The events of October 7th and the "Iron Swords" War created a complex reality of dealing with a unique trauma that has not been studied in Israel until now, and the therapeutic experience in it is limited. Veteran therapists from all over the country, trauma specialists and long-term treatment experts in various approaches have come together for this unique therapeutic work since October 7th. This training group helps to understand the ambiguous trauma, its unique treatment stages and its implications for the various families and circles, as well as for the returning hostages themselves.

Training group description:

The training group will be a safe space for therapists to bring themselves, as those who are part of a collective that experiences trauma in its formation, and who at the same time treat the cycles of trauma. In addition, the group will be accompanied by theoretical learning, practical tools and models of work from the professional experience of the trainers, and a direct connection to knowledge and experts in the world. The group is based on bringing a study case, so that in each meeting a different therapist brings a case for learning. In each meeting we will discuss the theory adapted to the topic.

Goals of the training group:

✓ Acquiring knowledge and professional language in the field of blunt trauma and frozen grief.

✓ Personal space for therapists in group support.

✓ Training therapists in existing practice and models in accordance with their work in Israel.

About the instructors:

Hagar Van Eck , a clinical social worker. She has a master's degree in emergency preparedness and response (emergency medicine) and trauma-focused psychotherapy studies. In recent years, she has worked as a treatment coordinator in frameworks for treating victims of human trafficking. She is involved in developing therapeutic approaches, training workers and teams, and has individual experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of women who were recognized as victims of slavery while being held captive in torture camps in Sinai, Egypt.

Hadas Egozi Farkash , clinical psychologist. A doctoral student researching the field of personal and community resilience, and has expertise in broad-based trauma. Since October 7, she has met with the abductees who returned to Israel at the point of absorption, and to this day accompanies abductees who have returned and their families through complex challenges. Lecturer and director of the program for leaders of resilience in organizations and communities, Leadership Resilience, at the Continuing Education Unit at Tel Aviv University, and the program for personal coaching in a psychological approach. Consultant to managers in organizations, and author of the book 'Mother's Heartbeats' for developing maternal resilience after birth.