Dr Dafna Sharon Maksimov, Hibuki Therapy, Israel
Dr. Dafna Sharon Maksimov is a distinguished psychologist and educational counselor dedicated to trauma recovery in children impacted by war. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology at the University of Educational Management (Ukraine) and undergoing Integrative Psychotherapy training at the University of Haifa (Israel), she has developed the internationally recognized Hibuki Therapy Method—a patented approach using therapeutic dolls to support children with PTSD. Dr. Maksimov has led rehabilitation efforts across Ukraine and trained mental health professionals in her innovative techniques. She has published 20+ peer-reviewed articles and presented at prestigious platforms, including the UN General Assembly. As the Director of multiple rehabilitation centers and an academic lecturer, her work combines scholarly rigor with real-world impact, especially in conflict zones. Her contributions reflect an extraordinary blend of research, compassion, and practical implementation, making her a highly deserving recipient of the Social Sciences Excellence Award.
Publication Profile
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Education
Dr. Maksimov’s academic journey spans global institutions and interdisciplinary specializations. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Educational Management, Ukraine (2022–Present), and training in Integrative Psychotherapy (CBT) at the University of Haifa, Israel (2022–2025). Her prior education includes a Master of Education in Educational Counseling from the University of Derby, UK (2001–2004), and an M.A. in Sociology of Education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1998–2001). She also holds a B.A. in Educational Psychology from Vitebsk State University, Belarus (1992–1997), graduating with honors. Additional credentials include a Teaching Certification in Social Sciences from the Open University, Israel, and a specialized diploma in Group Facilitation for Parents, Teachers, and Children from Haifa University and the Amal Network. This robust foundation underpins her expertise in trauma-focused therapies, educational psychology, and psychoeducational program development.
Experience
Dr. Maksimov has led a distinguished career in clinical, academic, and advisory roles. Since 2023, she serves as Director of multiple trauma-focused Rehabilitation Centers across Ukraine’s conflict-affected cities under the Kinder Velt Network. As Founder and Director of the Hibuki Therapy International Project (since 2022), she developed a globally recognized therapeutic method and trained educators and clinicians in its implementation. From 2015 to 2022, she was an Educational Counselor for the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration in Israel, supporting immigrant integration through psychological services. She also holds a long-standing role (since 2005) as a Senior Parent Group Facilitator in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Ashdod municipalities. Academically, she lectures on group facilitation at Seminar HaKibbutzim College. Earlier in her career, she represented Israel as a Youth Emissary for the Jewish Agency in Dnipro, Ukraine. Her work blends field-based trauma care with transformative educational practices.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Dafna Sharon Maksimov’s groundbreaking work in trauma therapy has earned her widespread recognition. In 2023, she received the prestigious Genesis Peace Prize for her contributions to peacebuilding and supporting children affected by war in Ukraine. Her Hibuki Therapy Method was formally presented at the United Nations General Assembly on March 25, 2025, receiving global acclaim as a pioneering model for child trauma rehabilitation. She holds patents for both the Hibuki Therapy Methodology (2025) and the Hibuki Therapeutic Doll (2023), cementing her role as an innovator in psychological healing tools. These honors not only reflect her scientific excellence but also highlight her humanitarian impact across international borders. Her methods have become a gold standard for therapists and educators working with children exposed to war, displacement, and psychological trauma.
Research Focus
Dr. Maksimov’s research primarily centers on child and adolescent trauma, PTSD, integrative psychotherapy, and educational psychology. Her signature innovation, Hibuki Therapy, combines cognitive-behavioral techniques and therapeutic play to aid children in processing war-related trauma. Her work emphasizes evidence-based models tailored for use in inclusive and multicultural educational and clinical environments. She has investigated the cognitive-reflective impacts of trauma on school-aged children and contributed to validating psycho-diagnostic tools for war-affected youth. Her recent studies focus on multidisciplinary interventions that blend psychotherapy with art therapy, enhancing emotional resilience in diverse populations. Through rigorous academic publications and on-ground program leadership, she bridges clinical psychology with real-world application. Her collaborations span universities and psychological institutions across Europe and the Middle East, positioning her as a thought leader in global trauma therapy and educational reform.
Publication Top Notes