Перейти к содержимому 
Olena Tykhonenko is a Ukrainian with extensive experience in trade, who has worked in this field all her life. Having moved to Switzerland because of the war in Ukraine, she faced new challenges: the language barrier, finding housing, and integrating into an unfamiliar environment. The woman needed psychological support, which was professionally provided by the head of educational and integration projects, psychotherapist of the Association “Ukraine Switzerland Bern” Svitlana Manzer.
Despite her extensive professional experience, the only fear that stood in Olena’s way was a foreign language. “In March 2022, I was in Switzerland, and in May I started learning German. However, knowledge alone is not enough to move forward confidently. That is why Svitlana Manzer’s psychotherapeutic consultations played a significant role in my adaptation and job search,” says Olena. The woman recalls that she never turned to psychologists in Ukraine, but in Switzerland she experienced a difficult moment when this support turned out to be vital.
Psychotherapy sessions helped her let go of the emotional burden and accept the new reality. This was a turning point: Olena realized that she wanted to stay in Switzerland and that her new life was starting here. She invested more and more in herself, her knowledge and development.
Thanks to this realization, the woman decided to apply for a job at a real estate agency, even without a sufficient level of language. Then she was unexpectedly refused, advised to improve her German. A year later, seeing her potential, the company contacted Olena, asking about her language level at that moment. However, the woman did not waste time: she found a job in the field of trade, which became an excellent start for her in her professional life in Switzerland.
Currently, Olena works in a large supermarket in the city of Spitz, where she performs the duties of a cashier, seller, and merchandiser. At the same time, the woman works in accounting, administration, and consults with clients. All this was possible thanks to her willpower, but also thanks to the support she received.
For those who are just starting to integrate in Switzerland, Olena advises not to sit still, but to take the initiative into their own hands: learn the language, look for a job, communicate with inspiring people, and not be afraid to seek psychological help. “Svitlana Manzer’s psychotherapeutic consultations were the key impetus that helped me overcome doubts and insecurity. This experience proves: if you believe in yourself and work on yourself, no fears will stand in the way of achievements. And fears can be overcome if you seek professional help from a psychologist, listen to the advice of a specialist, and are not afraid to open up and move forward!”, Olena Tikhonenko is sure.
USB supports the employment of Ukrainian women with financial support
support of the Zonta Women's Association Bern and the Reformed Church
Bern-Jura-Solothurn
