Dr. Violeta Luna and Dr. Megan Bearden have contributed in distinct areas of professional training, clinical consultation, and supervision with Ukrainian psychologists serving individuals, families, and communities affected by the war.
Dr. Violeta Luna has traveled to Ukraine as part of team of clinical counselors to provide training to Ukrainian psychologists who were providing psychological support to military personnel and others experiencing the psychological impact of war and displacement. Her work focused on strengthening psychologists’ clinical knowledge and practical skills for responding to trauma and complex psychological needs within the context of war. Following the in-person training, Dr. Luna continued to provide professional supervision and clinical consultation to participating Ukrainian psychologists, with the assistance of an interpreter.
Dr. Megan Bearden collaborated with Ukrainian psychologists working with children and families, providing specialized training and supervision in play therapy and child-centered therapeutic approaches. Her work focused on strengthening clinicians’ skills and confidence in applying these approaches with children affected by trauma and disruption. An important component of this work was equipping psychologists to replicate and extend these skills within their own professional and community settings, thereby increasing the reach of specialized therapeutic knowledge.
Through supervision, the work of Dr. Luna and Dr. Bearden provided opportunities for case discussion, clinical reflection, skills development, and the application of trauma-informed interventions within the Ukrainian context. Their contributions were responsive to the distinct populations and professional needs served by each group of psychologists.