Dog-Assisted Therapy Session Held for Staff at Ukraine's Pension Fund

Canine Therapy Workshop at the Pension Fund of Ukraine

According to Пенсії (RSS): On June 17, employees of the Pension Fund of Ukraine took part in a canine-assisted therapy session. The event was organized by psychologists Viktoriia Khylevych and Anna Yatsenko from the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kyiv. A specially trained dog named Banana also participated in the activity.

The session aimed to bolster employees' mental health amid prolonged psycho-emotional strain and constant exposure to stressful factors. Canine therapy, the method used during the event, is defined as a psychological support technique based on positive human interaction with specially trained dogs. Evidence shows that such interaction helps to:

• reduce stress and anxiety levels;
• improve emotional well-being;
• develop self-regulation skills;
• enhance psychological resilience.

Another goal of the therapy session was to foster a positive emotional atmosphere within the team, restore inner resources, and sustain the ability to work effectively.

Promoting Employee Psychological Well-Being

This initiative is part of broader efforts to support the psychological well-being of staff under heightened stress, driven by the current socio-economic conditions in the country. Canine therapy, as an innovative approach, is gaining popularity across Ukraine because it not only alleviates stress but also strengthens team cohesion among colleagues.

Such initiatives could represent an important step toward improving the overall climate in organizations and boosting workplace productivity.