Psychologist helps Ukrainian refugees feel 'hopeful' in Dorset

Larysa fled Dnipro in February 2022 at the start of the conflict

"I have this feeling, I'm not here, I'm not there, I'm nowhere," says Larysa.

The 40-year-old had a career as an estate agent and a comfortable life in Dnipro but that all changed in February 2022 when war broke out.

She and her teenage son fled Ukraine, finding refuge with hosts in Dorset. The rest of the men in her family stayed behind.

Grateful for the kindness she has been shown, she said the change has nevertheless been difficult.

"I have settled here physically but I cannot settle in my mind," she explained. "I cannot get used to a new country, new rules, new language and habits. I worry about my family in Ukraine."

Larysa was speaking at the home of Ukrainian psychologist Anna Hontaruk in Poole.

Ms Hontaruk, who also came to the UK through the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, has helped dozens of women like Larysa with the psychological challenges they face.

Anna Hontaruk offers free sessions at her home in Dorset

"The main problem is chronic stress," she said, adding: "Despite having shelter and everything vital we need for life, we keep thinking about our country, our uncertain future.

"A lot of people are ashamed to ask for help, they are used to hiding their emotions and pretend to be unbreakable but this is damaging for their mental health."

Ms Hontaruk runs free sessions which combine talking therapy with physical exercises to release stress.

She explained: "I help people to find internal self-support. I try to help people change their way of thinking and be opened-minded and see a lot of new opportunities, despite their mental condition."

She added after the invasion of Ukraine she was in shock and felt powerless but then realised she could make a difference.

"Helping people is my passion and being able to do that it is my personal coping strategy," Ms Hontaruk said.

Viktoria, who has a 13-year-old daughter, ran a successful events company in Ukraine.

Viktoria has been helped by Ms Hontaruk

She said she has struggled to find a sense of purpose and identity since coming to England.

"In my imagination, I thought we would come for four, maybe five months," she said.

"When you are going through an unexpected situation in your life, like war, you have some unexpected feelings and you do not know how you can manage this. Talking with Anna in my own language has been really useful and provided me with tools to help myself."

Larysa, who is working as a teaching assistant, said the sessions have helped her to feel "a little more hopeful" and more able to support her 15-year-old son, who has also been separated from friends and wider family.

"Talking about the problems is half of solving them," she said, continuing: "I can't foresee the future, I am just living in this moment and doing the best I can do."

The free sessions combine talking therapy with physical exercises to release stress

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