From April 29 to 30, 2026, Samara University and the online space of its Social and Psychological Center hosted an annual event dedicated to a vital theme: caring for psychological health. The seminar brought together specialists, students, volunteers, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding of self-care strategies and inner balance.
Organizers crafted a rich program blending informative content with hands-on activities, ensuring every participant could take away practical insights.
Day One: Play, Cinema, and Movement
On April 29, the "Blue Wagon" coworking space (lobby of Building 3a) welcomed visitors to the "In the Depths of the Soul" activation—a lively session featuring neuropsychological games with prizes. This interactive format encouraged participants to reflect on their psychological traits while developing self-regulation skills. Designed to foster a warm, trusting atmosphere, the games helped even the shyest attendees explore their inner world through playful scenarios and discover pathways to harmony.
Meanwhile, in the Library Coworking Space (Building 16), Anastasia Shubina launched the Cinema Therapy Lab—a unique opportunity to use film as a tool for personal growth. Participants learned how movies can help us process inner emotions and fears, find answers to life's complex questions, and transform negative experiences into sources of strength.
Later that day, the Mirror Hall (Building 15) hosted the dance-movement therapy workshop "Rhythm of My Soul", led by Anastasia Parkhomenko. The theme—using movement and rhythm to express emotions and restore inner balance—struck a deep chord. Through dance, participants learned to listen to their bodies, tell stories without words, and reconnect with their physical selves.
Day Two: Art, Resilience, and Community
On April 30, the "In the Depths of the Soul" activation continued in the lobby of Building 22, where visitors could take brief psychological assessments, join group discussions, and earn well-deserved prizes.
Next, Anna Netrebskaya facilitated an art therapy workshop, inviting participants to express their feelings through creative materials. Collaboratively creating an art object helped attendees recognize internal challenges and discover ways to overcome them.
The day also featured a psychological training session titled "Behavior in Critical Situations: How to Cope with Yourself and Support Others." Led by Lyubov Dobrenkova, the workshop focused on building stress resilience, managing emotions, and providing effective support to others during difficult times.
"In today's complex world," notes Dobrenkova, "it's not enough to simply know coping strategies. We must seek new approaches—and, most importantly, remind ourselves and others that we are capable of far more than we sometimes believe."
A Space for Connection and Growth
Over two intensive days, participants gained not only new knowledge and practical skills but also meaningful connections—sharing experiences, offering mutual support, and building a community of care. Numerous testimonials underscored the timeliness and necessity of such initiatives for maintaining psychological balance in our fast-paced world.
"Psychological health is an inseparable part of overall well-being," the organizers emphasize. "Amid constant stress, information overload, and life's complexities, each of us feels the need to better understand ourselves, manage our emotions, and tap into inner resources. The 'In the Depths of the Soul' seminar provided an ideal platform for this journey."
As tradition holds, such a rich experience sparks a desire to continue self-reflection and personal development. The team eagerly anticipates the next project and new encounters!
Stay tuned: Follow updates and don't miss important news in the "Social and Psychological Center" group to receive timely information, mental health tips, and invitations to future events.
Text: Regina Dremova, Group 5301-440302D
