Psychological Recovery Program for Military Medics and Doctors Held in the Carpathians for the Second Time
Forty active-duty Ukrainian military medics and doctors have returned from a Repower psychological recovery program held for the second time in Ukraine, surrounded by the nature of the Zakarpattia region. Since December 2022, our team has organized psychological recovery programs for nearly 2,000 Ukrainian military medics and doctors. These programs have taken place in Sweden, Denmark, Spain, and Ukraine.
Recovery Through Psychological Support, Nature, and Creativity
Participants took part in a 10-day recovery program combining psychological support with socio-cultural activities.
The psychological component included body-based therapy, neurogymnastics, reflective group sessions, and individual consultations with psychologists. At the same time, creativity, shared experiences, and meaningful contact with nature formed an essential part of the recovery process.
The program included mountain hikes, river rafting, nature walks, lectures on Ukrainian history, and excursions across Zakarpattia. Participants also joined traditional Ukrainian craft workshops, including pysanka (Easter egg decoration) and textile block printing, prepared Asian cuisine together, and took part in singing sessions led by the Ukrainian singer and bandura player Bandura Girl. As in previous programs, one of the most meaningful traditions was an informal poetry circle around the campfire, where participants shared their favorite poems by Ukrainian authors as well as their own poetry.
Why Psychological Recovery Is a Strategic Necessity
The effects of chronic stress do not end when a traumatic event is over. Even after the danger has passed, the brain continues to cycle through anxious thoughts, gradually reducing a person's ability to experience positive emotions. Repower's approach helps interrupt this process by teaching participants to bring their attention back to the present moment, restore a sense of calm, and reconnect with everyday life. This has a profound impact on psychological resilience, which is essential for clear decision-making, effective performance, and ultimately the country's defense capability.
Body-based therapy, neurogymnastics, time spent in nature, and shared activities help reduce intrusive anxious thoughts and restore a person's connection with the present moment. For this reason, psychological recovery programs should not be viewed as an optional form of support, but as a vital component of the long-term resilience of military personnel.
Scaling the Recovery Model
Repower is currently working to establish a dedicated psychological recovery center for military personnel in Ukraine. The center is expected to provide support to more than 3,500 service members each year.
Through this initiative, we aim to demonstrate to Ukraine and our international partners an effective, evidence-informed model of psychological recovery that can be scaled and replicated across the country.
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