Written By Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity

Natalya Rakevich, PhD

Explores Educator Wellbeing

Ideas on how Educators & Psychologists

Can Support Each Other Globally

Seven ideas to remember from my presentation:

  1. No matter how dark it is around you, there is always light — at the very least, the light within you. It is always possible to find something positive, even in the midst of negativity.

  2. It is vital for educators, psychologists, and counselors to feel supported and to understand that they are not alone.

  3. Connections with others are crucial, especially during traumatic or stressful experiences.

  4. It’s important to learn and practice coping mechanisms before experiencing stress or trauma, not only in the moment.

  5. There are no universal coping mechanisms that work for everyone, everywhere, all the time.

  6. The well-being of educators directly affects the well-being of their students. This is why learning to cope with trauma in healthy ways is essential.

  7. All coping mechanisms work best when practiced mindfully.

It was an honor to share my experiences and ideas with so many educators from different countries at the International School Psychology Association Conference in Coimbra, Portugal.

I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and co-authors: Dr. Colleen O’Neal, Dr. Joe Mageary, Dr. Tricia McDonough Ryan, and Daria Sustrietova.


“Peace be with you. Peace be with your family. Peace be with your country. Peace be with Ukraine.”

SSEC Conference, Detroit, Michigan, June 17 - 21, 2025

Maintaining Well-being: Coping Strategies for Prolonged Traumatic Experiences from the Stories of Ukrainian Educators During the Wartime

Natalya Rakevich, PhD

International Refugee and Migration Conference
Halifax Convention Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 27 - 29, 2025

Learn about VeLa!

VeLa Well-Being was created to support individuals in helping professions—educators, psychologists, counselors, and administrators, as well as parents and caregivers —in maintaining their own well-being. Our mission extends to enabling these professionals to assist those they work with in maintaining well-being through the following steps:

1 Awareness: Recognize and observe stressful or traumatic events in their own lives and in the lives of students, clients, coworkers, subordinates, patients, and children.
2 Empowerment: Empower oneself and others to create positive changes in their lives.
3 Well-being: Maintain personal well-being and support others in achieving the same.

Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity
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