Hibuki therapy combined with other art-therapy methods in group work with school-age children of different inclusive categories during the war in Ukraine

Introduction:
The article describes the Hibuki therapy method combined with art therapy techniques to create a set of anti-crisis psychotherapeutic means for group work with school-age children of various inclusive categories.

Material and methods:
From May to July 2023, a series of social and psychological training sessions using Hibuki therapy together with art therapy was organized. The training sessions were attended by 120 children aged 6 to 17 years having various nosologies and suffering as a result of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. The influence on crisis symptoms of the techniques used in the proposed psychological training was evaluated via generalizations of observations and via questionnaires filled in by a parent after the project.

Results:
The data obtained from observations and questionnaires filled in after the project showed that the majority of children who suffered war-related stresses showed positive changes in their “development zone” due to complex art therapy influences. Namely, their stress reactions were reduced, their confidence was built up, they developed social ties and received certain impulses for personal development. Hibuki therapy can be used as an effective anti-crisis method to overcome traumatic experiences, especially in combination with other art therapy methods, taking into account various social aspects of participants (their age, disability, and migrant status of children).

Conclusions:
Our study showed the possibility and effectiveness of combining Hibuki therapy method and art therapy methods during group corrective work with school-age children participating in cultural-artistic projects and social practices aimed at mental health restoration.