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.