Ukraine | Helping Children Cope with Trauma

The conflict in Ukraine has shattered the lives of millions, forcing many to leave their homes and seek safety in other parts of Ukraine or in neighbouring countries. While adults can understand what’s happening, the trauma is even worse for children, whose lives have been turned upside down in a matter of hours.

Barbara Körozsi, a therapy dog trainer in Berehove, Ukraine, near the Hungarian border, is doing something special to help. She brings her therapy dog, Doxa, to work with kids at a shelter for displaced families. This shelter is run by CLWR partner ACT Alliance member Hungarian Interchurch Aid. For these children, who have lost so much, the simple act of giving commands to Doxa, like “sit” or “fetch,” gives them a powerful sense of control and comfort in a world that feels out of control.

Many of these children were forced to leave their homes without warning, and they feel helpless. But by directing Doxa, they regain a small piece of control. Barbara says, “Telling Doxa to sit is a little thing, but it means so much to these kids. It helps them feel safe and in charge, even for just a moment.”

Barbara has been working with the shelter for a month now, and the change she’s seen is amazing. She remembers one family who came from Severodonetsk, with two children who were terrified of loud noises like thunder. They wouldn’t leave their mom’s side, and nothing seemed to help. But after spending time with Doxa, they started to open up. Now, they come to the program without their mom and play, laugh, and enjoy themselves.

One parent, Natalia, shared how grateful she was. “We’re so happy to see our children smiling and calm. They had to leave everything behind—home, school, friends—and everything changed. But the dog is helping them feel better.”

Parents often stay to watch the sessions, seeing their children happy and safe again. At the end of each session, as the kids head home with their parents, Doxa curls up next to Barbara, exhausted but content, knowing she’s helped bring some joy and peace to these children during a very dark time.