A Mental Health Fight on Two Fronts with Oksana Priservira

A Mental Health Fight on Two Fronts with Oksana Priservira

In the latest episode of 'Retrieving Sanity', host Keegan Read has a poignant conversation with psychologist Oksana Priservira, who shares her experiences working with children and families affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, Oksana has remained in Kyiv, dedicating herself to her work with the charity foundation 'Voices of Children'.

This foundation, which began in 2018, provides essential psychosocial support to young people and their families, helping them cope with the trauma of living in a war zone. Oksana emphasizes the importance of humor in therapy, asserting that laughter can be a powerful tool for healing. This approach is particularly vital in helping children navigate the complex emotions and experiences that arise from conflict.

By incorporating humor into therapy sessions, children are encouraged to view life more positively, even amidst adversity. The episode also highlights the Camp Plus program, an initiative designed to support the families of soldiers and those dealing with loss. This program aims to assist families in recovering from trauma and rebuilding their lives. Oksana discusses the innovative therapeutic approaches employed by Voices of Children, which include art therapy and personalized care plans tailored to each child's needs.

Throughout the conversation, Oksana's passion for her work is evident, as she shares stories of resilience and hope. She underscores the importance of community support and urges listeners to contribute to the foundation's efforts. As Oksana puts it, healing is a collective endeavor, and every effort counts. The episode closes with Keegan expressing his admiration for Oksana and the foundation's work, acknowledging the profound impact they have on countless lives.

As the discussion wraps up, Oksana invites listeners to support Voices of Children by purchasing merchandise from their website, offering a simple way to contribute to the cause while receiving a tangible reminder of the foundation's mission. Overall, this episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support in overcoming adversity. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope, and together, we can make a difference.