As part of the educational process and measures to ensure the quality of education, on 15 October 2025, Maksym Moskaliov, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Professional Education in Technology and Design, presented a public lecture entitled “The specifics of providing first psychological aid to victims of war”. The event was not only an educational event, but also a sincere discussion and debate about the specifics of the impact of extreme and crisis situations on the dynamics of stress and the conditions and reasons for providing first psychological aid in wartime.
Among those present at the lecture were: Alla Semenova – Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of POSTD; Inna Kosyak, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of POSTD; Rymma Kyrychenko, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of POSTD; Alona Tykhomirova, PhD, Senior Lecturer of the Department of POSTD.
The lecturer presented a clearly structured lecture content, outlined its goals and objectives, which corresponded to the learning outcomes of the educational and professional programme and covered key aspects of the practical application of psychological knowledge. Particular attention was paid to understanding psychological assistance as a branch of practical psychology aimed at improving the socio-psychological competence of individuals and providing support to individuals, groups and organisations.
The lecture focused on the ethical principles of first psychological aid, as formulated in the recommendations of the World Health Organisation. In particular, issues of ensuring safety, dignity and human rights, avoiding re-traumatisation, awareness of emergency response mechanisms, and the importance of professionals caring for their own physical and emotional well-being were discussed. According to the lecturer, adherence to these principles is a necessary condition for professional effectiveness and the preservation of the mental health of the helper themselves.
A separate part of the lecture was devoted to the tasks of first psychological aid, in particular, creating a sense of security, calm, hope and social connection in victims, facilitating access to social, physical and emotional support, as well as strengthening belief in the possibility of self-help and mutual support.
The lecture was conducted in a format of active student engagement, in line with the principles of student-centred learning: students participated in discussions, asked questions, and shared their own observations and reflections. This approach helped deepen understanding of the material, develop critical thinking, and raise awareness of the future professional role of psychologists in the field of mental health support.
Holding open lectures with practice-oriented content is an important component of the education quality assurance system and demonstrates the focus of the educational process on developing relevant professional competencies in higher education students, in line with contemporary social challenges.
The event took place in a warm and inspiring atmosphere, where all participants experienced firsthand that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about humanity, sincerity, and personal growth. The staff of the Department sincerely thanks Maksym Moskaliov for a meaningful, profound, and heartfelt dialogue, which once again reminded us that mental health is the foundation of our own safety.
16.10.2025
