Psychological safety in action: 16 days of building a culture of nonviolent communication

The Educational Psychological Counseling Laboratory has successfully implemented a large-scale socio-psychological initiative aimed at developing civic engagement, proactivity, and a culture of nonviolent communication within the academic environment. The project was authored and inspired by Viktoriia Fedoryk, Head of the Laboratory and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychology. The campaign was based on R. Cattell’s scientifically grounded multi-factor personality model, which was successfully transformed from a diagnostic tool into an effective system of daily social practices. For sixteen days, under the guidance of Viktoriia Fedoryk, participants underwent a journey of conscious change, where each personality factor became a powerful tool for building a space of psychological safety and a culture of mutual respect.

The program covered a wide range of psychological aspects: from emotional stability, which served as an «anchor» for harmonizing group emotions, to the development of civic courage in protecting the interests of every community member. Through the professional guidance of Viktoriia Fedoryk, participants mastered empathetic leadership skills, learned to respect personal boundaries, and practiced delegating trust. Special emphasis was placed on the ability to be an «advocate for new ideas», to validate the complex emotions of others, and to consciously choose a «good enough» strategy as an antidote to destructive perfectionism.

This initiative became more than just a series of exercises; it served as a living platform for creating a library of constructive verbal strategies and exchanging experiences in overcoming communication barriers. On the initiative of the Head of the Laboratory, a space was created where intellectual interest, self-reliance, and sensitivity became tools for real impact on the microclimate within groups and professional teams. The Laboratory expresses its gratitude to all participants for their openness and readiness for proactive change. We are convinced that this experience, integrated by Viktoriia Fedoryk into the Laboratory’s work, will become a solid foundation for the further development of a safe and professional community where every individual feels respect for their uniqueness.

Based on materials from the Educational
Psychological Counseling Laboratory