From Knowledge to Practice: Foundations of Therapy Course Graduates Counsel Meron Survivors

In the aftermath of the inconceivable tragedy in Meron last month, alumni of the popular Foundations of Therapy course by Pele Yoetz have become pillars of emotional support and chizuk to dozens of children and adults who were present during the calamity and are suffering varying degrees of trauma as a result.

One particular case regarded a serious, intelligent bachur who in the days and weeks following Lag Ba’omer exhibited a sudden lapse in energy that became more acute until he ceased coming to yeshivah. All attempts to speak to him, hearten him, or even draw him out proved unsuccessful, and the bachur grew increasingly withdrawn. His mashgiach, who attends the current Foundations of Therapy course, invited the bachur for a casual discussion in the course of which he gently urged the bachur to share his difficult experience. Using the skills that he is acquiring in the course, the mashgiach helped him process the tragedy and proposed various means of handling his anguish. Within short time, the bachur’s emotional state picked up, and he has since found the emotional strength to cope with the terrible tragedy and devastation in a way that his daily functioning no longer conflicts with his coping abilities, but has actually become a part of it. From there, it was a short road back to yeshivah and a renewed sense of purpose.

“This is one of the basic fundaments of our Foundations of Therapy course,” explains Rabbi Aviezri Cohen, course instructor. “Our goal is helping each client find the strength within himself to cope effectively with challenge.”

This is currently the 4th time in 6 years that the public is benefiting from Pele Yoetz’s Foundations of Therapy course, which is relayed by popular therapist and instructor Rabbi Aviezri Cohen. The course, which already boasts dozens of graduates, has made waves in the charedi community and prompted a change in mindset.

Foundations of Therapy presents an overview of the stages of emotional development; empowers the learner to identify cases that require professional intervention; and covers many complex issues, questions and challenge that occupy the charedi sector.

All content relayed in the course is meticulously reviewed and approved by Hagaon Harav Dovid Levy shlit”a, Nasi of Pele Yoetz Center. One of the primary objectives in creating this course was to engage in issues that relate specifically to the charedi sector, in a way that does not conflict at any time or by any means with the pure chinuch that is the hallmark of our society and our precious mesorah.

Another key course objective is learning to identify emotional distress or disorders compelling professional intervention.

Course alumni and participants offer help and guidance to adolescents and adults who struggle with a wide range of issues and questions that plague the charedi community. Culling from the practical tools that they gain in the course, they support them through their personal struggles while empowering them with self-awareness, knowledge, responsibility and skills that enable them to succeed.

Foundations of Therapy encompasses a clear, sequential syllabus that includes theory and practicum and has proven itself over the years to provide essential tools that promote the student’s self-development. It further relays practical methods for guiding struggling adults and teens within the charedi community to overcome their challenges.

Pele Yoetz Center is currently offering this course for the fourth time, and registration is already underway for the upcoming fifth cycle. Sign up now to join Foundations of Therapy by Pele Yoetz!