CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Adult industry mental health nonprofit Pineapple Support will host a free, online support group for performers affected by the conflict in Ukraine beginning today, April 6, at 12 p.m. CET. The weekly support group will be led by accredited therapist and counselor Sergei Malkin and run for as long as needed.
"War has devastating effects and extreme destructive power, bringing uncertainty to the future," Malkin said. "Traumatic events like this can wake up 'forgotten' or 'viscerally stored' memories of early developmental and attachment trauma, leading to anxiety and depression. At times like these, we need support and holding more than ever. A support group for others in a similar situation may provide a productive forum to share and validate feelings, grieve losses, exchange practical information and give each other hope and support."
Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, which is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.
"Sergei is a fantastic therapist and counselor, combining different approaches to help people find suitable tools in order to increase resilience and autonomy," Tanit said. "He helps people to transform wounds into new resources and to find new ways to restore boundaries and self-esteem. Anyone who has been affected by the conflict in Ukraine is welcome to come and share a safe space where we can help you to build resilience and process what's happening in a healthy way."
The ongoing support group will take place online each Wednesday at the same time. For more information about this support group and to reserve a place, visit pineapplesupport.org/support-groups.
