In Murmansk, Russia, a recent gathering gave teenagers a unique opportunity to explore their inner worlds. As part of a series on discovering different professions, a local psychologist visited the group to share what her work truly involves. She explained that psychology is not just about having conversations but about helping people navigate difficult situations and build healthy relationships with themselves and others. The session quickly transformed into an interactive art therapy workshop where the children learned to identify and name their emotions. They talked openly about feeling anxious, struggling, or experiencing moments of calm and joy.

The most impactful part of the day came when the children were asked to create their own characters. They carefully chose qualities for their heroes, reflecting on traits they admired, possessed, or wished they had. Afterward, they designed a safe space for their characters to feel protected and supported. For a sixteen-year-old girl named Mira, this exercise was deeply meaningful. Though she is new to the group and rarely speaks about her past, she engaged with quiet confidence. She designed her character’s space with great attention to detail, noting that her hero felt comfortable and calm there. Through this simple creative process, Mira demonstrated a remarkable ability to find inner support and create a sense of well-being for herself.

For the volunteer psychologist leading the session, these moments are the reason she serves. She noted how the relaxed, face-to-face environment allows even the most guarded teenagers to open up at their own pace. Watching the children build safe spaces for their characters, she realized they were actually discovering their own inner strength and learning how to take care of themselves. These small but real steps toward healing and self discovery are made possible by the continued kindness of our supporters, who help provide these vital moments of connection and growth.