At the Psychological Support Spaces (PPP) of In Touch Ukraine Foundation, our online psychologists provide assistance to children of various ages, helping them cope with anxiety and stress caused by the war. One of the key aspects of their work is individual consultations and sessions that may include the participation of parents.
Individual Consultations
Psychologists hold individual consultations with children, offering them a safe space to openly express their feelings and experiences. This format helps children feel comfortable sharing what’s bothering them without fear of judgment or being misunderstood. The psychologist uses different techniques to help the child understand and manage their emotions, fostering self-regulation and emotional support skills.
Joint Sessions with Parents
Psychologists often propose a format where part of the session involves the parents, and part is conducted individually with the child. Here’s how these sessions usually unfold:
- Initial Session with Parents: The session begins with a discussion with the parents about the current situation. The psychologist listens to their observations and concerns, and together they set the goals for the consultation. This allows the psychologist to better understand the context and the child’s specific needs.
- Individual Work with the Child: After the initial discussion, the parents leave the room but remain within the space. This gives the child the opportunity to continue the conversation with the psychologist privately, helping them feel more free to express their emotions.
- Final Session with Parents: After the individual part, the parents rejoin the session. The psychologist summarizes the outcomes, discusses the next steps, and provides recommendations on how the parents can support their child at home.
Benefits of this Approach
- Ensuring Safety and Confidentiality: Individual work with the child creates a safe environment for open communication.
- Supporting Parents: The joint part of the session helps parents understand the situation and provides them with advice on how to best support their child at home.
- Comprehensive Approach: This format ensures a holistic approach to addressing the child’s needs, considering both their individual challenges and the family context.
Why Parents Turn to Psychological Support Spaces
Parents of children of all ages frequently seek help from our psychological support spaces. While every case is unique, the main concern remains the psychological well-being of children due to the war. Parents are often looking for ways to support and help their children through these difficult times.
To schedule an appointment, please follow the link and contact the nearest psychological support space in your community. The space’s administrator will provide detailed information on when and how consultations with psychologists take place and answer any additional questions you may have.
For example, in August, a mother sought help for her seven-year-old daughter, who had developed a strong fear of getting sick. During individual sessions, the girl gradually opened up, talking about her fears, friends, and even her favorite activities. The psychologist helped her understand the root cause of this fear, and together they developed strategies to overcome it. The girl’s mother expressed gratitude for the support. We continue to stay in touch with the family.
“We sought psychological help for our child because she had a fear of getting sick. During the sessions, my daughter opened up, talking about herself, her friends, and her interests. Together with the specialist, they identified the cause of the fear and discussed potential methods for overcoming it. We are now applying these methods in practice. As a mother, I already see progress — my daughter reacts less intensely to triggers and listens to advice.”
The psychologists at the Psychological Support Spaces are always ready to provide professional assistance, helping children and their families cope with anxiety and stress during this challenging time. If your child needs help, please reach out to one of our support spaces for a consultation. All services at the PPP locations are completely free of charge.
The project of Psychological Support Spaces (PPP) is implemented by In Touch Ukraine Foundation and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project executors are a consortium of three organizations: Pact, FHI 360, and AFEW-Ukraine (AIDS Foundation East-West).
