Group meeting «My Sources of Support»: A Space for Psychological Support, Self-Discovery and Reconnecting with Inner Resources

On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, an online group session entitled «My Sources of Support» was held, focusing on identifying internal and external resources, developing emotional competence and strengthening psychological resilience.

The session was facilitated by Hanna Afuzova, PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor at the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education, Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, practicing psychologist and member of the National Psychological Association (Mental Health Division).

The event followed an interactive format incorporating elements of art therapy. It aimed to create a psychologically safe space where participants could attend to their emotional well-being, recognize their personal strengths and explore sources of support in the context of prolonged stress and uncertainty.

During the session, participants discussed the role of emotions in everyday life, individual responses to stressful situations, and the importance of self-awareness and a mindful approach to personal experiences. Particular attention was paid to internal and external sources of support that help individuals maintain emotional balance, adapt to change and sustain psychological well-being.

The practical component included reflective and art-based activities such as «My Superpower», «What Does Strength Mean to Me?» and «The Flower of Meaning». These activities encouraged participants to reflect on their personal strengths, core values, sources of motivation and sense of meaning in life.

The central activity was the art therapy technique «My Tree of Resilience», developed by Viktoriia Nazarevych, a leading Ukrainian specialist in art psychology and the psychology of creativity. Using the symbolic image of a tree, participants explored the foundations of their resilience, identified existing personal resources and reflected on areas requiring greater attention and care. The activity concluded with a reflection on small but meaningful steps participants could take to support their psychological well-being.

Feedback from students was among the most valuable outcomes of the session. Participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to step away, even briefly, from everyday responsibilities and devote time to themselves, their feelings and self-discovery. They emphasized the importance of such experiences in the current circumstances, when the constant need to respond to external challenges often leaves little room for recognizing and addressing one’s own needs.

At the same time, the session generated both personal and professional interest. Students were particularly keen to explore how the «My Tree of Resilience» technique could be adapted for their future professional practice, especially in psychological and social-pedagogical work with diverse groups of people receiving support.

Overall, «My Sources of Support» provided a space not only for psychological support but also for professional reflection, highlighting the practical value of resource-oriented approaches in working with people. After all, looking after one’s mental health is not a luxury, but an essential condition for sustaining inner resources, maintaining the capacity to support others and continuing to move forward, even in challenging life circumstances.

Hanna Afuzova, Associate Professor at the Department of Social Work
and Inclusive Education of the BSPU