Over the past weeks, thanks to everyone who supported our recent charity events, a group of seven Ukrainian veterans has been taking part in an innovative psychological rehabilitation programme at our partnering centre Expio, in Kyiv. We want to share a brief update from the head of the Center, Vladislav Matrenitsky, on how the treatment is progressing, and why your continued support is so important.
What has been achieved so far
Since 28 November, the veterans have completed psychiatric screening and started a programme of group ketamine-assisted therapy combined with individual and group psychological sessions. Psychologists Ivan Dmytryk and Irena Vasiuk are leading the sessions.
Between 28 November and 6 January the clinical team delivered:
• 7 individual therapy sessions
• 9 group therapy sessions
• 3 group ketamine-assisted sessions
The veterans entered the programme struggling with severe anxiety, sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties, isolation from civilian life, family breakdown, survivor’s guilt and a deep sense of disconnection from society.
What the clinicians are seeing
At the beginning, there was visible tension and distrust — both towards therapists and towards each other. However, already during the first meetings something remarkable began to happen: the group started to recognise one another as “their own”. Shared military language and experience created a safe environment where honesty became possible. After the second ketamine-assisted session, veterans began opening up spontaneously about deeply painful experiences. By the third session the group had developed a level of trust and mutual support that clinicians describe as a major therapeutic breakthrough. Some participants are now beginning to imagine new professional paths or ways of repairing damaged relationships.
Why further treatment is needed
While the progress is encouraging, clinicians are clear that the effect is not yet stable. To consolidate these changes, they recommend extending the programme with:
• at least one additional ketamine-assisted session
• two further group therapy sessions
This extension is crucial to embed the new behavioural strategies, strengthen resilience, improve sleep quality, and help veterans move from survival back into life.
What your donations are doing
The funds raised at our Intertwined Christmas concert at Fire Station Creative would now be directed toward continuing this treatment programme. Every contribution directly supports the next phase of therapy and helps ensure that this fragile but powerful progress is not lost.
On behalf of the veterans, the clinicians, and everyone at Intertwined, thank you for standing with those who have already given so much. Together, we are not just raising money — we are helping rebuild lives. To donate, you can use our donations page.
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