An international psychological support project for children called Hibuki therapy is ongoing in Zaporizhzhia.
The participants of the project are children, including those from families of servicemen, veterans, and internally displaced persons. During the sessions, their main helper is Hibuki, a little dog who loves to cuddle.
Hibuki therapy is an Israeli methodology that uses a therapeutic toy – a cuddly dog – to improve a child’s psycho-emotional well-being, which is currently a very relevant issue in Ukraine, and particularly in Zaporizhzhia.
“Hugs are, in fact, the simplest thing we can use to comfort our children in almost any situation. That is why the Hibuki toy, which continuously hugs the child while they go about their activities, creates this therapeutic effect. In this way, it helps the child cope with stressful situations,” says Olena SHVETS, Director of the Department for Veteran Policy of Zaporizhzhia City Council.
Children are taught to work with the therapeutic toy not only by teachers but also by psychologists from charitable organisations. They mastered the relevant methodology over the course of a month.
“I gained valuable practical experience and realised how much it helps children stabilise, cope with difficulties, believe in themselves, and learn to express their emotions safely. For children under 10, this is probably one of the best methods available right now,” shared Svitlana KOPANYTSIA, a psychologist from the charitable foundation “East SOS,” who completed training as a Hibuki therapist.
The “Hibuki Therapy” project is being implemented by the NGO “Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action” with financial support from Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal.
To date, approximately two hundred children aged 6 to 10 across 23 preschools and schools in Zaporizhzhia have welcomed a new friend – a Hibuki dog.
“The project covers all districts of the city, meaning that in each district there is either a school or a community centre where these sessions are held in shelters. The total number of institutions is 23, with approximately 200 children participating,” shared Daryna RYBKA, the project manager of the NGO “Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action."
The children are already applying the knowledge they gained through their interaction with the cuddly dog and say that it really helps.
“Hibuki helps me stay calm during shelling, when the city is being bombed. Also, for example, when I give a presentation, I don’t get nervous with him,” says project participant Varvara ZUBOVA.
It is worth noting that throughout March 2025, training sessions were conducted in Zaporizhzhia for 30 psychologists, teachers, and educators from schools and kindergartens, as well as 10 psychologists from the public sector. The course was personally led by Dafna Sharon-Maksimov, the creator of the method and head of the international Hibuki therapy project.
Upon completing the training, Zaporizhzhia's educators and psychologists received their own Hibuki dogs, which they will use in their work with children.
