The events of Black Sabbath and the "Iron Swords" War created a complex reality of dealing with a unique trauma that has not been studied in Israel, and therapeutic experience is also limited. Veteran therapists from all over the country, trauma specialists, and experts in long-term treatment in various approaches have been involved in this therapeutic work since October 7th.

This group is an ongoing training group for therapists who are actually engaged in long-term accompaniment of families of missing persons, abductees, and returnees in the cycles of vague trauma and its unique treatment phases.

In the days leading up to the abductees' return, this training and guidance group will delve deeper into the stages of coping with and processing vague loss that were acquired in the "Ma'agan" training group. The sessions will delve deeper into the theoretical content learned, alongside case presentations that will allow for observation of professional issues that therapists are currently dealing with. In addition, one session will be dedicated to experiential learning of the Narrative of Hope cards (cards developed by the Missed organization, which aims to help families and friends of missing people cope with the vague loss they are experiencing).

Training group description:

The training group will provide continuing education for therapists involved in long-term treatment of trauma and absence cycles. The group will be accompanied by theoretical learning, practical tools and work models from the professional experience of the facilitators and a direct connection to knowledge and experts around the world. The group is based on bringing a case study using a learning protocol 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 group support therapists.

✓ Training therapists in existing practice and models in accordance with their work in Israel for ongoing work in the field of blunt trauma.

Target audience:

A training group of up to 10 participants, engaged in long-term active treatment in circles of absence, including families of captives, returnees and those missing (even for several hours) from the "Nova" party, abductees, hostages, missing persons and their families.

About the lecturers:

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.

Rotem Shemi , a senior clinical psychologist, works in a private clinic with children, adults and couples. She has extensive experience in treating complex trauma. She is a mentor to several teams of professionals - in the psychological service at Tel Aviv University, the Winnicott Center and Amach. Since October 7, she has acquired knowledge in accompanying kidnapped, missing hostages and their families.