana could gradually express her emotions and thoughts. Together, they began to untangle the web of fears and shame, moving forward.

To help Oksana rebuild her life, Nataliia used effective cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. These methods taught Oksana to replace overwhelming thoughts with realistic ones. They developed strategies that helped her adapt to her new environment, connect with others, and rediscover joy in life—even finding new hobbies.

After several weeks of therapy, Oksana transformed. She now participates in events, builds new relationships, and confidently makes decisions. Her eyes, once filled with despair, now reflect a renewed interest in life, and her newfound confidence has become the foundation for future achievements.

Contact our center if you feel like the weight of your problems is too much to bear, our psychologists will help you and your loved ones regain a sense of wholeness and create a path toward a brighter future. Call Save Ukraine’s helpline at +380 67 717 71 11 or visit our website to submit a request. Our specialists will contact you soon.

This counseling is part of the Comprehensive Psychological Support for Children and Families Affected by the War program, implemented through the USAID Ukraine Building a Resilient Public Health System project with support from Pact. The initiative provides psychological assistance to displaced adults and children who have experienced trauma.