Film therapy is an effective way of working with psycho-trauma, reducing anxiety and stress, as well as developing empathy and healthy communication skills. Children can better understand their emotions and feelings by watching and discussing cartoons or movies. They find new ways to overcome difficult situations.

Recently, the children of our ‘Hope and Healing’ center were invited to watch and discuss the ‘Dragon of Wishes’ cartoon. It’s a story about friendship, mutual help, and loyalty that inspires the little ones to think deeply.

After watching, the children noticed that the dragon, which could grant the boy’s three wishes, could not solve problems in relationships between people. As they reflected on this, they shared their thoughts on the importance of supporting friendship and each other during difficult times.

Then, the teachers offered to paint their dragon and talk about its abilities and wishes it could fulfill. Most children imagined their dragons as stealthy flyers that could breathe fire. This ability is required to protect the home, family, and Ukraine from war.

The most touching thing was that, when making a wish, the children did not ask for anything for themselves. Their biggest dreams were health for their loved ones and peace in Ukraine: “to end the war as soon as possible.” Our children are so brave and conscious, even after the horrors of the war! Therefore, film therapy has a special impact on the process of psychological recovery of war-traumatized children.