- DTCare in Ukraine | Mental Health -

Therapy in Ovruch for Veterans and Families

DTCare's Art Therapy Program Supports Healing for Veterans, Veteran Families, and IDPs

DTCare operates an art therapy program in Ovruch, strategically located just 25 kilometers from the border, where the heightened proximity to conflict elevates war-related trauma and increases the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This program is specifically tailored for military personnel, veterans, and children, providing a crucial safe environment for healing and rehabilitation. Through art therapy, participants explore their emotions in a non-verbal and creative manner, aiding their healing process.

Our therapy sessions are designed to help children process difficult experiences and emotions through creative expression. These sessions not only facilitate healing but also promote emotional resilience and foster a strong sense of community among veterans and their families. By offering these restorative experiences, DTCare aims to provide essential support to individuals encountering significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict, helping them rebuild their lives with renewed strength.

Critical Therapeutic Support for Veterans and Children

DTCare's Art Therapy Program in Ovruch Promotes Healing and Rehabilitation

DTCare's art therapy program in Ovruch, a small town in the picturesque Zhytomyr region, is specifically designed for military personnel, veterans, and children, providing them with a safe and supportive environment for healing and rehabilitation.

DTCare's therapist conducts group sessions for cognitive examinations and tests for depression and anxiety, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Through art therapy, participants are able to express themselves and explore their emotions in a non-verbal and creative way, aiding in their healing process.

In addition to our work with military personnel and veterans, our art therapist also conducts group sessions for children in Ovruch and neighboring communities. Through these sessions, children are able to express and process their emotions through art, helping them cope with any challenging experiences they may have faced.

Art Therapy Sessions in Action

Neuro Gymnastics

An "acquaintance" exercise where the children talked about which cartoon character they resembled and why. The therapists conducted neuro gymnastics. Each child made a model of his favorite character and created a story around his favorite character.

”Coping Strategies for Soldier Experiencing Stress and Anxiety”

In this art therapy session, our therapist conducted the "black square" and "non-existent animal" exercises to identify coping strategies to overcome stress and methods to reduce anxiety for a soldier.

”Getting Acquainted”

This session focused on promoting interaction and conversation among children of different ages, allowing them to get to know each other while doing a fun art therapy exercise with clay.

“In My Heart Lives…” Therapy Session for PTSD

A group resource session for military members. Each member was screened for PTSD and completed the art exercise "n my heart lives..." using pencils. Some service members also requested cognitive tests for depression and anxiety.

Art Therapy Demographics in Ovruch

In Ovruch, DTCare’s art therapy sessions are tailored for service members, veterans, and children. Close to 40% of DTCare’s sessions are for veterans and service members, while over 60% are for children under 13.

Art therapy is a powerful tool that can be used to support healing and growth for veterans and children. For veterans, art therapy can provide a safe and non-verbal way for them to express their experiences and emotions, helping them to process and cope with trauma and other mental health challenges. For children, art therapy can be a valuable means of communication, allowing them to express their feelings and experiences in a creative and tangible way. It can also aid in developing their self-esteem and problem-solving skills. Through the art therapy creative process, veterans and children can find a sense of control and empowerment, helping them in the healing process.

Resources

See the resources below for more information: