Working with children and adolescents experiencing stress and trauma always requires professionals to combine expertise with an understanding of child psychology. As part of the project “Supporting Child Mental Health in De-Occupied Territories of Ukraine” participants not only learn effective methods but also analyze real-life cases that inspire new approaches to helping children.

Dr. Suzan Song, the course trainer and supervisor, as well as the director of the Global Centre for Child and Family Mental Health at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, emphasizes that working with children’s MHPSS (mental health and psychosocial support) involves some differences from working with adults. According to her, emotional support and the presence of a caring adult are crucial when helping children through challenging circumstances. Children, especially those under stress or living in conflict zones, tend to express emotions more vividly and intensely than adults. At the same time, they can quickly shift their emotional state with the right approach. This flexibility demands more time, attention, and adaptability from professionals and mentors.

It is particularly important to consider that many children in such conditions are separated from their parents or close family members, which increases their vulnerability. In these cases, the role of other adults—mentors, teachers, coaches, or social workers—becomes critical. Their involvement and observations of children’s behavior can ensure timely support. Additionally, Dr. Song highlights the necessity of adhering to legal and ethical standards, especially when a child’s parents are physically absent.

During supervision, Dr. Song shared a real-life example from her consultation with a child:

“Yesterday, I had a consultation with a 14-year-old girl. She was going through intense emotional difficulties. She felt deeply hurt, had troubling questions, and wasn’t even sure she wanted to continue living! Based on her condition, one might immediately think it was a sign of depression. I’ve known this girl for some time, so I said to her, ‘I hear you and understand that things are really hard for you right now.’ But I also knew that she plays soccer. At one point, I suggested she try attending practice and then return so we could talk again. She agreed, went to practice, and came back completely different—her state had significantly improved. I reminded her, ‘Remember how you felt a few hours ago? And look at you now—you feel entirely different!”

This example illustrates how vital the support of an adult is during difficult moments in a child’s life. From this case, we can identify several key lessons for working with children and adolescents:

- Listen to and support children, giving them space to express their emotions.

- Use activities as a stabilization tool (simple activities such as physical games, sports, or creativity can effectively and quickly help children regain emotional balance and reduce stress levels).

- Consider children’s stressful circumstances and adapt approaches to their needs and context.

Dr. Song also pointed out that children, especially during times of war, often lack parental support, making them significantly more vulnerable. To ensure help is effective and safe, it is crucial to combine empathy with an adaptive approach. At the same time, it is important to consider the legal aspects of working with children, as adherence to ethical and legal standards is an integral part of any interaction.

This presents professionals with the dual challenge of providing support while fully understanding their rights and responsibilities in such cases. Knowledge of the legal aspects of working with children helps practitioners act responsibly and create a safe environment for children, even under the most challenging circumstances.

These critical topics were also discussed during the project’s supervision sessions and will be covered in future publications. Stay tuned for updates and valuable insights.

The “Supporting Child Mental Health in De-Occupied Territories of Ukraine” project is implemented by The Boston Children’s Hospital Global Health Program by Harvard University (USA) in partnership with the NGO Community Self-Help (Ukraine).