The GIIM team, consisting of the head of the psychology department, Assoc. Prof. Borozentseva T.V., senior lecturer Stepanova S.S. and the head of the department for the organization of educational work of students, Zhurbulyuk K.O., completed a study visit to the University of Tartu (Estonia). The event took place from March 10 to 14, 2025 as part of the Erasmus project BURN (Enhancing Psychological Resilience and Well-being in Universities of (Post-)War Ukraine). The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the psychological support service in Ukrainian higher education institutions through the use of trauma therapy and art therapy techniques
Day 1.
The first day of the visit was very eventful. After the grand opening, the participants immediately started studying. Yuriy Allik, former head of the Institute of Psychology of the University of Tartu, told how psychological education has transformed over the years of Estonia's independence and what successes the country is currently experiencing in the scientific space of modern world psychology. Triin Liin and Katlin Anni introduced the Ukrainian colleagues to the educational programs for training psychologists at the bachelor's and master's levels. Piret Tatunc (HR Office) and Anna Gramberg (Institute of Education) told the psychology teachers of Ukrainian universities about the work carried out at the University to support the psychological well-being of the institution's employees, whose staff number 4,500 people! In the afternoon, the guests visited the Institute of Psychology, toured specialized premises, and learned about research on psychology and mental health conducted by Tartu scientists.
Day 2.
The second day of the visit to Tartu was entirely dedicated to mastering practical skills in working with trauma, discussing practical strategies, and studying cases.
The teachers of the GIIM gained valuable experience in the trauma-informed approach to psychological care. Clinical psychologist, psychotherapist (SBT and schema therapy) of the University of Tartu Counseling Center Kaja Kastepeld-Tyrs introduced Ukrainian psychologists to new approaches to understanding the dynamics of the formation of traumatic experience, the role of dissociation in the therapeutic process, presented interesting figurative metaphors and modern scientific models of working with trauma ("tolerance window", model of the dual process of overcoming loss, etc.).
The guests highly appreciated the trainer's professionalism, her experience in deep work with the consequences of traumatic events, and the almost psychotherapeutic atmosphere in the class.
Day 3-4.
The following days followed the work program of the visit, which included: working on models of conducting group supervision among colleagues from Tõnu Jürjen, Shafira Rzhaeva and Ana Leutska; familiarization with the practice of cooperation between psychologists and psychiatrists when working with trauma from Inga Ignatieva, a clinical psychologist at the Meliva Tartu clinic; attending an interactive workshop "Professional Development of a Psychologist" from a psychologist at the Center for Psychological Support of the University of Tartu using art therapy techniques (drawing, movement, musical instruments, singing), which improve the skills of introspection of internal resources, self-management and self-preservation.
GIIM psychologists enriched their experience with new methods of working in intervention groups, understanding their own professional successes, and received as a gift from colleagues sets of cards and techniques for working in the institute's consulting center, which will be launched as part of the project.
Day 5.
The study visit continued in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. The participants visited the Peaasi center, which deals with mental health issues of Estonian youth. The main tasks of the center are to raise awareness about mental health, overcome the stigma of psychiatric illnesses and improve the accessibility of mental health services by referring young people to appropriate care.
Participants of the visit…
Cultural program of the visit.
During the visit, the participants fully enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the university classrooms, learned about the history of the University of Tartu, visited the art museum and, the main attraction, the punishment cell under the roof, which was used to punish disrespectful students in past centuries. The University of Tartu lecturers showed the guests the modern, best-equipped university library and the Consulting Center.
The participants are grateful to the organizers for the opportunity to visit the capital of Estonia, explore the attractions of the old city, and appreciate the dynamic development of modern Tallinn.
The members of the GIIM team left Tartu with a feeling of boundless gratitude to all Erasmus project partners for the opportunity for teachers of Ukrainian universities to continue their professional growth during wartime.
Key areas:
- Understanding trauma-informed psychological support
- Studying best practices of university counseling services
- Enhancing the professional development of psychologists
- Strengthening cooperation between counseling centers and academic institutions
Participants will interact with the Counseling Center and the Institute of Psychology of the University of Tartu, gaining valuable knowledge about mental health support, research, and innovative therapeutic approaches. Sessions will cover topics such as historical perspectives on psychological education, cutting-edge research, and the role of digital tools in psychological services.
The study visit is designed to provide hands-on learning, knowledge sharing and skill development, providing participants with tools to enhance psychological resilience in their institutions. All participants will receive certificates upon completion.
- Stay tuned for news and conclusions from the study visit!
