Growing Need for Grief Management Training in Ukraine

As the demand for grief management training increases in Ukraine, the Family Table of Ukraine Mission has stepped up to address this urgent need. Recently, the organization hosted a specialized program for chaplains titled “Lament before God” which was led by Iryna D., a staff member of Music Mission Kiev (MMK) and a representative of the Institute for Trauma Healing. Pamela D’Andre, the director of Family Table and a long-time colleague of MMK, extended the invitation, emphasizing the importance of this training.

Chaplains from across Ukraine gathered to deepen their understanding of the stages of grief, particularly in light of the challenging circumstances they face in their work. The training concentrated on equipping participants with practical skills for self-care during the grieving process, as well as strategies to support others navigating their own grief. Over the course of two days, Iryna provided insights into emotional trauma, healthy expression of feelings, and the importance of assessing one’s emotional well-being to avoid burnout and confusion.

The training was structured to maximize learning and application. Participants were divided into small groups, where they first engaged with theoretical concepts and then practiced these skills in real time. On the second day, the chaplains visited a military hospital to offer essential mental health support for wounded soldiers. This hands-on experience was followed by a reflective discussion, allowing participants to process their interactions and applicability.

Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing deep gratitude to Iryna for delivering such highly relevant and practical training. Many participants requested her contact information to explore further collaboration. The session underscored a pressing need for comprehensive grief management education, not just for chaplains and specialists, but also for local ministers, church members, and the broader community. Recognizing this need, the Trauma Healing Institute is presently focusing on expanding access to this crucial training.