‍Ukrainian American House hosted another meaningful gathering as part of our Refugee Impact School and Violence Prevention Program, bringing women together for an interactive workshop focused on healthy boundaries, confident communication, and building relationships based on mutual respect.

The workshop, “How to Set Healthy Boundaries in Relationships,” was led by Vladyslava Mryl, a psychologist and coach with 30 years of professional experience and author of the book Emotions That Defeat Cancer.

The gathering created a warm and supportive environment where participants could openly discuss an important topic: how to recognize and protect personal boundaries and how to confidently say “no” to pressure, manipulation, disrespect, or behaviors that compromise our dignity and emotional well-being.

More Than a Conversation

A key part of the workshop was active participation.

Rather than simply listening to a presentation, the women became directly involved in practical exercises and discussions. Participants worked through different real-life situations, practiced communication techniques, learned how to clearly express their needs and boundaries, and explored appropriate ways to respond when those boundaries are challenged.

Through interactive exercises, participants practiced how to:

• recognize when personal boundaries are being crossed;
• communicate their needs clearly and respectfully;
• say “no” without unnecessary guilt or fear;
• respond to psychological pressure and manipulation;
• maintain boundaries during difficult conversations;
• distinguish healthy relationship dynamics from potentially harmful patterns.

The interactive format allowed participants not only to receive information but also to practice new communication skills in a safe and supportive environment and consider how these tools can be applied in everyday life.

The workshop also included personal stories, shared experiences, questions, practical advice, and meaningful conversations among participants. This combination of professional guidance and peer interaction helped create an atmosphere of trust, openness, and mutual support.

Knowledge That Builds Confidence

Healthy boundaries are not about distancing ourselves from others. They help define what we consider acceptable in our relationships and allow us to protect our values, emotional well-being, dignity, and personal space.

Learning to recognize unhealthy patterns and communicate boundaries can be an important part of preventing emotional and psychological abuse and building safer, healthier relationships.

We are grateful to Vladyslava Mryl for sharing her professional experience, practical tools, and thoughtful guidance, and to every participant who contributed to the workshop through her openness, questions, stories, and active involvement.

Special thanks to CDSS, UC San Diego, and Anthem Blue Cross for their partnership and support in making this event possible.

Through our Refugee Impact School, Ukrainian American House will continue creating opportunities for education, practical skill-building, connection, and support — helping members of our community become better informed, more confident, and better equipped to recognize and respond to challenging situations.

Your boundaries are your strength. You deserve respect.