New York-based clinical psychologist Judy Kuriansky, a specialist in helping children traumatized by disasters, says the same techniques work for stricken kids wherever they are and that making them feel connected with their counterparts abroad is part of the healing process.

"We've used the same exercises and games for children who suffered the disasters in Japan and Haiti, and for children suffering the effects of Ebola in Sierra Leone. It can also apply to nonbiological disasters such as the nuclear crisis in Fukushima," Kuriansky said in an interview.

Both Japan and Haiti have suffered major natural disasters in recent years. In Japan's case, a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the northeast in March 2011, triggering meltdowns at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Haiti was struck by a massive quake in 2010.