A training session dedicated to the psychological support of military personnel returning from the front and their families took place in Ternopil. The event was led by clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Liubov Kachura.
“Rehabilitation is not just about prosthetics and physical recovery. Above all, it’s about restoring mental health,” says expert Liubov Kachura.
The meeting focused on how war impacts a person’s psyche and what steps can help veterans during the adaptation process. The expert shared practical advice to keep in mind when communicating with veterans:
- respect the veteran’s right to remain silent and avoid pressing them on topics they’re not ready to discuss;
- do not interrupt when the veteran is speaking;
- be an attentive listener, as sometimes “I’m fine” can mask deeper pain;
- avoid judgments and clichés;
- when working with families, create an atmosphere of calm, avoid pressure and pay attention to their own needs.
This event was held as part of the Empower Ukraine project, supported by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), CBM and the European Disability Forum (EDF).