"Hibuki Therapy": therapeutic sessions with a hug dog for children in Kyiv and region

For more than a year, Care and Understanding Charity Foundation has been helping young Ukrainians. Humanitarian missions, psychological support, creative workshops, events for mothers and children. Now we dream of implementing another important social project – conducting therapeutic sessions for children with a hug dog (Hibuki therapy).

How does a hug dog help children affected by war?

Hibuki therapy is an Israeli method that helps children overcome anxiety states that often arise in today's conditions. It appeared in Ukraine last year, but the number of children needing psychological support grows daily. That's why our team decided to launch this project.

The hug dog (Hibuki) is the main element of therapy. Its feature is sad eyes. This isn't accidental. Looking into the dog's eyes, the child transfers their fears and worries to it, learns to cope with them and, importantly, not to withdraw.

Hibuki is also baby-sized, easy to hug, making the child feel protected. It's soft to touch, so the child feels warmth and comfort, and thus safety.

Through the project, children will have the opportunity to find their hug dog that will help cope with pain, knows how to listen, wipe tears with its long ears. Can become the one who comforts and understands.

Hibuki therapy as a therapeutic method for working with children is new to Ukraine. Its creator was Dr. Shai Hen-Gal during the second Lebanon war in Israel. Since then, Hibuki has helped children from various countries overcome trauma, restore mental health and return to life.