ACADEMIC TEXTS REPOSITORY

Summary

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the ethical principles guiding psychologists when addressing sensitive topics during the full-scale war in Ukraine. The author defines «sensitive topics» as client inquiries characterized by high emotional intensity, trauma, and a significant risk of retraumatization. Based on survey results and case studies from mobile crisis teams and practitioners in the Mykolaiv region, the study categorizes these requests into groups such as war-related trauma including combat, occupation, and displacement, loss and complicated grief, experiences of violence, intense emotional states like guilt or anger, and existential moral dilemmas. Analysis reveals that the war has exacerbated ethical risks for Ukrainian psychologists, particularly regarding client retraumatization, secondary traumatic stress, boundary violations, and the interference of the therapist’s own traumatic experiences. The study outlines core ethical principles of respect for dignity, competence, responsibility, and integrity aligned with the National Psychological Association Code of Ethics. Practical recommendations include regular self-reflection, supervision, adherence to the «sufficient help» principle, and monitoring personal psychological resources. The author concludes that effective work with sensitive topics in wartime requires strict adherence to ethical standards and specialized training. These elements are vital for ensuring responsible psychological assistance, preserving client well-being, and preventing professional misconduct in complex crisis conditions. Adherence to these standards helps mitigate the psychological toll on both the client and the therapist, ensuring the sustainability of the mental health support system in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.