#EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Safespace. Ukrainian Support Groups
Safespace.
Ukrainian Support Groups
Online • Tuesdays • 90 min • in Ukrainian
Adjusting to a new life can be exhausting. Safespace is a place you can come back to for support, understanding, and a sense of connection — in free open sessions or small practice groups. Our goal is simple:
Every Ukrainian should know there's a place where they are seen, heard, and valued.
About Safespace
Safespace is a weekly online support group for Ukrainians building a new life in the U.S. Sessions are led by a psychologist and coach. It's a warm, safe space to talk about stress, uncertainty, change, and everyday challenges, alongside people who are going through something similar.
Each month has one theme. The first session of each month is free and open to everyone. The next three go deeper, with hands-on practice in the same small group: exercises, reflection, and tools for everyday life.
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Each month begins with a free open session.
September · Values & Direction
What matters now? Where do I go from here?
Find what matters to you right now and the values that can guide your next steps.October · Body & Emotions
What are my emotions telling me?
Understand what your emotions may be signaling and begin recognizing what you need.November · Thoughts
When thoughts start to feel like facts.
Notice automatic thoughts and begin separating what you think from what is actually happening.December · Boundaries & Support
Where are my boundaries?
Notice your own signals and needs and explore what healthy boundaries can look like in everyday life. -
Three sessions. One group. Lots of practice.
October · Body & Emotions
Notice. Regulate. Reconnect.
Practice grounding, breathing, and body awareness. Build your own everyday anti-stress toolkit for difficult emotions.November · Thoughts
Catch the thought. Question the pattern.
Practice recognizing thinking traps and responding differently. Build practical tools for managing overthinking and your inner critic.December · Boundaries & Support
Notice your needs. Hold your boundaries.
Practice expressing your needs and saying no. Build a personal support toolkit you can return to. -
Online every Tuesday
90-min sessions at 6 PM Pacific Time with a psychologist-coachOne Month. One Theme
Each month stands on its own. Choose the themes that resonate.Safe & Confidential
Participate at your own pace in a respectful, confidential environment. -
Valentyna Petrenko is a psychologist-coach with more than seven years of experience supporting people through life transitions, emotional challenges, and adaptation.
Her approach combines professional expertise with warmth, empathy, and practical tools for everyday life.
Upcoming Sessions
Choose your group and register. Practice Groups are limited to 12 spots.
Fees are non-refundable. Group full or need a later date? Join the waitlist.
#COACHING
Next Steps. Life-Coaching Groups
Online • Weekly • 90 min
A small, supportive group for people who are ready to move forward. Whether you're facing a decision, navigating change, or feeling stuck, group coaching helps you gain clarity, build momentum, and take meaningful action.
You leave each session with greater momentum, renewed energy, and a concrete next step.
About Next Steps
This group is designed for people who are ready to move from reflection to action. You may already know what needs attention in your life, career, relationships, or personal growth. The challenge is often finding clarity, overcoming hesitation, and taking the first step.
Through guided coaching conversations and group interaction, participants gain new perspectives, identify practical ways forward, and build momentum toward meaningful change. Each session focuses on a specific theme and can be joined independently.
Some come for clarity. Others come for accountability. Many come because they are ready to stop circling the same questions and start moving forward.
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Small groups of up to five participants
Weekly 90-minute online sessions
A new theme each session
Facilitated by an experienced coach
Reflection, discussion, and practical next steps
Join once or attend regularly
Learn from both your own coaching and the experiences of others
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Inner Resources
Finding strength and energy when you feel depleted.True Desires
Understanding what you truly want—not what others expect from you.Managing Stress
Staying grounded when life around you feels uncertain or exhausting.Self-Doubt & Impostor Syndrome
Moving beyond self-doubt and taking action with confidence.Personal Boundaries
Learning to say “no” without guilt.Communication & Relationships
Building relationships that feel supportive, meaningful, and secure.Decision-Making
Finding your direction when you're afraid of making the wrong choice.Navigating Change
Adapting to change and finding opportunities in new circumstances.Being Yourself
Giving yourself permission to show up more authentically.Reflection & Moving Forward
Bringing one chapter to a close and moving forward with greater clarity. -
Sessions are facilitated by experienced Hugspace coaches who create supportive, structured, and action-oriented group experiences: Natallia Meitine, Tatiana Gorodnicheva, Marina Shchelochkova.
Our coaches help participants gain clarity, strengthen confidence, and move forward at a pace that feels right for them.
New Sessions Coming Soon
We’re planning the next Next Steps group. Join the waitlist and we’ll let you know when new dates and registration become available.
#CAREER
Career Lab. Tech Career Coaching
Online • 90 min
Looking for your next opportunity in tech? Career Lab combines expert feedback, peer learning, and practical coaching to help IT professionals strengthen their resumes, prepare for interviews, and navigate today's job market with confidence.
Leave each session with actionable feedback, renewed confidence, and concrete steps toward your next role.
About Career Lab
This group is designed for IT professionals who want to improve their job search strategy, strengthen their resumes, and perform more confidently in interviews.
Whether you are entering the job market, transitioning into a new role, or returning after a career break, each session provides practical guidance grounded in real industry experience.
Participants benefit not only from personalized feedback, but also from observing others, hearing different perspectives, and learning from real-world career experiences.
Some come to improve their resume. Others come to prepare for interviews. Many come because they want a clearer path to their next opportunity.
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Weekly 90-minute online sessions
Led by experienced professionals from the IT industry
Resume reviews and interview coaching
Personalized resume and interview feedback
Practical guidance based on real hiring experience
Interactive discussions and peer learning
Learn from both your own coaching and the experiences of others
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Career Direction
Choosing a specialization, transitioning into IT, and positioning yourself for the right opportunities.Resume & Portfolio
Building stronger resumes, presenting projects effectively, and showcasing your skills.Interview Preparation
Technical interviews, behavioral interviews, mock interviews, and live feedback.Job Search Strategy
Applications, networking, LinkedIn, referrals, and navigating today's tech market.Career Growth & Professional Development
Decision-making, remote work, negotiation, career transitions, and long-term growth. -
Group Leaders
Experienced technology professionals lead sessions, drawing on backgrounds in software engineering, data, product, and technical leadership. They provide practical guidance based on real-world hiring and career experience.
Facilitators
Facilitators support group leaders and participants. Featured facilitators include Tatiana Kerzhner is a Career Coach and former Data Analyst with 20+ years of corporate experience and 80+ coaching sessions, helping professionals identify strengths, communicate their value, and navigate career transitions.
New Sessions Coming Soon
We’re planning the next Career Lab sessions. Join the waitlist and we’ll let you know when new dates and registration become available.
#CAREER
Job Search Coaching Workshops
Online • Saturdays • 2 hours • Currently in English
Looking for a job in the U.S.? Job Search Group Coaching combines practical career guidance, peer learning, and expert coaching to help immigrants and refugees navigate today's job market with greater confidence.
Leave the program with a stronger resume, greater interview confidence, and a clear action plan for your next opportunity.
About Workshops
Looking for a job in a new country can feel overwhelming. Beyond writing a resume or preparing for interviews, it often means rebuilding confidence, understanding an unfamiliar job market, and figuring out where to begin.
This small-group coaching program is designed for immigrants and refugees seeking practical guidance and a supportive community while navigating their job search in the United States. In a safe, respectful, and culturally sensitive environment, participants learn from one another, ask questions openly, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Over four interactive online sessions, you'll build a structured job search strategy, strengthen your resume, improve your interviewing skills, and create a realistic action plan. The goal is not only to help you find your next opportunity, but also to help you feel more confident, prepared, and supported throughout the journey.
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This is a coaching group—not a lecture. Each session combines practical guidance, group discussion, and opportunities to receive personalized feedback.
Up to 15 participants per session
2-hour online workshops
A welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment
Interactive discussions and practical exercises
Personalized feedback from the coach
Peer learning and shared experiences
Practical tools you can use right away
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Workshop 1 — Find Your Career Direction
Gain clarity about your career goals, strengths, and opportunities in today’s U.S. job market while connecting with others in the group.Identify your strengths, transferable skills, and career interests
Understand today’s U.S. job market
Build confidence and overcome self-doubt
Create your personal job search strategy
Workshop 2 — Build a Strong Resume
Learn how to present your experience effectively and navigate today’s hiring process with confidence.Learn resume structure and best practices
Tailor your resume to different opportunities
Highlight your transferable skills and accomplishments
Navigate online applications and job boards
Get personalized resume feedback
Workshop 3 — Interview with Confidence
Develop practical interview skills and learn to communicate your experience clearly and confidently.Prepare for common interview questions
Practice behavioral interviewing and storytelling
Communicate effectively across cultures
Manage interview anxiety and strengthen your follow-up
Workshop 4 — Put It All Into Practice
Apply what you’ve learned through practice, coaching, and personalized feedback while preparing for your next steps.Practice with mock interviews
Review your resume and LinkedIn profile
Get individual coaching and personalized feedback
Troubleshoot challenges and create your personal job search action plan
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Nicole DeLucce is an HR and recruiting professional with 15+ years of U.S. experience in corporate and startup recruiting, along with more than 10 years of experience coaching job seekers. She brings an insider’s perspective and a practical, individualized approach to helping people navigate their career and job search.
Upcoming sessions
Free to Join. Optional donations during registration help us keep our programs free and reach more people. We’d be grateful for your support.
Choose the sessions that work for you. Each session is booked separately and limited to 15 participants. If a session is full or you’re interested in a future group, join the waitlist.
Before You Join
What to expect:
✓ Connection
✓ Community
✓ Guidance
✓ Shared learning
What groups are not:
✕ Individual therapy
✕ Crisis support
✕ Clinical diagnosis
✕ Specialized mental health treatment
Need individual support?
If you're experiencing significant emotional distress, a support group may not be the right level of support. Some situations are better addressed in an individual setting.
Book a free consultation and we’ll help connect you with the right resources.
Valentyna Petrenko
A psychologist with over seven years of experience supporting individuals through trauma, emotional challenges, addictions, and self-esteem issues. She uses evidence-based approaches, including Schema Therapy, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Valentina is a recipient of the International Humanitarian Award 2026 from the American Psychological Association (APA), recognizing her contribution to psychological support in crisis and humanitarian settings.
Natallia Meitin
A coach, certified Peer-to-Peer Specialist, social worker, author, and facilitator. She focuses on helping people navigate change, uncertainty, and major life transitions with greater clarity, resilience, and self-trust.
For more than ten years, Natallia has supported individuals through help lines, warm lines, and community-based programs in different countries. Drawing on coaching, narrative practices, storytelling, metaphor, and the Japanese Hanafuda tradition, she creates spaces where people can reconnect with their inner resources and move forward with confidence.
Tatiana Gorodnicheva
An ICF-informed coach with lived experience of immigration, neurodiversity, and parenting a child with autism. She supports individuals navigating life’s challenges, burnout, stress, and periods of change with greater clarity and self-compassion.
In her coaching, Tatiana helps clients reconnect with their inner resources, set meaningful and achievable goals, and move toward them in ways that protect their well-being. Her approach emphasizes sustainable progress without self-sacrifice, excessive pressure, or pushing beyond healthy limits.
Tatiana Kerzhner
Career Coach & Community Leader, CEO & Co-founder of Hugspace.org with 20+ years of corporate experience as a data analyst and a strong background across both corporate and nonprofit workforce development, Tatiana has helped professionals build confidence and successfully navigate career transitions.
Through her work with organizations such as Upwardly Global, Dress for Success, and Hugspace, she empowers individuals to unlock their potential and create meaningful, sustainable careers. As a career coach at Hugspace.org, Tatiana has led over 200 sessions, reviewing résumés, coaching for behavioral interviews, assessing skills, and discussing long-term career goals.
Ivetta Starikova
A career strategist and founder of FindMyWay. With more than 15 years in technology—including roles as a software engineer, technical program manager, and product manager at Apple, Symantec, Juniper Networks, and social-impact startups—she brings a practical, straightforward approach to job searching.
Her philosophy is simple: treat your job search like a project—with clear goals, structure, and strategy. She helps professionals clarify their direction, communicate their strengths, and move forward with confidence and a realistic action plan.
Nicole DeLucce
HR and recruiting professional with 15 years of U.S. experience across corporate, startup, and agency environments. Her background includes recruiting, candidate sourcing, interviewing, and close collaboration with hiring managers across industries, including recruiting for positions at Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, Amazon, and Adecco.
Nicole brings an insider’s perspective on how hiring decisions are made. She helps job seekers understand what employers are looking for, present their experience and strengths effectively, and approach resumes and interviews with greater confidence.