Participants of the first Hibuki Therapy training programme in Kryvyi Rih are currently delivering therapeutic sessions to groups of children as part of their qualification certification process. Hibuki Therapy is a globally recognised and effective tool for providing psychological support to young children experiencing stress and the consequences of war. In Kryvyi Rih, the international project is being implemented with the support of Metinvest Group, NGO "Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future", and the Education and Science Department of Kryvyi Rih City Council.
It has a piercing gaze, long, soft ears, and paws that help children overcome anxiety, fears, and the psychological trauma caused by the war. Following the completion of the theoretical training, a total of 40 psychologists, educators, and specialists from Resilience Centres and the Veteran Service Office began helping children cope with emotional distress using a special therapeutic toy, the Hibuki dog.
“This project was launched in Kryvyi Rih in May this year. We have brought together a highly cohesive and motivated group of educators and social sector professionals. Their theoretical training lasted for one month, after which they underwent a certification assessment. The trainers were highly impressed by the level of preparation demonstrated by the Kryvyi Rih group, as well as by the extent of Metinvest’s and the city authorities’ involvement in the project. The Hibuki handover event was particularly moving, as each of these dogs is unique. No two of them are exactly alike, even though they were all made from the same pattern. Each future Hibuki therapist chose the one dog. And now comes the most exciting and important part. The moment Hibuki met the children. Today, we have come to a kindergarten where, with the financial support of Metinvest’s Consolidated Iron Ore, a large-scale reconstruction project was carried out, including a modern refurbishment and the construction of a shelter. As a result, children have an opportunity to learn, interact with others, and grow here,” said Olena LESHCHENKO, Director of the NGO "Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future".
The project participants are currently in the active phase of delivering sessions. Early childhood education specialists share their experience, parents are showing great interest in Hibuki therapy, and children are engaging emotionally with the toy through play, creativity, sport and communication. For children, the Hibuki dog very quickly becomes more than just a toy; it becomes a friend.
“All children, just like adults, need hugs. Children need a friend, whether it is a person, an animal or a toy. Until now, I have been the main ‘Hibuki’ in our kindergarten, but now I have an assistant. I formed my group from children aged three and four. First, I carried out a short colour test. I suggested that the children colour in pictures of dogs. Based on the colours the children chose, I was able to assess their emotional state and determine the focus of our work. The next step was a meeting with the parents and obtaining their consent for the sessions,” said Viktoriia PROKHORENKO, psychologist at the preschool education institution.
Therapy involving the hugging dog is based on the idea that a child transfers their worries and fears onto the toy. By speaking on behalf of the dog, the child does not become fixated on their psychological trauma and is able to talk about their own experiences and feelings. In this way, girls and boys develop an understanding of their own emotional state and learn to care for themselves.
“I tell the children that they can whisper into Hibuki’s ear about the things that frighten them. Because its ears are not ordinary ears; they can both listen and cover their eyes so that things do not seem so frightening. And with its paws, it can gently hug a child, which immediately brings a sense of calm. At one point during one of the sessions, the air-raid siren sounded. We went down to the shelter and decided to play with the plush dog. The little ones would whisper something to it and then pass it from one child to another. And then I heard Ihnatyk quietly say: “Hibuki, I’m so afraid of missiles.” That is when the children realised that Hibuki is not just a toy, but a true friend who can help, provide comfort, and bring warmth and a sense of security,” shared Alla FEDOTOVA, an educator at the preschool institution.
Hibuki therapy helps children speak openly about their feelings and process their emotions, according to the project participants. Together with Hibuki, the children do physical exercises in the kindergarten yard, learn to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods, draw, and dance. Each session becomes a little adventure, turning challenges into new opportunities. Upon completing this stage of the programme, the participants will receive the relevant certificates, while hundreds of children in Kryvyi Rih will gain another effective tool to help them process difficult emotions and, even in challenging times, feel cared for and confident in themselves.
