The program, implemented with the support of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, was designed specifically for professionals whose daily work involves high levels of stress, secondary traumatization, and the risk of emotional burnout. Trainer – facilitator and analyst of “Dialogue in Action” Olena Kopina – created a safe, dynamic and engaging learning environment focused on practical exercises for self-regulation, emotional awareness, working with triggers, and communicating on sensitive topics.
The participants were lawyers from the Free Legal Aid system who support clients in the communities of the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Mykolaiv, Odesa and Chernihiv regions. Many emphasized that constant exposure to clients’ difficult life situations affects their psychological resilience and decreases their work effectiveness.
Dnipro: Openness, Dynamics and Insights
The group in Dnipro demonstrated high motivation and active involvement: participants quickly engaged in the exercises, shared their experiences, and reflected openly. The topics that resonated most were emotions, the “Happiness Balance Model,” the Karpman triangle, and the “Glimmers” exercise. Feedback highlighted meaningful discoveries: “I never realized that ‘negative’ emotions can tell us so much,”“I will definitely use the Karpman triangle in my work,”“This training was necessary – we finally talked about ourselves.”
Odesa: A Call for Self-Preservation and Reframing Roles
In Odesa, participants spoke about fatigue, borderline burnout, and the challenges of working with clients who sometimes devalue their efforts. The training helped systematize knowledge and offered a new perspective on their own behaviors and emotions. The “Happiness Balance Model,” the Karpman triangle, and containment exercises made the strongest impact. For many, the day became a rare opportunity to “exhale,” feel supported by colleagues, and rethink both professional and personal states.
Chernihiv: Overcoming Tension and Finding a Lively Connection
The Chernihiv group was initially reserved, but through pair work and dynamic activities, participants quickly opened up. They described the training as “lively, warm, and dynamic.” One of the most common reflections was: “Today I am in the right place at the right time.” Among the tools they plan to apply are naming emotions, working with triggers, and the Happiness Balance Model. Lawyers noted that the new knowledge can be implemented in their work immediately.
Following the offline trainings, each group will also participate in four online supervisions facilitated by Olena Kopina and Anna Dovbyk. During these sessions, participants will be able to discuss work-related cases (confidentially), analyze their own reactions, and practice emotional management skills. Additionally, in the final supervision, Anna will introduce the group to the “Circles” methodology, which will further support their professional practice.
We are grateful to all participants for their trust, openness, and courage to work with their emotions. We also thank the Council of Europe for supporting the program, and trainers Olena Kopina and Anna Dovbyk for their professionalism, sensitivity, and for creating a safe learning environment.
The event was carried out within the framework of a grant provided by the Council of Europe project “Strengthening Judicial and Non-Judicial Remedies for Persons Affected by the War in Ukraine.”
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