"Safety, Comfort, and Kindness": How a Place of Power Changed the Life of 16-Year-Old Ksenia
In the metropolitan rhythm of life, it is not always easy to find a place where you are not judged, devalued, and demanded to be someone else. For 16-year-old Ksenia, the Place of Strength has become such a space — a safe island of support. She has been coming here since the very opening of the space and calls this experience important.
Ksenia is a girl with a deep inner world. She loves books that make you think and experience the characters' experiences with them. Her favorite authors are those you wouldn't call "light reading": Ken Kesey, Valerian Pidmogilny, Mary Shelley.
"During my studies, I didn't pay much attention to Ukrainian literature. But now I've discovered it in a new way, and I really like it.", — shares Ksenia.
The need for a new space appeared in Ksenia not by chance. Before she first crossed the threshold of the Place of Power, the girl was going through a difficult stage. She often got upset over trifles, it was difficult for her to communicate with people. She was looking for something that could become a support.
"A friend told me about the Place of Power. She said this space could help me. So I decided to try it.", — the girl recalls.
Her first class was in art therapy, where teenagers created drawings based on food associations. It was an unusual experience—free, intuitive, and at the same time very personal. But what struck me most was the space itself.
"I was surprised at how modern everything is. Very atmospheric.", she says.
Since then, Ksenia has started to regularly visit the Place of Power. Although she is studying remotely and preparing for exams, this space has become an integral part of her life. In her previous class, the circle of communication gradually decreased - after switching to homeschooling, it became difficult for Ksenia to find a common language with her peers. But she does not feel lonely.
“I used to have friendly relations with the class. But when I switched to homeschooling, we stopped finding a common language. However, I am not upset - I have a Place of Power, and here I found friends.”, — says Ksenia.
The girl chooses the format of classes according to her inner state. If she wants silence, she goes to workshops. If she wants to talk and laugh, she chooses discussion clubs or the game "Mafia".
"There was a period when I didn't want to talk to anyone - then I would just come to workshops, do something with my hands and be silent. And then I started attending the Mafia and discussion clubs. It's very addictive!"
Ksenia speaks warmly about psychologist Svetlana, with whom she took the therapeutic course "About the Painful".
"It's easy for me to open up to Svetlana. In these classes, I was able to share what was bothering me - and I did it without fear of being misunderstood or judged.", — the girl admits.
She had previously had therapy, but, she says, it was unsuccessful. At the Place of Power, she was able to rediscover herself—and even started meditating. This helps her regain emotional balance.
With each passing week, her connection to the space becomes stronger. Familiar faces, favorite activities, a sense of stability have appeared here. And even preparing for exams does not take away her peace.
Now Ksenia speaks about herself with new confidence. The Place of Power has become a space for change and renewal.
"Since I started coming here, I stopped "stalking" people. I became more open. Because after the war started, I became very closed off, and here I learned to trust again.".
And finally, a simple but sincere appeal: "I would advise every teenager to come here. It's a cool and very enjoyable experience. It's worth at least trying."
Ksenia's story is just one of many that are born in the Place of Power. Here you can be yourself, find support, new friends, and a place you want to return to. If her experience resonates with you — register for events in space. We are waiting for you 🫶🏻
