The Body Remembers Freedom

“In reading about this work by colleagues Dr Marta Pyvovarenko and Dr Katja Kolcio, I am reminded of something I heard long ago from my wife’s uncle Dr Frank DeLuca, an American MASH surgeon serving on the front line during the Korean War. He told me that the subspecialty of vascular surgery made tremendous strides because of the real-time need to innovate solutions for patients in the throes of wartime trauma. Well, here we are provided with real-world wisdom of two doctors—one of psychology and one of somatics—who have witnessed the wartime traumatic stress of their countrymen and women and have developed, implemented, and evaluated, with the aid of Ukrainian psychologists, veterans, and war-relief workers, a somatic intervention that utilizes our embodied consciousness and builds the capacity for healing. Like the surgeons, they too have advanced our ability to heal the wounds of war, and their important work deserves recognition.”

Prof. Gregory Fricchione; Massachusetts General Hospital, USA

“This brilliant monograph is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection between somatics, psychology, and sociocultural interventions for torture and violence. The authors provide a model and guide for theoretical, practical, and research possibilities addressing the process of employing somatics and cultural resources for those experiencing the horrors of war. Through intention, awareness, and creativity, participants work to survive broken bodies and become resilient. Most inspiring are the case study interludes and stories that illustrate the strength and spirit of the Ukrainian people. The project is an example of a special type of activism, so necessary in our devastating and inhuman world.”

Prof. Emer. Jill Green; The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA