In some ways, there has been a collective sigh of relief in Israel with the last hostage being released from Gaza. And yet, let us not forget that just like Ran Gvili (the last hostage), so many hostages did not return alive but were killed in captivity. We know, we are far from being done with this war, and as I write this …all of Israel is waiting for the U.S to attack (or not attack) Iran, and then of course for Iran to attack Tel Aviv as they promised. So, there are still many loose ends with this war…a war that davka seems to never end, one that has shattered the hearts and minds of so many.
Not only Post Traumatic Stress but Post Traumatic Growth: And as time goes by, it feels like the discussion around trauma will not only continue but will likely intensify. By its nature, trauma is a state of mind that occurs not DURING but AFTER we experience a life-or-death situation—or more broadly, after ANY situation where we felt we could no longer cope. In other words, “trauma is in the eye of the beholder.” When we think of trauma, we typically think of Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn responses. However, in Israel we are witnessing not only the painful effects of trauma and cases of Post-Traumatic Stress, but we are also experiencing extraordinary cases of WHAT IS CALLED -Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).
What is PTG -Post Traumatic Growth: PTG was formally defined by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun in the 1990s. It refers to a positive psychological transformation experienced after struggling with highly challenging life circumstances. This transformation results in a deeper appreciation for life, improved relationships, increased personal strength, new possibilities, and spiritual growth. It is also important to emphasize that Post Traumatic Growth co-exists with distress but differs from resilience in that it involves transformation beyond pre-trauma levels. PTG is not simply returning to a previous state (resilience) but experiencing positive changes that exceed pre-trauma functioning.
PTG (Post Traumatic Growth) in Practice: Insights from Glen Cohen: I first learned about Post-Traumatic Growth at a lecture by Glen Cohen, former Mossad Chief Psychologist and Hostage Negotiator. Cohen urged his audience of therapists not to focus solely on the damage, pain, and brokenness in their clients during this war. He explained how hostages and thousands of Israelis used war’s horror to accomplish things they’d always wanted to do and access parts of themselves they hadn’t before. These feelings coexisted with extreme distress and every negative emotion one would expect. But PTG reveals a part of the human spirit – or if you will, in our case, our Israeli Nefesh that is simply indefatigable and truly pushes us towards hope.
I don’t mean to be Pollyannaish, because the pain and suffering we’ve endured are far too real. But hope matters, and Post-Traumatic Growth embodies that hope. Despite everything that we have been through, when you look at the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice of so many “everyday” Israelis who were there for people in their time of need, it is simply mind-blowing. And when you see the surge in weddings and births, it is clear that although we have endured a devastating blow, we possess the resources not just for resilience….. but for growth.
Rich Kirschen is a Jerusalem based American Israeli psychotherapist who works with new and veteran Olim (immigrants to Israel) helping those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, addiction and or relationship issues. He did his training at the NYU School of Social Work, The Israel Institute for Family Systems Therapy, the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and The Institute for Internal Family Systems. A keen observer of Israel, Rich lectures both in Israel and abroad, offering a unique perspective into the psychological underpinnings of Israel and Israelis.