International Institute for Trauma Studies
Strengthening Ukraine’s capacity for trauma-informed recovery.
Building lasting capacity for recovery
The International Institute for Trauma Studies (IITS) is a Ukrainian-led initiative based at Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University. IITS brings together universities, mental health professionals, civil society organizations, educators, veteran-serving organizations, local governments, and international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s trauma-informed recovery ecosystem.
Our work builds the knowledge, institutions, and professional networks needed to support individuals and communities affected by war and strengthen Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
Our Work
Training & Education
Building the capacity of Ukrainian psychologists, educators, clinicians, social workers, and other professionals through trauma-informed training, education, and professional development.
Community & Clinical Practice
Connecting trauma-informed knowledge with practical approaches that support veterans, families, displaced people, professionals, and communities affected by war.
Strengthening the Recovery Ecosystem
Connecting universities, practitioners, civil society, government, and international expertise to build sustainable trauma-informed capacity within Ukrainian institutions.
Rooted in Ukraine. Connected globally.
IITS is based at Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University and works with Ukrainian and international institutions to strengthen locally led approaches to trauma recovery.
Ukrainian institutions and professionals lead the adaptation and implementation of programs to Ukraine’s needs and context, while international partners contribute technical expertise, research, training, and resources.
This collaborative model strengthens Ukrainian institutions, expands professional networks, and builds lasting national capacity for trauma-informed recovery.
Building capacity across Ukraine
3,700+
Ukrainian graduate students and clinicians registered for IITS courses and lectures in its first two years.
6 Core Courses Delivered
Developed and delivered with Ukrainian, European, and U.S. faculty, with English–Ukrainian translation.
Year-Long Certification
An immersive trauma treatment and prevention program complemented by ongoing supervision and the Luminary Lecture Series.
Clinical Practice
IITS established a university-based practicum clinic providing free online and in-person counseling while giving graduates supervised clinical experience.
Building Ukraine’s trauma-informed recovery ecosystem
IITS is expanding its work beyond individual training programs to strengthen the institutions and professional networks that will sustain trauma-informed recovery across Ukraine.
The next phase will deepen collaboration among universities, clinicians, civil society organizations, veteran-serving organizations, educators, researchers, and local governments—creating pathways for knowledge, training, supervision, research, and practice to spread across institutions and communities.