Stress as a Constant Companion — Coaching Session with Oksana Albul

On 5 May, participants of the Empower to Employ project — Ukrainians currently under temporary protection in Luxembourg who are actively seeking employment — gathered for a powerful and emotional coaching session focused on a topic that affects us all: stress. The session, titled “Stress as a Constant Companion”, was led by Oksana Albul, a licensed psychologist and professional coach with over two decades of experience in emotional health and personal development.

The event explored how stress manifests in the lives of people undergoing major life changes — such as migration, job search, career transition, or adapting to new social and cultural environments. These realities are especially familiar to Ukrainian professionals trying to re-establish themselves in a new country. Through her warm and inclusive style, Oksana guided participants to understand stress as a natural part of life, not as something to fear or hide.

During the interactive session, attendees took part in reflection exercises and group discussion. They learned to recognise different sources and signs of stress, explored the psychological and physical effects it can have, and most importantly — discovered practical tools to manage it. Breathing techniques, simple mindfulness tools, and self-awareness exercises helped participants feel more grounded, calm, and in control.

One of the most impactful aspects of the session was the atmosphere of safety and trust that emerged. People felt free to open up, share their experiences, and support each other. This collective space of honesty and empathy reinforced the message that no one is alone in dealing with stress — and that vulnerability can be a strength when shared in the right setting.

Oksana also highlighted how emotional regulation and self-care play a vital role in professional development. Whether preparing for interviews, navigating uncertainty, or starting a new job — managing stress is a key part of personal resilience and long-term success.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Oksana Albul for this empowering session. Her knowledge, empathy, and genuine presence created an experience that was both healing and practical. Many participants shared that they left feeling lighter, more confident, and inspired to apply what they had learned in their daily lives and job search efforts.

This coaching session was part of the Empower to Employ program, coordinated by the Luxembourg-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (LUCC) with the support of the Fonds social européen plus (FSE+) and the Ministère du Travail of Luxembourg. The project helps Ukrainians under temporary protection to develop their skills, build careers, and successfully integrate into the Luxembourg labour market.