Viktoriia Dotsenko - Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Pedagogy. Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs (Ukraine).
ORCID 0000-0001-7757-2793
Serhii Tamarin - postgraduate student, Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs (Ukraine).
ORCID 0009-0009-0074-7159
DOI - https://doi.org/10.52363/dcpp-2025.1.8
Keywords: adaptation, mutual understanding, military personnel, war, family, psychotherapy, trauma.
The article presents the results of a study on the problem of mutual misunderstanding that arises between military personnel and their families after returning from combat, and the role of psychotherapy in restoring the lost connection. The main factors leading to misunderstandings are considered, such as deep differences in experienced trauma, differences in emotional states, altered worldviews and value systems, reformatting of self-identity, behavioral peculiarities and habits, physical condition, communication problems, different rates of adaptation, the impact of PTSD and other mental disorders, and changes in family roles.
It is emphasized that it can be difficult for military personnel to explain their experiences to those who have not felt them, and for families to understand the changes that have occurred with their loved ones, leading to alienation and conflict. In this context, psychotherapy is seen as an important tool to help both sides overcome these challenges and restore the lost connection.
Effective psychotherapeutic methods of cognitive-behavioral and existential therapies are analyzed, and a combined approach is proposed, integrating these two directions to provide more comprehensive readaptation of military personnel. It is shown that the combination of cognitive-behavioral and existential therapies is particularly useful. CBT offers veterans specific tools for working with negative thoughts, managing emotions, and developing healthy habits. Existential therapy focuses on the deep human needs, helping veterans to come to terms with their new circumstances, find meaning in life after changes, and redefine their own «Self». It is proposed to consider clear examples of how to combine practical tools.
The critical importance of supporting military families is emphasized, as the ongoing war affects both the psychological state of soldiers and their loved ones.
The results of this work can contribute to the development of evidence-based psychological support programs, increase public awareness, and improve the quality of life of military personnel and their families in the face of the long-term consequences of war.