Short interviews with the Heads and Members of the Ukrainian Umbrella Association of Psychotherapy and the European Association of Psychotherapy following the Second Joint Symposium

1. I think this Symposium is an opportunity to talk about the impact of psychotherapy in extreme circumstances. War can happen anywhere, and refugees are coming from war zones across Europe. Discussions in the international community about psychotherapy's contribution to helping people cope with such circumstances create new ideas and provide a platform to exchange experiences in working with traumatized individuals.
2. This is a difficult question because there is no algorithm or collective answer. Changing circumstances allow individuals to build or leave something behind. It is crucial to let individuals decide rather than prescribing what should remain or change. For instance, starting a political party with a certain ideology reflects personal beliefs on what should be preserved or developed.
3. Ukrainian psychotherapists organizing this Symposium demonstrate a constructive way to involve as many professionals as possible in addressing psychotherapy under war conditions. This is the beginning of a joint effort to support traumatized populations and build a supportive network for Ukrainian psychotherapists.
4. There is no quick recovery after a complex trauma like war. Staying connected with colleagues in similar circumstances and maintaining contact with international peers is vital. An international perspective helps keep an open mind for normal life beyond attacks and fears.

The Ukrainian psychotherapeutic community is one of the co-founders of the European Association. We have been actively involved since the first founding congress in 1992 in Budapest. In 2003, we hosted the first non-European EAP congress in Lviv, introducing the concept of scientific conferences to the annual EAP congresses. These contributions and our ongoing dialogue reflect the importance of ethics in psychotherapy during crises.

1. Our collaboration highlights ethical positions and dilemmas psychotherapists face in working with clients, colleagues, and broader communities. This is our significant contribution to psychotherapy during crises.
2. Humanity is undergoing a spiral movement back to ancient times, rediscovering values like "know thyself" and integrating them with modern technologies. This shift emphasizes the need to understand human nature and redefine our values for the future.
3. The current global situation reveals the importance of both information and weapon wars. Psychotherapeutic practices need to adapt to the challenges of addressing these issues, emphasizing global communication and shared understanding.
4. Quick recovery is not universally achievable. Psychotherapists need to understand individual resources and strategies for restoring well-being. Collaboration and ongoing dialogue are key to replenishing professional and personal resources.

1. The most important aspect is the hope that these Symposiums provide support and professional nourishment to our colleagues in Ukraine during this most terrible time. Conducting psychotherapy while facing daily threats and fears is incredibly demanding. These events offer opportunities for inspiration, connection, and dialogue with European colleagues, fostering resilience and future planning.
2. As a psychotherapist, I believe humanity must transition from ego systems to ecosystems, recognizing our role as part of a larger ecosystem. This involves embracing humility and learning from examples like the Amazonian rainforest, where biodiversity thrives without depleting resources. Psychotherapists can play a vital role in shaping humanity's mindset towards harmony with the planet.
3. Since Autumn 2022, I have met regularly with senior Ukrainian colleagues. I am deeply impressed by their transformation from feeling like victims to becoming authors of their own lives and, more importantly, authors of Ukraine's future. This shift is remarkable and provides hope for a better future.
4. Quick recovery often represents a flight into health rather than genuine healing. True recovery is a gradual process, as emphasized by the Ukrainian proverb, "If you wish to go fast, go alone. If you wish to go far, go with others." Ukraine is on a long journey, and we are privileged to support them.

1. Professionals gain fresh insights into the extraordinary challenges psychotherapists face during war and trauma. This includes adapting therapeutic techniques to meet new conditions and exchanging knowledge through Symposiums.
2. It is too early to fully assess which skills remain valid and which require modification. Humanity is undergoing a historic shift influenced by war, artificial intelligence, climate change, and extensive social networking. The implications for psychotherapy will only become clear over time.
3. This war teaches us that history often repeats itself. We must learn from the past more effectively than we have done so far.
4. Quick recovery applies only to short-term conditions like shock reactions. Long-term challenges, such as PTSD, require time, effort, and individual resources. Recovery depends significantly on the person's strengths, not just the therapist's skills.

1. The most important benefit is the consolidation of experience, unity, and professional solidarity. Shared values, priorities, and professional exchanges create a sense of community and foster a quantum leap in self-awareness, national identity, and progress for the Ukrainian nation.
2. Traumatic experiences contribute to personal and collective growth. The Ukrainian nation has gained global recognition, and its citizens are redefining effective safety and security management based on lessons from the past.
3. Gestalt therapy emphasizes living in the here and now, a critical principle for survival during war. Viktor Frankl's concept that survival requires focusing on daily tasks and overcoming relevant obstacles resonates deeply during this time.
4. My key resources are threefold: alternating activities (teaching, therapy, supervision), prioritizing physiological needs (sleep, rest, nourishment), and maximizing effectiveness in my professional roles. This is a crucial time for psychologists and psychotherapists, highlighting the importance of their expertise in helping others navigate trauma.