How a 7-Minute VR Session in Odesa Is Boosting Morale for Soldiers and Veterans.

Virtual Reality Therapy Aids Ukrainian Troops and Families in Odesa

According to UATV: In Odesa, VR therapy sessions are helping service members, veterans, and their relatives manage emotional stress and improve their overall well-being. Each session lasts between seven minutes and half an hour. The program runs at Veterans HUB ODESA, where psychologist Yelena Shytko leads the treatment.

Both veterans and family members of active-duty personnel take part. Alla Zasukhina, whose son signed a military contract in 2021, shared her experience:

'Today, thank God, he left his position again. He’ll rest a couple of days, then go back. Everyone who has someone at the front lives from one message to the next. It’s constant stress. But events like the ones Veterans HUB organizes really help me.' Alla Zasukhina

Zasukhina also noted the calming effect of the VR sessions: 'Emotionally, it’s very soothing. You get into a state that relaxes you. Adding breathing exercises also helps the body unwind.'

Marina Sylchyk, attending therapy for the second time, described her experience:

'When you live in a constant state of stress, your brain stops producing the hormones that make life feel vivid. You start seeing the world in black and white. The VR goggles give me goosebumps—they help me see the world again through normal eyes. It brings me back to reality, giving me positivity and optimism.' Marina Sylchyk

The VR sessions focus on relaxation and improving concentration—critical skills for those enduring wartime stress. This initiative not only boosts participants’ morale but also fosters a supportive environment for everyone connected to the front lines.

Broader Veteran Support Program

This Odesa initiative is part of a larger effort to support veterans and their families, aiming to reduce the psychological toll of war. With the conflict ongoing, access to resources that help manage emotional stress and adapt to new realities is essential. As an innovative approach, VR therapy shows promise in treating psycho-emotional trauma, making it a valuable tool for those who have lived through crisis.