Publication date: 26.05.2025
Iryna Lukecha is an experienced psychotherapist, psychologist, and trainer with a strong background in international humanitarian work, trauma recovery, and psychosocial support. Since 2022, she has actively contributed to global mental health initiatives through her work with International Medical Relief (USA), where she currently serves as a Team Leader. Iryna also collaborates with refugee support foundations in Poland, working with children, families, and individuals with special needs, including autism and ADHD. Her diverse international training, including certification in Breath-Body-Mind Therapy (USA) and Psychosomatics (Ukraine), underpins her holistic and client-centered approach. She has also coordinated cross-border humanitarian projects supported by the Danish Government and Red Cross.
Therapeutic Support for a Refugee Woman: How Psychotherapy Restores Stability and Vitality
Forced relocation to another country due to war is not only a matter of physical survival but also a deep psychological challenge. This experience is particularly difficult for women with children who must leave their homes to ensure the safety of their families. Alongside the relief of saving their children often comes intense feelings of guilt, anxiety, and inner disorientation. Psychologist Iryna Lukacha provides professional support to such clients, helping them regain their inner anchor, reconnect with themselves, and confidently move forward.
Client's Life Situation
The client was a mother of two who evacuated from Ukraine during the active phase of the full-scale invasion. From her first days in the new country, she experienced a deep psychological crisis: guilt for leaving home, anxiety about the future, confusion in an unfamiliar environment, and a loss of inner stability. Even though she understood she had made the right decision in saving her children, the emotions became an unbearable burden. Turning to a psychologist was the first step toward healing.
Key Stages of Psychotherapeutic Support
1. Emotional Stabilization and Safety Support
- Weekly individual therapy sessions in a trusting format
- In-depth processing of guilt and shame associated with fleeing
- Working through somatic stress symptoms: headaches, insomnia, body tension
- Mastering grounding and breathing techniques
2. Psychological Adaptation in a New Environment
- Discussion of how trauma affects the image of a “good mother” and female identity
- Analysis of common psychological barriers during adaptation
- Identifying accessible support resources (schools, local initiatives, women’s groups)
- Creating a personalized support map: who to talk to and where to go for help
3. Building a New Life Path
- Formulating short- and long-term personal and professional goals
- Creating a weekly schedule with self-care elements
- Enrolling in language courses to boost confidence
- Returning to a long-postponed dream — enrolling in an educational institution
Achievements and Results of Therapy
- Noticeable reduction in anxiety and psychosomatic complaints
- Changed attitude toward herself and her experience — from regret to respect
- New motivation to build a life on her own terms
- Restored sense of inner self and feminine dignity
The client's feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How long does it take to psychologically adapt after a traumatic experience?
Answer
On average, changes are felt after 2–3 months of weekly therapy. Deep stabilization may take 6 months or more depending on the individual situation.
Question
Should I be ashamed of my guilt if it doesn't go away?
Answer
No. In therapy, we acknowledge all emotions as normal reactions to abnormal circumstances. Learning to accept and integrate them is key to emotional healing.
This case shows how psychological support can be vital during a crisis. Therapy helped the client not only stabilize her emotional state but also find the strength to start anew despite profound losses. With the guidance of a professional, she regained control, rediscovered her inner voice, and began to rebuild her future with confidence.
