The war in Ukraine has brought a multitude of challenges affecting the well-being and mental health of its citizens. Armed conflict, the loss of loved ones, forced displacement, and the daily threat of missile attacks have created an urgent demand for professional psychological assistance.

In this context, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) has become an indispensable tool for Ukrainian psychotherapists, offering evidence-based solutions for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complicated grief. With a 30-year track record of efficacy in the U.S. and globally, CPT stands out as a top choice for addressing trauma-related mental health issues.

Initially developed to treat depression among women who had experienced violence, CPT has evolved over three decades to address a broader range of mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Grounded in cognitive theory, it provides clear, structured methods for helping individuals stuck in the aftermath of trauma. For those coping with the loss of loved ones or witnessing devastating events, CPT offers effective strategies for overcoming the "stuck points" on the path to recovery.

Since 2021, Marta Pyvovarenko, the Head of the Department “Quality Assurance for MHPSS Services” at the NGO Community Self-Help, has been actively implementing this method in Ukraine with the comprehensive support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Dr. Victor Burlaka, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA.

In July 2022, the first cohort of psychotherapists underwent training in Uzhhorod, Zakarpattia Oblast. Participants, selected from across the region, were certified professionals supported by regional methodological centers during the selection process. This year's project focuses on monitoring outcomes after two years of training and supervision for therapists practicing this modality in Zakarpattia. The deepening of knowledge among CPT practitioners addresses the urgent need for ongoing professional development.

Admission to the training program required prior familiarity with the individual therapy manual for CPT. Participants sought advanced understanding of how to adapt CPT techniques to address the consequences of war-related trauma, including group formats and online delivery. This need stems not only from the complexity of cases but also from the growing number of people seeking help.

Psychologist Olena Pitukh, the initiator and facilitator of the training project, emphasized:

During the sessions, a central question emerged: “What has been the most challenging experience in your practice?” Therapists shared insights from working with clients who had endured war-related trauma, collaboratively identifying effective approaches to complex cases. This interactive format transformed the training into both a source of new knowledge and a platform for support and professional growth.

An essential component of the project is the ongoing supervision provided by Marta Pyvovarenko. Supervision serves not only as a way for therapists to refine their skills but also as a source of emotional and professional support in handling difficult cases.

Can a system be created where every Ukrainian has access to quality psychological assistance? CPT offers a promising path toward achieving this goal. Thanks to the UNDP, the training continues, equipping psychologists with tools to enhance their effectiveness. This initiative is about more than knowledge and skills; it’s about fostering a community of professionals committed to the nation’s recovery. If every specialist can help even one individual find new meaning in life, it will mark a small but significant victory for the country.

The work in this direction continues!