GROUP PSYCHOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC ASSISTANCE IN THE FACE OF MODERN CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of group psychological and therapeutic assistance as an effective response to the complex challenges of contemporary society, including the consequences of armed conflict, traumatic experiences, prolonged stress, and socio-economic instability. Group interventions are considered within the framework of evidence-based practice, emphasizing their structured nature, the role of professional facilitation, and the therapeutic potential of peer interaction. Such interventions not only provide participants with opportunities for shared reflection, mutual support, and emotional validation but also facilitate the development of adaptive coping strategies, emotional regulation, and resilience. Special attention is devoted to the application of group methods in working with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and disorders of emotional functioning, which are among the most urgent problems in both Ukrainian and international contexts. The analysis highlights the effectiveness of psychoeducational modules, role-playing, mindfulness techniques, and stress-management strategies in group formats, while also underlining the importance of family and caregiver involvement as mediators of therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, the study addresses the growing significance of digital and hybrid group interventions, which expand accessibility and maintain therapeutic efficacy for populations with limited access to individual therapy. At the same time, the article problematizes a number of issues related to the cultural and contextual adaptation of group interventions, the consideration of individual cognitive and sensory differences, and the need to ensure inclusivity and psychological safety within the therapeutic process. It is argued that the integration of structured skill-building, emotional regulation practices, peer interaction, and interdisciplinary approaches makes group therapy not only an effective clinical tool but also a socially significant practice. Ultimately, group psychological and therapeutic assistance is positioned as a modality that contributes to the strengthening of resilience, the restoration of social functioning, and the promotion of community well-being in the face of modern crises.