New art therapy groups for children who suffered from the war in Vinnytsia and Khmelnytsky 

Constant fear for the life and health of loved ones, anxiety for relatives who serve in the armed forces, air raid sirens and constant explosions – the new reality for millions of Ukrainian children and adolescents.

According to the Dobrodiy Club`s research, 73% of teenagers are most worried about the war today, and according to the head of the Ministry of Education, a quarter (26%) of Ukrainian teenagers have already been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

In order to support children whose parents serve in the military, and to provide them with space to cope with their emotions, the Dobrodiy Club launched art therapy groups in Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi.

Art therapy is one of the easiest ways to release energy, reduce anxiety and find inner resources. Classes are conducted by professional art therapists Halyna Burkovska and Inga Moskaliuk, they take place every week, and an entire course of art therapy consists of 10 sessions.

The ability to express one’s feelings and emotions is very important for all children. We learn how to deal with emotional responses. We work through appropriate exercises so as not to accumulate, but to release tension, —

says the art therapist of the group Inga Moskaliuk.

Psychologist Halyna Burkovska mentioned that during classes she works with children on exercises that stabilize their inner state, strengthen self-belief, and confidence, as well as develop communication skills.

“At art therapy sessions, children learn to communicate with each other, express their opinion and accept the opinions of others, find new friends and develop the ability to work in a team.