Sunday, March 17, 2013

The Social Therapeutic Club- Bottom Floor








As part of my blog, I would like to go more into detail about each floor and the different approaches people take to dealing with the aftermath of war and trauma. I’d like you all to first stop and think about all the simple tasks you took today, going to the grocery store, getting dressed, even having a simple conversation with someone else. These all are tasks that we think very little of and take very little effort. Now, try to think about having these abilities stripped away from you. Trauma can affect people in many ways, physically, psychologically and emotionally and its effects cannot necessarily be seen externally. Many suffering from trauma often have trouble expressing their feelings verbally, sometimes there simply are no words. In a sense they are lost and have lost the ability to find themselves on their own.
Some artwork from the
ceramic class. 
NATAL was established in 1998, and its goal is to rehabilitate those who have lost these simple skills as a result of becoming victims of war and terror. The building of NATAL houses the many approaches they take to assist and aid these victims, on the bottom floor is one that really caught my eye, the Social Therapeutic Club. As someone who enjoys all different art forms I understand the beauty of using art as an outlet in finding oneself. The Social Therapeutic Club is one of the approaches NATAL has developed to treat trauma. The Social Therapeutic Club serves as a mental health recovery group center. Here, the  most vulnerable members of the center are treated, their needs are tremendous many of them suffer from chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting from their traumatic experiences from terror attacks and wars in Israel, and a result are often lost to their families, friends and to themselves. Many of the club members have remained socially reclusive for decades, and through this lack of use many have "unlearned" basic living skills and are heavily reliant on outside help for their everyday needs such as grocery shopping and cooking.
Part of the workspace at The
Social Therapeutic Club.
Stain glass artwork all done by members
of The Social Therapeutic Club.
 Some members suffer from acute Post trauma which may include some of the symptoms such as aggression, irritability and outbursts of anger, withdrawal from family, friends and society, depression, avoidance, detachment, extreme fear and anxiety, hypervigilence, nightmares, flashbacks, insomnia, a feeling of helplessness, numbness, constant distractedness, increased emotional arousal, intense physical arousal (e.g. pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, sweating), feeling jumpy and easily startled. As a result this can lead to suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, physical aches and pains, severe depression, loss of family, friends and community, homelessness, inability to work.This is where NATAL's Social Therapeutic Club steps in. The club's main goal is to support these individuals by helping them reclaim their independence by relearning the  basic living skills so that they are empowered to reintegrate back into society. However this requires longterm support and rehabilitation, which is why NATAL understands that the Social Therapeutic Club should offer not just one form of art therapy but many, these club's activities are determined and reviewed by NATAL's professional steering committee which meets on a bi-monthly basis. 
Some more artwork by members
of The Social Therapeutic Club.
Some of the members of
The Social Therapeutic Club.
Through different forms of art therapy and other specially designed social activities The Social Therapeutic Club's goal re-teaches skills such as cooking, social and organizational skills to help its members to re-integrate back into society. They take this approach through a number of training programs including, cooking, painting, ceramics, stained glass, photography, movement therapy, music, drama, outdoor social activities and field trips. NATAL has also developed four programs, including Computer skills, Leather workshop, a Photography exhibition by the Club members, as well as a Candy bouquet workshop.The success of the activities is assessed by the members ability to respond effectively to the immediate and longterm emotional and psychological needs of the club members and are evaluated using questionnaires and reports throughout the year. The beauty of the Social Therapeutic Club, is that it not only enables its members to work and re-gain their gross and fine motor skills but it gives them the opportunity to communicate with one another and become part of a group.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The start of my internship!



A start to an amazing journey....

It has already been a month since I moved from the comforts of my home, family, and job. I came here to Israel with what I believe is not only an amazing opportunity but one that is very close to my  heart...Interning at NATAL

Being raised by two very Zionist parents, with a father who has served in the first Lebanon war, and growing up with stories about my fathers experiences in the battle field, there is little question as to why I personally fell in love with NATAL, its team, and the work they are doing. 

NATAL's front entrance to the building.


For those of you who have still not heard about the organization, NATAL is a non-profit organization that provides different paths of guidance and support to the treatment of trauma as a result of war and terror in Israel. NATAL , it's staff, and volunteers dedicate their time to the treatment of victims and guide them to the path of recovery. Many of us watch the news and understand the on going threat that the citizens of Israel go through throughout their daily lives. However, we are not as aware of the aftermath and the long term affect these situations take on the innocent lives. This is where NATAL steps in,  it's mission is  to spread awareness among the society, because the whole of Israel should properly beware of  these issues. 



Beginning of the staircase,
 connecting the four very different floors. 
Coming into NATAL I had no idea what to expect, and of course what was expected of me. The building in itself took me by surprise. Located on the busy street of Ibn Gvirol the building hides itself between two restaurants. But as you open the doors you are welcomed to an oasis devoted to the support and comfort for victims of war and terror. The building is made up of four floors, with a beautiful garden on the roof. What is so unique about this building is that each floor serves a different purpose and is designed to accomplish NATAL's goals with different approaches that fits their patients needs. 

There is a single staircases that connects these different worlds, at the bottom of the building you can find yourself rooms where patients are able to go and participate in different kids of therapeutic social activities such as art, music, and cooking. There is another room known as the hot line room, where many people work with their own phones and computers aiding those patients who have a hard time stepping out of their home. The second floor, is dedicated to the international department, and houses people with different tasks. As you walk up to the next floor you are lead to the floor that is dedicated to clinical issues, and classrooms for those who wish to learn more about the study of trauma through the trauma course run by NATAL. And at the very top is a beautiful garden overlooking the busy city of Tel Aviv. I am thrilled to start my internship here and get to know each floor in more depth. 

I joined NATAL in a very exciting and busy time with many projects underway and just being honored at AIPAC. Their experience in AIPAC  was amazing to hear about especially because I myself have been to AIPAC and experienced the enormity first hand. During the AIPAC conference a short film was presented that explained what NATAL is and their goal, through one man’s experience. This was followed by a very unique speaker and band; Yariv Peled from Israeli rock band "9 Lives" performed a moving song at the gala event, and shared his personal experiences of dealing with trauma as a result of his combat service in the IDF. The band members themselves received group treatment from NATAL's mental health professionals and are very open in public about the fact that they too suffer from PTSD. This was a very moving to watch because I was able to see how NATAL's projects and involvement can change the lives of their patients. 


Yariv Peled  gives a moving performance
during the AIPAC conference.
Follow this link to watch!

With this blog I will share my experiences here and the amazing mission that this sanctuary for victims of war and terror has to offer. Throughout my time here I will go more into detail with the projects that NATAL is involved in, and the different approaches they take in order to assist their patients. I invite you all to explore and deepen your knowledge about NATAL and its mission, and I hope to inspire many of you to become part of my journey.