The Ukrainian War and Trauma in Private Practice with Dr. Polina
On Thursday, February 24, Russian President Putin announced a "special military operation" to "demilitarise and denazify" Ukraine. Minutes later, missiles and airstrikes struck throughout Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, shortly followed by a large ground invasion from multiple directions. In response, Ukrainian president Zelenskyy enacted martial law and general mobilization.
As we witness the atrocities of violence from afar, you might think: Why should I care? How can the current events affect me? Economically, we've seen gas prices increase due to oil sanctions against Russia. Mentally, members of our community are experiencing an increase in anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder due to the ongoing conflict. As our services continue to grow, we’ll slowly see clients show symptoms due to family members or mutual connections to Russia or Ukraine.
Dr. Polina shares what to expect and what we can do as the Ukrainian War is brought into our offices. She also opens up with Kelly about her first response to the war, how she overcame her initial grief, and the support received by her communities.
Resources Discussed
Dr. Polina has a PhD in Psychology and helps couples and individuals with anxiety and depression in Denver, Colorado.
How the war can affect us in the U.S. and in private practices.
Common symptoms that show up in clients affected by the fighting.
Polina’s own thoughts and reaction to the current events.
How Polina overcame her initial grief.
How to support your friends, family, coworkers, and community members impacted by the conflict.
Reach out to doci.ukr@gmail.com, a Colorado-based nonprofit that will donate 100% of proceeds to the people in need in Ukraine.
Visit novaukraine.org to assist with humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
Contact Polina via email to support Russian specialists against the war: polina@yourwavecounseling.com
