Abstract
While the war continues in Ukraine, issues related to effective methods of psychotherapeutic assistance to combatants are becoming increasingly relevant and practical. In addition to medical aids, art therapy, physical rehabilitation methods, etc., attention is also being paid to the spiritual components of such assistance. In particular, we are talking about the religious factor as one of the elements of psychological support for veterans. With the help of spiritual and religious formats of interaction, it is possible to work more deeply with existential experiences, take into account the moral and ethical aspects of psycho-emotional traumas and consider ways to overcome the consequences of war in each specific case. The purpose of the article is to study the possibilities of spiritual and religious factors for providing psychotherapeutic assistance to veterans as a component of their support and adaptation to the realities of life. The study showed that spiritual and religious assistance is effective when psychological, theological and social approaches interact. In this case, support from the state and international organizations is important. Among the features of the Ukrainian combat experience, the defensive nature of the war on its own territory, the destructive influence of enemy IPSOs, as well as the change or destruction of worldview and historical and cultural landmarks, are highlighted. Within the framework of rehabilitation, spirituality is considered as a kind of adaptation mechanism and a source of emotional stability. An important role in the provision of psychotherapeutic assistance belongs to the consolidated cooperation of psychologists with military chaplains, in particular through educational activities. It is separately emphasized that the combination of secular and religious aspects forms an effective integrated model of assistance that contributes to the improvement of a person’s mental health. The conclusions emphasize that the formation of an appropriate legislative framework, the creation and development of appropriate institutions, as well as solving the problems of psychotherapeutic assistance to participants in hostilities at the state level and international support, contribute to the involvement of spiritual and religious methods for the successful reintegration of people into peaceful life. It is emphasized that spirituality is an important element in restoring the internal emotional integrity of combatants, their mental well-being, and successful integration into civilian life. The military chaplain acts as a significant person in the rehabilitation process, helping to move from psycho-emotional trauma to finding new meanings in life.
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