In 2022 Laurie asked for donations to fund a 5-day in-person Professional Development
Training workshop in Cyprus for exiled Ukrainian psychologists.

Co-authors Laurie Ellis-Young and George T. Ellis PsyD wrote much of their book, Breath Is Life TAKING IN and LETTING GO: How to Live Well, Love Well, BE Well while living in Ukraine from 2016-2021 while Dr. Ellis worked for The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OCSE) establishing a mental health program for OCSE Peace Monitors and staff working in critical situations throughout Ukraine.

Since the war started in February 2022, Ukrainians have experienced devastating war-related atrocities and trauma. Psychologists, many of whom are now exiled all over Europe, are traumatized themselves yet continue to help people as best they can.

In response to this grave need, Dr. George and Laurie started offering weekly zoom sessions to support these struggling mental health professionals. Participating psychologists benefitted from online sessions so much that they asked Dr. George and Laurie to help accelerate their learning with in-person training at a central location in Europe.

Costs seemed prohibitive, so just before her birthday in August Laurie put out a call for donations and within a short time over $10,000 was raised to support an in-person workshop in Cyprus.

Ukrainian Psychologist and participant Natalie Verzun wrote, “I am very grateful to my American colleagues for such a unique training that is so desperately needed for Ukrainian professionals right now. The deep dive into neuropsychology with Dr. Ellis and learning stress-reducing breathing techniques from the inspirational breath pioneer Laurie Ellis-Young was beyond my expectations.”

Laurie and Dr. George are delighted with the outcome, and deeply grateful to the communities that helped make it happen. Their work continues and ongoing support is greatly appreciated. If you would like to help, please consider donating.