A constant threat to one’s health or life, a risk of losing loved ones, separation from family, witnessing death — are only a few devastating consequences of living in a war zone. The mental health impact of the war in Ukraine will have long-term effects. Experiencing traumatic events often leads to mental health disorders, such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression which can last for weeks, months, or even years after the danger has passed. Therefore, the SWPS University Clinic of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy offers free psychological counseling for refugees from Ukraine who found shelter in Poland.
When to seek psychological help
If you experience anxiety, recurring unwanted memories, nightmares, and prolonged, overwhelming sadness or anger, it is a sign that you might need professional help. Yet, many people are reluctant to seek treatment for psychological problems because they are afraid of revisiting painful memories. It may take time before you are able to talk about your trauma nonetheless, telling your story to a supportive therapist has healing power. It is one of the fundamental components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Consider seeking psychological assistance if
- you are unable to recover, even though it has been a while since you fled the war zone
- your life or the lives of your loved ones are in danger because of the war
- you or a person close to you has witnessed another person's death
- you are concerned about someone experiencing any of the symptoms above.
Free psychological counseling at SWPS University Clinic of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
SWPS University Clinic of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the School of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at SWPS University, together with the Polish Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy, provide free online counseling in Ukrainian.
To arrange a meeting, please call +48 (22) 517-96-96 (Monday to Friday 8:00-20:00) or send an e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click on the links below to download a leaflet and find out more.
Behavioral and cognitive psychotherapies are psychological approaches based on scientific principles that have shown to be effective for a wide range of problems. The SWPS University Clinic of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is the first Polish specialist psychotherapy clinic associated with a university that trains psychologists and psychotherapists.
Are you a therapist? You can help
There are already over 2.5 million refugees from Ukraine in Poland, and the number of CBT therapists providing evidence-based treatments in Ukrainian and English is limited. Therefore, Associate Professor Agnieszka Popiel, M.D., Ph.D., Ewa Pragłowska, Ph.D., and Dominika Kacperek from the SWPS University Clinic of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy are looking for CBT therapists who would like to join their team.
The experts from our university, in cooperation with the Polish Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy, have opened registration for therapists who would like to volunteer in this important project. To enroll, follow the link below.