Art therapy and canine therapy for children of war: a new step in psychological support in Mykolaiv (video)

The war leaves a deep mark not only on the country’s economy and infrastructure, but also on the minds of its citizens, especially children. Survivors of shelling, evacuation, and loss of loved ones often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. Therefore, psychological support for children affected by war is no less important than humanitarian and material aid.

Modern psychology uses various methods of rehabilitation of children, among which art therapy and canister therapy occupy a special place. They help children open up, overcome fears and emotional barriers, and learn to cope with psychological stress in a safe environment. In Mykolaiv, for the first time, such classes were organized for migrant children, children under care and those who need special psychological help.

The first art therapy and canister therapy program in Mykolaiv

March 1 in Mykolaiv took place a unique event for children who need psychological support. The initiative was organized by the animal rehabilitation center “Pride” in cooperation with the charitable foundation “Javelin”. 17 children attended the program together with their parents.

According to the head of the “Pride” center Kira Zhilkina, the purpose of the event was not only to entertain, but also to create positive emotions that contribute to the psychological recovery of children.

“Many children are learning online and don’t have the opportunity to interact with animals or participate in activities that contribute to their development. We wanted to not only give them a good mood, but also give them the opportunity to benefit their emotional state.” – explains Zhilkina.

What did the program include?

The program of the event was rich and included several key components:

• A lecture from the police about traffic rules
• Canister therapy – classes with therapy dogs
• Art therapy – creative activities for emotional relief

Acquaintance with traffic rules

During the event, children had the opportunity to learn the rules of road safety in a playful way. The lecture was conducted by Oleksandr Fedorov, senior inspector for special assignments of the public relations department of the Patrol Police Department in the Mykolaiv region.

“Such measures are very important, because these are the children who will build the future of our country. We must not only help them psychologically, but also teach them responsibility and safety.” he noted.

Five-year-old Hanna, one of the participants of the event, said with pleasure that she remembered the most important rules: “We cross the road only on a green light, and we stand on a red light.”

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Canister therapy: communication with therapy dogs

One of the most emotional moments of the event was canister therapy – therapy with the help of specially trained dogs. Animals can help children overcome stress, reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Thirteen-year-old Valeria, who took part in this class, shared her impressions:

“Dogs are very cute and smart. They follow commands, give a paw, lie down, sit down. We even took pictures with them!”.

According to the organizers, such classes help children reduce stress, improve concentration and promote empathy.

Art therapy: the power of creative expression

Art therapy classes became another important element of the program. Children were able to draw, create products and work with various materials. With the help of the creative process, they were able to express their feelings and distract themselves from difficult thoughts.

Art therapy is a powerful tool in working with children who have experienced stressful situations. Drawings and other creative tasks help children better understand their emotions and process their inner experiences.

Why such initiatives are important

The organizers of the event emphasize that similar initiatives should be implemented throughout Ukraine. Children affected by the war need a special approach, and the methods of art therapy and canister therapy give them the opportunity to gradually restore their psychological state.

“It is important for us to create conditions where children can not only receive help, but also develop, adapt and learn new ways to overcome stress,” Kira Zhilkina notes.

Psychological assistance to children who survived the war should be one of the main priorities of society. Similar initiatives, as in Mykolaiv, demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative methods of rehabilitation. Art therapy and canister therapy allow children to feel joy, self-confidence again and find new ways to cope with the difficulties experienced.

Such events not only help children, but also show adults that even in the most difficult circumstances, resources can be found to support those who need it most.