“CONFLICT AND HOPE”: THE STORY OF THE UKRAINIAN AND EUROPEAN PSYCHOTHERAPY ALLIANCE SYMPOSIUMS
The Beginning
The Ukrainian Symposiums arose out of conflict. At the time of the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022 there was in addition to the conflict in Ukraine, political turbulence and a ripple effect which extended all the way across Europe. International organisations put sanctions on Russia and withdrew from the country; political organisations pulled out of Russia; Governments placed sanctions on Russia and diplomacy with Russia ceased. The pressure was on to block Russia out of everything.
The impact of this turbulence on the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP) was profound, because both Ukraine and Russia are member countries of EAP. The question in EAP became - should the Russian Psychotherapy Organisation be expelled from EAP? Over a series of full Board Meetings with delegates from all 43 member European countries able to be present, and through bitter disagreements at times, we finally managed to come to a well-conducted, thoughtful and considered debate in which all views were expressed on whether the Russian Psychotherapy Organisation should be expelled. The full spectrum of impressively articulated arguments was expressed. Two votes were taken over the course of two full Board Meetings. In accordance with the constitution of EAP the outcome of both votes was that the Russian organisation was not expelled, however all their voting rights were removed for the duration of the war.
I was President of the European Association for Psychotherapy at this time, and conducted the debates. I was very aware of being at the centre and absorbing significant impact, as the conflict percolated from the full scale war into the heart of EAP. I felt very keenly the feelings of the Ukrainians during these debates, and especially their disappointment as the result of the votes was announced. Therefore, as soon as the outcome of the final vote was announced I immediately invited the President and EAP Delegate from the Ukrainian Umbrella Association for Psychotherapy (UUAP) to meet with me and senior EAP colleagues, to discuss with them the ways in which EAP could support them, support UUAP, and support Ukrainian Psychotherapists during the war. Their response was really positive and affirming of how much their membership of EAP meant to them. They organised a group of about ten senior members of UUAP to meet with myself and three senior EAP colleagues. The first of those meetings took place online in October 2022.
Hope Emerging Out of Conflict
I was unsure what would come out of these meetings, but felt that it was important to offer support, colleagueship and dialogue. A vital element of who we are as a profession of Psychotherapists is that we hold the pre-emminent value of talking through issues of conflict, talking through difficulty, listening to each other, acknowledging unconscious process elements, and finding ways through to resolution. In the first meeting I asked the question: “What can EAP do to support you and support Ukrainian Psychotherapists during the full-scale war in Ukraine?” They already had their answer in place. The UUAP colleagues had already discussed it. They said “Please will you help us to put on a joint Symposium between EAP and UUAP, on the first anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2023?” We replied “Yes, we can help you with that.”
We agreed that the Symposium would be online and open to Ukrainian Psychotherapists, UUAP and non UUAP, both those still working in Ukraine and also those who had already left the country due to the war and were working in other countries. We also agreed that it will be open to European Psychotherapists, creating the opportunity for contact and dialogue. Our Ukrainian colleagues expressed how important this was to them – opening up dialogue and thinking between Ukrainian and European Psychotherapists fulfilling the hope that both the Psychotherapy profession and the country of Ukraine will become more European, and more fully part of Europe, in the future. We agreed that it could be open to all Psychotherapists globally who wish to join us and support Ukrainian Psychotherapists.
We decided that this would be a free Symposium; that funding would be needed; that we would need technological expertise to put on an effective online Symposium; that we would need good simultaneous translation between English and Ukrainian; and that we would need good media and advertising to let everyone know about it. And so we began our work together to put on the first joint UUAP and EAP Symposium.
The composition of our organising group is really important. This group is called the Ukrainian and European Psychotherapy Alliance. Our meetings are conducted in both Ukrainian and English with superb translation being given by Alexander Mironenko, one the UUAP senior colleagues. Alexander’s translations are very clear, allow time for thinking, and humour is really beautifully conveyed through his translations. From the beginning we have been a group where there is a lot of humour. This is not black humour or hysterical humour, but warm- hearted humour congruent with the close relationships we have built with each other. Initially the humour was a great surprise to me. I had not anticipated any humour in such a tense and difficult situation. Alexander’s translations are very diplomatic, and create a channel of effective communication and understanding between us, so that we have been from the beginning a very cohesive and effective working group. Listening to each other well; responding to each other’s ideas; taking on the insight and inspiration of different members of the group; working creatively; bouncing good ideas around between us, always through Alexander as he translates back and forth. The flow of each meeting is that something is said in English, and Alexander translates it into Ukrainian, and there is a response in Ukrainian which is translated into English. This gives a rhythm to the meeting, and a dynamic that becomes a real important part of our dialogue. It has become a remarkably close group – we have become friends as well as close colleagues.
We have been meeting for three and a half years now, mostly meeting every three or four weeks and sometimes every two weeks as we get close to the time of the next Symposium. Everyone makes the meetings a priority. Everyone is there. The founding group from October 2022 are all still part of the Alliance. It is clear to me that the work of the Alliance, and its strong characteristics and deep humanity, have created a model for the Symposiums. Through parallel process the Symposiums also have a deep humanity and a remarkably strong connectedness.
A Series of Symposiums
It was on the first meeting of the Alliance that several ideas about possible themes for our first Symposium that would be important for Ukrainian Psychotherapists emerged. Even in the first meeting it was even said there might be a series of Symposiums, but that seemed like a joke at that time!
A key principle in UUAP from its founding in the 1990s and through to the present day is the centrality of research, giving an evidence base at the heart of the profession and at the heart of it being an innovative profession moving forwards. This has become central to the Symposiums, and we have invited speakers with a good research profile who would speak from their own academic background and research. We invited those with a strong clinical experience to share their professional insight and research work. The first Symposium focussed on Professional Ethics, which was important to the Ukrainians because of ensuring that their own ethical conduct and professional protocols were eurocentric, and grounded in what was important for the profession in Europe.
I am writing at the time just following the Tenth Symposium! It is extraordinary and wonderful that we have conducted ten UUAP and EAP Symposiums, all organised by the Ukrainian and European Psychotherapy Alliance. The idea of these Symposiums has proved to be visionary and highly successful. The feedback has been incredibly positive, and it seems that the Symposiums are helping empower Ukrainian Psychotherapist’s resilience during the war. The flow of our Symposium themes has a dynamic to it. We began with professionally and clinically focussed themes: “The Transgenerational Transmission of Trauma and Recovery from Trauma” (Third Symposium) “The Tragedy of Childhood in the Time of War” (Fourth Symposium). The themes have evolved to more humanitarian aspects of what empowers us in response to the impact of war: “In Search of Truth and Humanity in our Time” (Eighth Symposium), “Anger, Humour, Connection and Love” (Ninth Symposium) “Freedom, Dignity and Meaning” (Tenth Symposium). This dynamic in the themes reflects both the response of the Alliance to feedback we receive from participants about what would be of most value to them, and also reflects the extraordinary capacity of the Ukrainians in the Alliance to hold hope in the face of despair, and avoid victimhood in the face of war.
The avoidance of victimhood is a key component of Ukrainians response to the war, and it will be the subject of a future paper devoted to this important topic. Avoiding a victim mindset involves shifting from a state of externally imposed helplessness, to an empowered and active holding of self. It requires taking responsibility for actions and reactions, especially in the acutely challenging circumstances of the Ukraine war which was an unprovoked attack on a country and on national sovereignty. It involves breaking free from powerlessness and taking on the mantle of survivor status. Within the context of the Ukraine and European Psychotherapy Alliance there are many ways in which the avoidance of victimhood has been expressed by the Ukrainian colleagues. For example, if there has been a Russian bombing raid in the days before a meeting of the Alliance it can feel quite natural for the Europeans to express compassion about this. But when compassion is expressed in the Alliance group, the response of the Ukrainians is: “Please do not give us too much compassion. It easily makes us feel like victims, and it is vital for us not to be victims in this war. If we allow ourselves to become victims, then Putin has won.” In this way Ukrainians are remarkably and impressively holding the position of resistance, of strength, and of resilience both internally and individually, and as a community. They are avoiding victimhood, and this is a strength both now and for the future.
Symposium Content
Evolution is the key word and concept which underpins the way in which the content of the Symposiums has developed. Both the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP) and the Ukrainian Umbrella Association (UUAP) have undertaken this work to support Ukrainian Psychotherapists, and each Symposium begins with opening addresses from representatives of the two organisations. As Chair of the Ukrainian and European Psychotherapy Alliance I give the opening address, and I chair and moderate the whole day of each Symposium. This is a huge challenge, and can leave me with some vicarious trauma at the end of the day, however being the face and persona of the Symposiums gives integrity, heart and presence which becomes known by the participants. It parallels the importance of the constancy of the Psychotherapist for their patients. I feel that it is a vital part of the Symposium content that I have the courage to continue to be this known and trusted presence for as long as the war lasts.
We wanted the Symposiums to be professionally rich and nourishing, and distinguished speakers are a fundamental component. We usually have four speakers for each Symposium. Two of these are from Ukraine, and two from Europe or other parts of the world. We have asked each of the speakers to share their expertise and wisdom, and not to receive a fee. This is their gift to support Ukrainians. It enables us to offer the Symposiums free of charge - so very important. Questions from the participants to all the speakers are saved until the final part of the Symposiums, where there is a Round Table of questions to all the speakers. This is one hour, and it has evolved into an astonishingly moving and meaningful part of the day. Profound concepts and aspects of deep humanity are shared and opened up for discussion. It is a rich end to the day.
From the very beginning it was vital for our Ukrainian colleagues in the Alliance that there would be a time set aside at each Symposium for dialogue between Ukrainian and European participants. Ukraine sees its future in Europe, and this opportunity for dialogue embeds new connections and relationships. Groups of 20 are formed in online discussion rooms, with a translator present to facilitate the conversation.
The final element of Symposium content is either a large therapy group or a sociodrama. The large therapy group idea was initiated by our Ukrainian colleagues who had experience of conducting these. It is a therapy group for all the participants of the Symposium. With such enormous numbers attending it needs to be carefully structured, and each participant who wishes to speak is given a time limit. Of course not everyone is able to speak, but frequently those who do speak are articulating truths for others. Showers of emojis flood the laptop screen as someone expresses emotions and truths which resonate for many participants.
Sociodrama
It is an inspiration from the war-time context to involve all participants in Sociodrama, and fulfils our endeavour to continually offer something meaningful to all the Psychotherapists in Ukraine who are part of the Symposium. The Sociodramas last for two hours, and are carefully structured with an introduction, a development, and then opening out to all participants to be involved if they wish to.
Our Ukrainian colleague in the Alliance Olena Stupak has initiated the Sociodramas, and conducted them herself with other colleagues, to incredible effect. To give one example, during the Ninth Symposium we conducted a Sociodrama in the form of a Thematic Group to reflect the theme “Anger, Humour, Connection and Love.” Participants from across Ukraine and beyond offered their reflections on the importance of humour for them during the war. Several spoke of the way in which humour provided a vital communication link. Stirred by this one woman spoke of the difficulties of remaining in touch with her husband who is at the front line. She spoke through her tears of the immense difficulty of maintaining communication with him, and said that the one thing which made a difference and connected them was shared humour. She said that to laugh together was miraculous, and made them both feel close to each other despite the distance and the life experience separating them. Several other people shared similar reflections and experiences, and suddenly the sociodrama was taking everyone to the heart of the impact of the war, and offering a gift to everyone from the insight of those who had shared their experiences so openly.
Patronage
We have invited prominent public figures to become a Patron of one of the Symposiums. This has been surprisingly successful, and our Patrons seem to welcome the opportunity to be connected to vital work for Ukrainians. Each of them has given a short opening address in the first section of the Symposium content. Our Patrons include: Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic; Senator Pavel Fisher, Czech Republic; Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament; Christian Bushoi, MEP; Villy Sovndal, MEP, and Lukasz Muldner-Nieckowski, Polish Psychotherapy Consultant. Our Patrons have extended the reach of the Symposiums beyond the world of Psychotherapy, and given them a wider positive impact. This is very powerful.
Registrations, Funding and Translation
It is rather overwhelming to report that more than 1000 people have registered for each of the Ten Symposiums that we have held so far. For the first Symposium 1045 registered, and for the Tenth 1505 registered! These are extraordinary numbers. We know that many people have attended all ten Symposiums. There is a marked difference between the number of people registering and the number participating in the Symposiums. This is explained by the fact that in Ukraine during the war both electricity supply and internet access are very variable and not reliable. On the days of the Symposiums many Ukrainians are simply unable to connect with us due to a lack of electricity or internet, or both.
The Ukrainian Symposium website, which is a dedicated website created and developed by our technical manager Martynas Viktus, has proved absolutely vital for Symposium registrants who are not able to attend on the day of the Symposium. Our website contains archives and video recordings of all of the ten Symposiums, and we will continue with this for future Symposiums.
The proportion of Registrants who are Ukrainian is on average approximately 70%. It is of significance that the Symposiums are attended not only by members of UUAP, but also by a wider group of Ukrainian participants beyond the Umbrella Association. This broad engagement reflects the relevance and reach of the Symposium initiative within the professional community of Ukraine. The remaining 30% are registrants from Europe and the 43 EAP countries, from the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Turkey. It is crucial for Ukrainian Psychotherapists to be heard and supported in solidarity with their wider European colleagues and indeed global colleagues, and to be recognised as active agents navigating and shaping their lives and their professional work under extremely challenging circumstances.
The Symposiums create and sustain a space for relocated Psychotherapists, particularly those living abroad or otherwise disconnected from Ukraine. Through the Symposiums they are able to remain in contact with both Ukrainian and wider European professionals. This is essential for preserving professional identity and maintaining a sense of belonging.
The funding for six of the Symposiums has come from the European Association for Psychotherapy. The remaining four Symposiums have been funded by the national Psychotherapy organisations of the Czech Republic, Romania, Denmark and Poland.
The Ukrainian – English translation for the Symposiums has been conducted throughout by one Ukrainian translator! Her name is Anastasia Fegir, and she does simultaneous translation for the whole day of the Symposium lasting seven hours each time. Anastasia has become very committed to the work of the Symposiums and she says – “It is truly an honour and joy to be part of the Symposiums. Working with you and supporting such meaningful, thoughtful dialogue is always deeply inspiring for me. I am sincerely grateful to contribute to a space that carries such intellectual depth, emotional resonance and human warmth.”
Empowering Ukrainian Psychotherapist’s resilience during the war
As Psychotherapists we know and understand that difficult experiences when shared and processed within a supportive environment are less likely to develop into trauma or PTSD. In this sense the Symposiums are offering an important preventative and supportive function to Ukrainian Psychotherapists. As their comments confirm this empowers them in their life, their work and their being.
Throughout my work on the Symposiums, I have time and again been so impressed by the character of the Ukrainian people and their reactions to the war raging around them. Uppermost has been my respect for their resilience, and for the way in which this resilience has grown over the last four years. It has grown through the Symposiums which is wonderful to witness. It has grown through their colleagueship and support for each other. It has grown because their dignity is founded on a position of knowing that they are in the right, and that their dignity is their own. Their dignity belongs to them and they hold that dignity, and it is not destroyed by Russian bombardments. Their resilience has grown through Ukrainian’s perception that in response to the Russian attack, Ukraine has lifted herself to a higher level of dignity and won her own freedom.
Their level of resilience is such that in the Tenth Symposium one Ukrainian participant offered the comment that perhaps in future wars Ukrainians and Ukraine will be able to be of help to countries which have been invaded, because of what they have learned during the full-scale war on Ukraine. Remarkable!
All of this offers hope for the future. Hope emerging out of conflict. Hope strengthened by finding ways to not be overwhelmed by conflict. They know they can hold their own dignity even in the face of war, and this brings freedom of spirit, of heart and of mind. Their hope is built on a sense that together we can do so much. Together in the Symposiums. Together in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian and European Psychotherapy Alliance will continue to hold Symposiums. Our aim is to continue the Symposiums for as long as the war lasts. We will stand beside Ukrainians so that they are not alone during the war.
“I would like to tell my great gratitude for the opportunity to participate in these Symposiums. Thanks to you, and to all speakers, for your hard work and help for us. I received valuable knowledge and information that I can use in my psychotherapeutic practice, and help other people coping with injuries during this difficult time. Thank you so much.”
Ukrainian Psychotherapist
“I find it an incredibly enriching experience for both Ukrainian and European colleagues to share and exchange professional perspectives during wartime through the Symposiums. This is true both from within and beyond the immediate context of the conflict of war. In a world increasingly characterised by rapid change and instability this form of shared knowledge – or perhaps more precisely shared knowing – may prove invaluable in adapting to shifting life and work circumstances. “
Ukrainian Psychotherapist
“I greatly appreciate EAP’s and UUAP’s work to spread the knowledge of the effects of the war, and give help to colleagues in their professional growth and development. It is admirable how well these Symposiums are organised and administered.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
European Psychotherapist
“It is so valuable to belong to a vast group of Psychotherapists across Europe through the Symposiums. It empowers me in my work, in my life and in my being. It means so much to me.”
Ukrainian Psychotherapist