From 2 to 8 October, the online course “Communicating with Military Families” explored how to build respectful and sensitive communication with military personnel, veterans and their families. The course was developed by Olena Kopina, a facilitator and trainer at Dialogue in Action and a Gestalt therapist.
Over five online sessions, participants explored a range of questions, including:
“A culture of communication is not about having a set of ‘right’ things to say. It is about respecting other people's experiences, emotional states and needs, without judging or diagnosing them. It means knowing how to listen and ask questions, how to be present and offer support,” Olena emphasised.
Alongside theoretical discussions, the course included practical tasks, experience-sharing and interactive exercises that helped participants develop a deeper understanding of sensitive communication. The fifth and final session brought everything together, helping participants develop a practical framework for interacting with military personnel, veterans and their families — from choosing the right words to recognising different experiences and understanding the needs behind a person's behaviour.
“From the very first minute, I felt that this was a safe and welcoming space where people could be open and sincere,” one participant shared. “I particularly appreciated the practical approach and the way Olena addressed complex, sensitive topics without causing further trauma. Thank you for the inspiration, support and outstanding professionalism!”
We would like to thank the Institute for Peace and Common Ground for organising the course, as well as everyone who took part for their active engagement and genuine commitment!
