Therapist Nathalie Timtchenko was deeply moved as she watched the news on February 24, 2022. Russian tanks were advancing towards Kiev, the city where she had spent almost a decade guiding clients through their mental health journeys. Although she had relocated to the Boston area with her husband for his graduate studies, her heart remained in Ukraine, where friends, family, and colleagues were now facing the harsh realities of war.
Unable to stand idly by, Timtchenko took action. She swiftly created a Google Form and reached out to her international network of mental health professionals, asking for volunteers to provide support to those in Ukraine who were struggling amidst the conflict. The response was overwhelming, with over 1,000 volunteers from around the world offering their services to help.
Out of this outpouring of support, Timtchenko founded an NGO called First Aid of the Soul. This organization, with its roots in Ukraine and a strong American voice, aimed to provide much-needed mental health care to those affected by the war. The volunteers, hailing from countries as far as Australia, Japan, and Israel, worked tirelessly to offer free support groups via Zoom to over 17,000 individuals in need.
Timtchenko’s background in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government helped secure funding for First Aid of the Soul, enabling the organization to expand its reach and impact. With a focus on adapting cutting-edge research to meet the urgent needs of Ukrainians facing trauma and uncertainty, the NGO’s approach prioritized community-led solutions and local insights.
One of the organization’s most impactful initiatives was the creation of the “Nadiiya” summer camp, a program designed to support families from besieged cities on the frontlines of the conflict. Named after the Ukrainian word for “hope,” the camp provided a safe space for families to come together, engage in art therapy activities, and learn self-care techniques. The therapeutic approach used at the camp, including eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), aimed to help participants process their trauma and find healing through creative expression.
Through its innovative and community-driven approach, First Aid of the Soul has been able to make a significant impact on the mental health landscape in Ukraine. By combining international expertise with local perspectives, the organization continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need of support during these challenging times. Therapists introduced individuals to the EMDR “butterfly hug” technique, which involves crossing both arms over the chest and tapping the shoulders in a rhythmic manner to help soothe the nervous system.
Over a span of five days, participants integrated this exercise into their daily routine, combining it with deep breathing and eye movements. They reported a noticeable reduction in the intensity of their fear and worries. Post-camp surveys indicated a significant 35% decrease in PTSD symptoms among the group.
The therapeutic sessions not only benefited the participants but also served as a reminder for the therapists to prioritize self-care and acknowledge their own emotional struggles. Yefimenko, a therapist, attested to the effectiveness of the EMDR technique, sharing his personal experience of overcoming anxiety during the initial stages of the war.
Psychologists working in frontline regions like Kharkiv observed a common lack of aspirations and long-term goals among the youth due to the constant threat of shelling. Residents struggle to envision a future beyond surviving each day. One client poignantly questioned the purpose of education if their life could be cut short at any moment.
The ongoing psychological support provided to Ukrainians affected by years of conflict is crucial for their well-being. Timtchenko emphasized the importance of continued care and assistance post-war, highlighting the risk of burnout among caregivers and the need for sustained support for those grappling with trauma.
In the aftermath of war, it is essential to prioritize mental health care to ensure that individuals receive the necessary tools and resources to navigate the challenges of recovery. The integration of techniques like the EMDR “butterfly hug” can offer a sense of relief and empowerment to those struggling with the lasting effects of trauma.