#EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Safespace. Ukrainian Support Groups
Online • Saturdays • 90 min • Ukrainian
Adapting to a new life can feel overwhelming. Safespace is a place to return to each week for support, understanding, and connection. Our goal is simple:
Every Ukrainian should know that every Saturday there is a place where they are seen, heard, and valued.
Про нас
Safespace is a weekly online support group for Ukrainians building a life in the United States. Led by a psychologist and coach, each session offers a welcoming space to navigate stress, uncertainty, change, and everyday challenges alongside people who understand the journey.
Some participants come for guidance. Others come for connection. Many come simply to know they are not alone.
-
Online every Saturday
90-minute sessions led by a psychologist and coach
Each session focuses on a specific topic and can be attended independently
Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable
A respectful and confidential environment for everyone
-
We talk about the things that matter when life changes:
Stress and emotional well-being
Building connections and community
Identity and belonging
Grief, loss, and uncertainty
Self-care and resilience
Finding your place in a new country
-
Valentyna Petrenko is a psychologist 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.
Season 2 Begins in September
Thank you to everyone who joined us during our first season.
Safespace is taking a summer pause and will return in September. We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces as we continue creating a space for support, connection, and community.
#COACHING
Next Steps. Life-Coaching Groups
Online • Saturdays • 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.
Про нас
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, discover practical ways forward, and build momentum toward meaningful change.
Some come for clarity. Others come for accountability. Many come because they are ready to stop circling the same questions and start moving forward.
-
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
-
Inner Resources
Where to find energy when you feel depletedTrue Desires
Understanding what you really want—not what others expect from youManaging Stress
Staying grounded during uncertainty and changeImpostor Syndrome
Moving from self-doubt to actionPersonal Boundaries
Learning to say "no" without guiltCommunication Skills
Building healthier and more meaningful relationshipsDecision-Making
Choosing a path when you're afraid of making the wrong choiceNavigating Change
Finding opportunities and direction during transitionsBeing Yourself
Embracing authenticity and self-expressionReflection & Moving Forward
Letting go of what no longer serves you and moving forward with clarity -
Sessions are facilitated by experienced Hugspace coaches who create supportive, structured, and action-oriented group experiences: Natallia Meitine, Tatiana Gorodnicheva, Marina Schelochkova.
Our coaches help participants gain clarity, strengthen confidence, and move forward at a pace that feels right for them.
Upcoming sessions
#CAREER
Career Lab. Tech Career Coaching
Online • Saturdays • 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.
Про нас
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.
-
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
-
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. -
Sessions are facilitated by experienced technology professionals and industry leaders with backgrounds in software engineering, data, product, and technical leadership.
Featured facilitators include Tatiana Kerzhner, Career Coach and former Data Analyst with 20+ years of corporate experience. Tatiana has conducted over 80 coaching sessions and specializes in helping professionals identify their strengths, communicate their value, and navigate successful career transitions.
Facilitators bring real-world hiring, leadership, and career development experience, providing practical guidance that participants can apply immediately.
Upcoming sessions
#EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Reflect. EQ Journaling Groups
Online • Weekly • 75–90 min
A weekly guided journaling practice designed to help you slow down, understand your emotions, and build greater self-awareness through writing, reflection, and mindfulness.
Leave each session with deeper self-understanding, greater self-awareness, and a stronger connection to yourself.
Про нас
Life moves fast. EQ Journaling creates space to pause.
Through guided writing, reflection, and mindfulness, participants explore their emotions, gain insight, and build a stronger connection with themselves.
Some come to reflect. Some come to reset. Many come to leave feeling more grounded, self-aware, and intentional.
-
Guided emotional check-ins and mindfulness practices
Reflective journaling using structured prompts
Breathing exercises and visualizations
Optional sharing in a supportive, non-judgmental environment
A different theme each week, such as gratitude, courage, self-compassion, and renewal
Participate at your own pace—there is never pressure to share
-
Self-Awareness & Emotional Insight
Understanding emotions, patterns, and inner signals.Gratitude & Positive Focus
Recognizing strengths, appreciation, and sources of support.Self-Worth & Inner Strength
Building confidence, resilience, and self-trust.Courage & Change
Navigating uncertainty, overcoming perfectionism, and taking meaningful steps forward.Self-Compassion & the Inner Critic
Transforming self-judgment into understanding, support, and acceptance.Clarity & Decision-Making
Exploring values, priorities, and intuition.Renewal & Reflection
Letting go, integrating insights, and moving forward with intention. -
Sessions are facilitated by Svetlana Chashchina (APCC #18239), a certified coach specializing in emotional awareness, self-reflection, and personal growth.
Through guided journaling, mindfulness, and visualization practices, Svetlana helps participants better understand their emotions, gain insight, and build a stronger connection with themselves.
Upcoming sessions
#CAREER
Job Search Coaching Workshops
Online • 4-part series • 90 min each • Currently in Russian
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.
Про нас
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.
-
This is a coaching group—not a lecture. Each session combines practical guidance, group discussion, and opportunities to receive personalized feedback.
Small groups of 10–15 participants
Four weekly 90-minute online sessions
A welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment
Interactive discussions and practical exercises
Personalized feedback from the coach
Peer learning and shared experiences
Practical activities between sessions to support your progress
-
Week 1 — Finding Your Career Direction
Build connections with the group while gaining clarity about your career goals, strengths, and opportunities in today's U.S. job market.Getting to know each other
Identifying your strengths, transferable skills, and career interests
Understanding today's U.S. job market
Building confidence and overcoming self-doubt
Creating your personal job search strategy
Week 2 — Resume & Job Applications
Learn how to present your experience effectively and navigate today's hiring process with confidence.Resume structure and best practices
Tailoring your resume for different opportunities
Highlighting transferable skills and accomplishments
Navigating online applications and job boards
Resume review and personalized feedback
Week 3 — Interviewing with Confidence
Develop practical interviewing skills while learning how to communicate your experience clearly and confidently.Preparing for common interview questions
Behavioral interviewing and storytelling
Communicating across cultures
Managing interview anxiety
Professional communication and follow-up
Week 4 — Putting It All Into Practice
Apply everything you've learned through coaching, practice, and personalized feedback while preparing for your next steps.Mock interviews
Resume and LinkedIn profile reviews
Individual coaching and personalized feedback
Open Q&A and troubleshooting
Developing your personalized job search action plan
-
Ivetta Starikova is a career strategist and founder of FindMyWay. With more than 15 years in technology—including roles at Apple, Symantec, Juniper Networks, and social-impact startups—she brings a practical, structured approach to job searching.
Upcoming sessions
Choose the sessions that work for you. Each session has 15 spots and is booked separately. If a session is full—or you’re interested in a future group—join the interest list.
SESSION FEE
$15 per session. Your fee helps us sustain this program and keep our warmline free. If you’re able to contribute more, we’d be deeply grateful—your support helps us reach more people in need.
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).
Лауреатка Міжнародної гуманітарної премії 2026 року від Американської психологічної асоціації (APA) за внесок у психологічну підтримку людей у кризових і гуманітарних контекстах.
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.
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.