Safespace
Online · Ukrainian support groups
Every Saturday: free 90-minute Zoom sessions with a psychologist and coach on topics of choice.
The program is designed to be a steady source of support – a place to return to – during the challenging process of adapting to a new life. Its goal is simple: every Ukrainian in the U.S. should know that every Saturday there is a safe space where you are seen, heard, valued.
Program goals
U.S. Adjustment
Understanding emotional responses to a changed environment and loss. Gentle, careful guidance for working through disorientation, guilt, and helplessness.
Self-Calming Tools
Learning body-based practices that release tension, steady thoughts, reduce panic, and support better sleep. Building simple self-regulation routines for daily life.
Community Connection
Creating a space where Ukrainians can discover their resilience, care, humor, spirit. That shared support becomes a source of strength to move forward.
How the group works
Meetings focus on one topic: anxiety, anger, guilt, insomnia and more.
The facilitator guides participants to understand and process emotions.
Everyone can share or simply be present.
Practical exercises include breathing, meditation, and gentle body-based techniques for emotional stabilization.
Each session is stand-alone. Registration is separate for each meeting.
Program topics
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Loneliness & Inner Grounding
Overcoming migration-related loneliness, the “in-between” state, and restoring a sense of home. Participants learn to cope with isolation, create joy away from home, and regain activity.
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Anxiety, Stress & Nervous System
How war and relocation keep the body tense and effective ways to reduce stress. Participants learn nervous system responses, practice self-help techniques, and restore calm and balance.
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Social Adaptation & Connections
Adapting to a new culture, rules, and people while maintaining identity. Learning social norms, building connections, finding support, and establishing healthy personal boundaries.
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Difficult Emotions & Recovery
Participants learn to safely experience anger, guilt, and loss, become aware of emotional responses, understand their impact, and develop resources to restore balance, resilience, and well-being.
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Identity, Resources & Self-Care
Rebuilding yourself through body, culture, support, and small steps. Participants learn to renew identity, use cultural resources, reconnect with the body, and practice simple self-care.
Choose your sessions
Program Facilitator
“We can’t change the world around us, but we can learn to understand ourselves better and find our place in it. That’s where I can help.”
Valentyna Petrenko
Experience: 15 years of experience working with trauma, emotional difficulties, addictions, and self-esteem. Support in adaptation and emotional stabilization
Uses evidence-based methods: schema therapy, EMDR, EFT, and Gestalt therapy — providing broad expertise and adaptability to different needs.
FAQs
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Yes, the seminar is completely free. You can donate in appreciation at hugspace.org.
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Yes — confidentiality is required so everyone feels safe.
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Mostly Ukrainian. Some Russian/English for clarity if needed.
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Consistency helps, but it isn’t strictly required. Each session is stand-alone with its own topic, and registration is separate for each meeting.
This program provides peer support and psychoeducation. It is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy and is not intended for severe mental health conditions.
It may not be appropriate for anyone with a clinical diagnosis that requires specialized treatment.