As you feel: Olena’s story about the power of art therapy

“When we hear the word art therapy, the first thought that comes to mind is that it’s just something for children. I wasn’t an exception — at first, I was very skeptical,” recalls Olena (name changed), a client sharing her experience of working with psychologist Maryna.
She admits that she agreed to the online sessions more out of curiosity than belief in any real outcome. But after just a few meetings, she realized that even remotely, the method has a powerful effect. “Through the process, I saw the results for myself — it really works,” she says.

Before that, Olena knew very little about art therapy. “We hadn’t heard much about this approach, because it only became an official healing strategy in 1940 — recognized for its effective impact on the mental well-being of adults as well,” she explains. For her, this was an important discovery: art therapy isn’t just ‘drawing to relax,’ but a full-fledged psychotherapeutic method.

The online sessions with Maryna turned out to be a much deeper experience than she expected. “Working with Maryna wasn’t about drawing a picture or making a collage — it was a deep process of focusing on my feelings and imagination,” Olena shares. It turned out that even through a screen, it’s possible to create an atmosphere of trust and openness — where real change can happen.

“She changed my perception of what it means to create — to do it as you feel,” Olena smiles. According to her, this helped her release tension, allow herself to be honest, and accept her emotions without judgment.

Olena also gratefully recalls the team that helped her find her specialist and have an experience that became much more than just online meetings — a journey toward deeper self-understanding through art, color, imagination, and trust:
“I’m grateful to the HelpNowHUB Fundacja team for connecting me with the practitioner who worked so flexibly with my needs.”

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This publication was prepared within the framework of the project “From heart to heart” in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

HelpNow Poland

A new beginning: Serhii’s story in Spain

“My life hasn’t been easy. For a long time, I struggled with addiction, and substitution therapy became what helped me not to lose myself,” says Serhii (name changed).

In Ukraine, he was registered and receiving treatment, but when he moved to Spain, he found himself in a new country without acquaintances or support. “It was hard to understand where to turn. I didn’t know how to continue therapy or where to find the right specialists. And all this while looking for a job, housing… everything at once.” That’s when he heard about the HelpNow service. “I got the contact of a clinic that was able to continue my treatment and explained how the system works.” Serhii notes that the staff’s attitude towards him was friendly and understanding—that he was in a difficult situation, a foreigner needing help. No judgment, only attention. He points out that now he has a schedule and an understanding of what tomorrow will bring. And that is extremely important.

“For me, the main thing is to keep control over myself and keep moving forward,” Serhii shares. “And substitution therapy is my chance to live without fear. I am very grateful for the support I received on this journey!”

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This publication was prepared within the project “From heart to heart” in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

HelpNow OST Spain

Nina’s Story: “I have the right to care, no matter where I am

Nina (name changed) is a woman from the Kyiv region of Ukraine who moved to France this year with her young child. Back in Ukraine, she had already been seeing an infectious disease specialist and receiving ART (antiretroviral therapy), but after relocating to one of France’s largest cities, she faced challenges that felt overwhelming.

“The language isn’t mine — I hardly speak French. I had all my documents with me, but I didn’t know where to go or how to start. I was afraid I would lose access to treatment. More than anything, I thought about my child — I have to stay healthy for him.”

During the first few weeks, Nina tried to find a medical center on her own, where she could get help. By chance, while browsing online, she came across contact information for the HelpNow Service, which supports Ukrainians from key populations abroad, including people living with HIV.

“I sent a message — they replied with such kindness and understanding. Nina was able to register at a local medical center. She was assigned a doctor, underwent a medical examination, and received a new ART prescription. “I was shocked — everything went much more smoothly than I imagined. And most importantly, no one judged me. I felt that I wasn’t alone.”

Nina has now been receiving uninterrupted therapy for several months. “The support wasn’t just about getting medication. They helped me realize that I have the right to care, no matter where I am.”

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The publication was prepared within the framework of the “From Heart to Heart” project in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

France HelpNow

“It was important to know I wasn’t alone”: Dmytro’s story

Dmytro (name changed) learned about his HIV status only after relocating to the Netherlands. The news came as an unexpected and distressing shock. In a new country, far from home and without familiar support systems, he found himself alone with a life-changing health issue. At first, he wasn’t ready to talk to anyone about it.

After finding HelpNow’s Service contact online, Dmytro reached out and quickly received clear, practical guidance — where to go and what documents or information he needed to have with him.

He was given the details of the nearest medical center, where he was able to get tested and undergo all necessary examinations. His knowledge of English helped him communicate confidently with the healthcare staff. Soon after, he completed the required tests and received his first ART regimen.

Alongside starting treatment, Dmytro continues his studies and is actively searching for a job, doing his best to adapt to his new life as quickly as possible. He gratefully recalls his experience with HelpNow: “I’m thankful for the support, the clear information, and for being helped not to freeze in that difficult moment. It was important to know I wasn’t alone. Thanks to you, I didn’t lose time and have already started therapy. I truly appreciate your work, compassion, and dedication.”

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The publication was prepared within the framework of the “From Heart to Heart” project in partnership with Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy and Step by Step Fundacja, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

HelpNow HIV Netherlands