Church supports those released from captivity: 9 families of servicemen undergo psychological rehabilitation and spiritual renewal

In total, 9 military families took part in the rehabilitation. The camp was held in the village of Maidan, near Krekhiv in Western Ukraine. Spiritual support was provided by Father Vasyl Kinakh and “Vikha” animation team, while psychological assistance was provided by qualified psychologists and psychotherapists from Khmelnytskyi who specialise in working with people released from captivity.

“In one location, we met with those released from captivity, representing Khmelnytskyi, Kherson, Kharkiv, Dnipro and other regions. Most of these participants were taken prisoner during the steadfast and desperate defence of ‘Azovstal’ in Ukrainian Mariupol,” says Fr Lyubomyr Yavorskyy, Patriarchal Econom of the UGCC and Director of the Patriarchal Foundation Mudra Sprava.

Psychological rehabilitation and restoration of mental health

During rehabilitation, the participants, together with psychologists, acquired new knowledge and skills, including:

1. Strengthening self-presentation skills and positive self-perception.
2. Development of psychological aspects of personal growth.
3. Enrichment of creative potential.
4. Formation of skills of interaction, cooperation, and communication in a team.
5. Development of skills for effective stress management and crisis management.
6. Analysis and regulation of the emotional state.
7. Ability to restore and build relationships in the family.
8. Development of skills to manage personal emotions and emotional balance.
9. Developing the ability to find resources and motivation, etc.

The children were offered a game program, skilfully organised by the animators of the “Vikhy” spiritual school. They had the opportunity not only to take part in various games, but also to demonstrate their knowledge in quizzes, their talents in competitions and their skills in workshops.

In the family circle

“We made an attempt to rehabilitate the whole family and we were right. Firstly, everyone was really involved. Because most often the problem is not in the serviceman himself, but in the environment, which is waiting for the person, so misunderstandings begin after his return. Secondly, the therapeutic process, which involves personal emotions and the closest relatives, moves much faster. Thirdly, the whole family is tuned in to the same wavelength, to positive self-perception and support, the discovery of new creative abilities, spiritual guidance, and thus develops new traditions, rules, and hobbies. Fourthly, we heard psychologists say that no one has ever done family rehabilitation, although the need has been long overdue. So, this further motivated us,” says project coordinator Albina Brilliantova.

What is next?

“We can already see the positive impact of rehabilitation on the participants, who have begun to open up. In their feedback, they shared that the Church is there today and is doing what is needed most. Today, we plan to hold three such rehabilitation sessions,” Fr Lyubomyr Yavorskyy shares his thoughts after the visit of the released soldiers.