"When I first consulted a psychologist, I felt lost. I couldn't openly talk about my feelings with anyone around me. I felt like I was suffocating in my own thoughts. Free psychological support was my only way out. Through conversations with a psychologist, I began to understand my feelings and accept myself as I am," says Jasmin, a young man from Mostar, for whom free psychological support changed his life after years of living in isolation and fear.
Jasmin is just one of many members of the LGBTIQ community in Mostar, Foča and other cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose struggles often go unseeen. Discrimination and stigma take a serious toll on their mental health making access to psychological support vital. Recognising this, the Center for psychological support Sensus in cooperation with the Center for education, personal i professional development „Smart start“ has been offering psychological support in Mostar and Foča for the past four months,, through the project "Empower and Embrace" financed by the European Union and the Council of Europe.
As part of this initiative, 45 psychological consultations have been provided to 15 LGBTIQ people following the training of mental health professionals called „Gender, identity and sexuality“. The project has established a free counseling center that offers individual psychotherapy sessions to members of the LGBTIQ community in need.
According to Maja Vujičić, psychologist and transactional-analytical psychotherapist, this service is not just help; it is a space where identities are strengthened, where individuals are empowered to live authentically and without fear. „Projects such as „Empower and Embrace“ are necessary and useful in Foča, because free help enables access to support for everyone, regardless of financial capabilities. We all deserve to feel safe, accepted and loved," stressed Vujičić noting that this program aims to create a community where everyone can open up and dedicate themselves to their own mental health.
"Our mission is to provide everyone with access to the resources, tools and support needed to face life's challenges. Together we can create a safer and more acceptable environment for everyone", adds Vujičić.
By making free psychological support available, this initiative serves as a powerful step toward creating a more inclusive society. With the country striving for EU membership, it’s critical to protect vulnerable groups like the LGBTIQ community. Projects like this set a positive example of how accessible mental health services can change lives helping build, a society where everyone feels equally accepted.
The psychological support program for LGBTIQ people in Mostar and Foča is implemented within the framework of the joint program of the European Union and the Council of Europe „Horizontal Facility za Zapadni Balkan i Tursku“.
