During my voluntary work as a psychologist at SolidarityNow, I undertook the implementation of an experiential activity aimed at exploring participants’ support networks, as well as the personal experiences and characteristics that help them cope with difficulties, ultimately fostering their empowerment through this process. This intervention became a unique experience for me, both professionally and personally, as it combined psychosocial objectives with deeply human narratives.

Participants mainly came from refugee communities and had experienced extensive traumatic events, including displacement, loss of loved ones, disruption of social bonds, and prolonged uncertainty. Within this context, and due to language barriers, a purely verbal approach would have been limited. For this reason, the experiential activity that was selected, allowing expression through symbols and colors, proved particularly appropriate.

Play as a tool for expression

At the core of the activity was the identification of people, relationships, or experiences that function as sources of support during times of crisis.

Through the process, many participants shared stories that highlighted both the strength of social bonds and their absence. Family ties, friendships, internal resilience resources, as well as ongoing losses, emerged as central elements in many narratives.

What emerged through the process

More than half of the participants identified family as their primary support network, even when geographically distant. At the same time, a significant number of individuals reported that they did not have any person or system they perceived as supportive.

Additionally, many participants identified sources of inner strength such as:

• thinking about their family
• prayer
• the hope for a stable daily life.

Goals such as returning to education or securing permanent housing were frequently mentioned as key aspirations.

The process was often emotionally intense, as many participants shared traumatic experiences.

As the psychologist facilitating this activity, I experienced the challenge of both setting boundaries and honoring what participants chose to share.

There were moments of deep admiration and emotional resonance in witnessing how individuals narrated their stories. At the same time, there were instances of emotional fatigue, resulting from repeated exposure to traumatic narratives.

Impact on professional identity

This experience acted as a mirror for my professional identity. It brought forward:

• the limits of my role
• the need to balance empathy with professional positioning
• the importance of self-care.

At the same time, it highlighted the value of supervision and collective processing of emotionally demanding interventions, particularly within humanitarian settings.

A brief intervention with meaningful impact

This experiential activity demonstrated that even brief interventions can act as catalysts for deeper self-understanding and awareness of one’s needs.

In environments where verbal expression may be limited, creating alternative pathways for communication can open meaningful spaces for connection, empowerment, and care.