Heal Ukraine Trauma

We met colleagues from the M. Yarmachenko Institute of Special Pedagogy and Psychology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to discuss our collaboration to adapt the Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) program for children with disabilities in Ukraine. Around 700,000 children with disabilities in Ukraine — and more than 40 million children with disabilities worldwide — live in war zones. Children with disabilities are particularly affected by the war, and even before the conflict in Ukraine, they often did not receive sufficient levels of care and inclusion. While the current TRT manual does not include specific guidance for children with disabilities, our collaboration will enable us to expand the TRT program to reach more children who need it. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eWnSPykP

Ihor Kholodylo, a combat medic in the Ukrainian military, grappled with PTSD for a long time after a serious injury, including losing his ability to speak. When conventional therapies were unsuccessful, he turned to psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) with ketamine, which helped him not only restore his speech but also significantly alleviate other symptoms of his injury. The Kyiv Post featured Ihor's moving story this week in an article about the prospects of using psychedelics, especially ketamine, to treat severe PTSD among the Ukrainian military. HUT's pilot program training Ukrainian therapists on the use of PAT was also featured as we work to implement broader access to novel mental health therapies in Ukraine. We aim to expand the program eightfold in 2025 to reach more veterans who need support. https://lnkd.in/dV_f_P56

“Standing in Sophia Square on a warm September day in Kyiv, I looked around at more than 300 portraits of fallen soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine honored in the “Warriors of Light” exhibition,” Amy Goodrich writes in our latest blog. “As a veteran, military spouse, and mother, it felt deeply personal. We were surrounded by hundreds of faces — men and women who had given their lives defending Ukraine. As families searched for their loved ones' images, leaving flowers, toys, and photos by the portraits, we were reminded of the immense grief and loss that Ukraine continues to endure amid the ongoing war. Our visit took place on the eve of Ukraine's Defender's Day, and we came with the awareness of the critical and urgent need to support the mental health of Ukrainians, especially veterans and their families.” Read more https://surl.li/rhrvct

This October 1st, Ukraine celebrates Defender’s Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring those who have courageously defended the country’s independence. Today, and every day, HUT pays tribute to the brave men and women serving Ukraine, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Slava Ukraini!

Another illustration of Be Brave Like Ukraine... Here are eight psychiatrists in Kyiv participating in their first Ketamine Assisted Therapy group training by Heal Ukraine Trauma to help heal Ukraine's veterans. Amazing work by Zach Skiles, PsyD, Neeka Levy, and Oksana Gryshchenko, bravo! Donate to HUT today!

Many Thanks to our friends & colleagues at UPRA - Ukrainian Psychedelic Research Association, Heal Ukraine Trauma, the Expio Clinic,& Forest Glade for their warm welcome & tireless work. Neeka & I cannot thank you enough for transforming a path of love & resilience w/ us?????????? We’ll being sending all our gratitude,& continuing our work together as we build a foundation of bravery & resilience unique to Ukraine?????

As HUT finishes the second year of the Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) Program for Ukrainian children, we share our gratitude to all the staff, volunteers, and generous donors who made the program possible. This summer, 645 children from ages 8 to 17 participated in sessions that included mindfulness techniques, art therapy, and other trauma management skills. Read about their experiences on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eWnSPykP

This article in The New York Times by Oleksandr Chubko and Carlotta Gall illustrates the heartbreaking experiences of schoolchildren in Ukraine. Since the invasion in 2022, these children have been forced to deal with the loss of their homes, loved ones, and dreams. Through their art, we acknowledge each of their stories and begin to understand the deep-rooted trauma that the war has engraved in this generation. HUT works for a future in which the children of Ukraine can heal the wounds of war. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gdERzsQw

Meet Amy Goodrich, our Director of Programs. Since joining the team in May, Amy has been an essential force behind our day-to-day operations. She brings in her incredible expertise as a recent Army Special Operations veteran and former Field Artillery officer with a background in stabilization efforts in conflict zones. With HUT, she continues her deep commitment to supporting veterans’ mental health and aiding those impacted by conflict.?

This Ukrainian Independence Day, we honor its citizens' strength, unity, and courage throughout the war. During these challenging times, we acknowledge the importance of mental health and stand in solidarity with all Ukrainians experiencing the war’s devastating consequences.?