Art Therapy Retreat for Ukrainians in Melbourne: Finding Home in a New Land
A Journey of Healing Through Nature and Creativity
On March 2nd, 2025, 15 courageous Ukrainians gathered in the midst of Melbourne’s lush parkl for a unique Eco-Art Therapy Retreat. Each of them carried the weight of war, displacement and the uncertainty of rebuilding a life far from home. With the war in Ukraine still ongoing, finding a sense of stability and belonging in a new country remains a profound challenge. This retreat, facilitated by transpersonal art therapist Valerie Ogorodnyk, provided a much-needed space for reflection, emotional expression, and integration using nature as a guiding force.
For many Ukrainian refugees, settling into Australia is not just about navigating legal systems, finding employment or learning a new language. It is about finding home within themselves—a place where they can feel safe, connected and empowered despite being far from their homeland. Art therapy, especially when integrated with nature, offers a powerful way to bridge this gap, providing a sensory and emotional experience that reconnects individuals with their inner resources.
The Power of Nature in Healing
The retreat was built around the idea that nature mirrors life—just as the land supports growth and renewal, so too can individuals find resilience and adaptability within themselves. Participants were invited to gather natural materials from the environment—leaves, twigs, stones, and flowers—to create a collective mandala on the earth. This process encouraged them to reflect on their own resources, both external and internal, and explore what they need to move forward in their new lives.
By working with the land, touching the soil, and feeling the textures of nature, attendees were able to ground themselves physically and emotionally, helping to regulate their nervous systems. For refugees experiencing stress, trauma, and emotional disconnection, nature-based therapy offers a safe, non-verbal way to process emotions that might otherwise be difficult to express.
A Safe Space for Expression
Walking into a retreat without knowing anyone can be daunting, especially when emotions are raw. But the beauty of art therapy is its ability to transcend words, offering a universal language that allows participants to connect beyond language barriers or social anxieties.
The session began with metaphorical cards, where each person intuitively selected an image that resonated with them. These cards served as a gateway to personal exploration—helping individuals identify the resources they currently need, whether it be strength, adaptability, support, or grounding. Through guided journaling, they reflected on what these resources meant to them and how they could be harnessed in their daily lives.
One participant shared:
“I chose a card with a tree, and I realised how much I long for stability. This exercise helped me see that even though my roots are in Ukraine, I can still grow and thrive here, in this new soil.”
Embracing the Flow of Creativity
After the journaling session, attendees moved into eco-art therapy, where they were guided to create a mandala on the earth using found materials. The process was not about perfection or aesthetics—it was about tuning into the creative flow, being present in the moment, and allowing natural curiosity to take over.
Through this process, participants reflected on how they approach finding resources in real life.
What do they naturally gravitate toward?
Are they open to integrating new elements into their lives?
Can they embrace change without fear, or do they resist the unfamiliar?
This creative flow mirrors the process of integration into a new society—it is not about forcing oneself to fit in, but rather finding a way to weave one’s identity into the new environment organically.
Polyvagal Exercises for Nervous System Regulation
For many refugees, living in a constant state of fight-or-flight is a daily reality. Recognising this, Valerie introduced polyvagal exercises to help participants regulate their nervous systems. By engaging in gentle breathwork, grounding techniques and sensory awareness, they were able to shift their bodies into a parasympathetic state—one of relaxation, safety, and connection.
These practices, drawn from the work of Cathy Malchioldi and Eugene Gendlin’s focusing therapy, gave participants practical tools they could take with them beyond the retreat—tools to use when anxiety strikes, when homesickness overwhelms, or when adjusting to new environments feels unbearable.
Closing with Strength and Reflection
The retreat ended with a final grounding practice and reflection session. Each person revisited their metaphorical card, recognising how their understanding of it had shifted through the process. They were invited to speak or write about what they had discovered, reinforcing the idea that healing and adaptation take time, patience, and a nurturing environment.
A key theme emerged: integration without expectation. Rather than forcing themselves to “fit in” to Australian society, participants were encouraged to honour their personal journey and adapt at their own pace. Some felt ready to embrace the next step in their new life, while others simply found comfort in knowing they are not alone.
One attendee shared:
“For the first time in a long time, I felt peace. Just sitting on the ground, creating something with my hands, without needing to talk or explain—it was exactly what I needed.”
A Community of Support and Growth
This retreat was more than just an event—it was a testament to the strength of the Ukrainian community in Melbourne. Some participants found new friends, others found a brief escape from their worries and many discovered a renewed sense of strength and hope.
The act of creating together, sharing without judgment, and being truly present in the moment is a powerful form of healing. It reminds us that even in the most challenging times, we are not alone, and there is always a path forward.
Final Words
To everyone who attended: Thank you for your courage, your openness, and your willingness to explore healing through creativity and nature. As we continue to navigate the journey of rebuilding and integration, let us honour our roots while embracing our wings—finding strength in the past and the power to move forward.
If you or someone you know could benefit from future retreats, please stay connected. Healing is a journey best traveled together.
Valerie O 💙💛
