Professor Rachel Dekel and her team specialize in researching coping and adaptation in the aftermath of traumatic experiences, exploring their multifaceted impacts on survivors, families, therapists, and communities alike. Central to our methodology is an ecological perspective on trauma and resilience. We believe that the varying responses to trauma and the subsequent recovery process are intricately shaped by a complex interplay of individual traits, situational dynamics, and environmental resources. These dynamic relationships can either facilitate or hinder an individual's journey towards recovery. Specifically, our focus lies in understanding how familial resources could be engaged to enhance the recovery process. Our students actively apply and advance this approach in their research endeavors.
DOCTORAL CANDIDATES
Shira Berger, M.A.A.T has completed her Bachelor's degree at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and a Master's degree with outstanding excellence in Art Therapy from Seminar Hakibutzim in Tel-Aviv. Shira is currently pursuing her doctorate in the program for Hermeneutics and Cultural Studies in the Psychoanalysis and Hermeneutics Track, studying Trauma Repetition in light of psychoanalytic, philosophical and artistic disciplines (co-guidance by Prof. Efrat Biberman). Shira worked in a mental-health clinic in Barzilai Hospital and currently works as an art therapist in Amcha with Holocaust survivors and also treats patients of all ages in her private clinic.
Merav Dadia, M.S.W. completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work at Bar-Ilan University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Social Work, writing her dissertation about "An examination of meaning-making processes among female survivors of childhood sexual abuse". Merav has worked with victims of childhood abuse and neglect for many years, while her focus in recent years has been promoting their welfare through public policies.
Yair Krinkin, M.S.W. graduated with his Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work with highest-honors (summa cum laude) from the University of Haifa, and was awarded the Folks Foundation Prize for Excellence in Studies. Yair is a Ph.D. student in the President’s Scholarship program for Outstanding Doctoral Fellows in the School of Social Work at Bar-Ilan University. His doctoral thesis is on: "Sexual abuse by a rabbi: The consequences on the religious male victim, on his significant others, and on the relationship between them". In January 2018, Yair joined a small group of social workers and psychologists to establish a unit for the treatment of ultra-Orthodox men who were victims of sexual abuse. This unit is part of the Psychiatric Department at the Mayanei Hayeshua in Beni Brak.
Idit Oz, M.S.W. received her Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from Haifa University. Idit served for 24 years as a Mental Health Officer in the Israeli Air Force. During her last position in the army (2013-2016), she served as the Head of the Psychology Branch (L.T.C), Currently she is serving as the Manager of Social Services in the Rehabilitation Department, Ministry of Defense. Her doctoral thesis is on: "Factors that facilitate and hinder rehabilitation and posttraumatic growth among Operation Protective Edge veterans".
Maya Rose, M.A. has completed a Bachelor's degree at Bar-Ilan university in Sociology and Criminology and two Masters degrees: One in public management and policies from Tel Aviv University and the other from the Bar-Ilan University’s program for Gender Studies. Maya is currently pursuing her doctorate in the same program, studying “Sexually abused teenage boys: The men they grow up to be". Maya currently works as inspection manager at the government inspection ministry.
Yael Shapira (Shimoni), M.A. received both her Bachelor's and her Master's degrees from the department of Psychology at Bar-Ilan University. She graduated both degrees with excellence. Yael's doctoral thesis is entitled: "Women’s experience of trauma disclosure and its impact on motherhood and the emotional-social functioning of their children". Yael is a Developmental and Educational Psychologist working for years with children, women and families.
Gadi Cohen is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, who recently retired from professional army service in the IDF as a mental health officer. He received his bachelor's degree in Social Work from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his master's degree from Bar-Ilan University. His thesis was entitled: “A Retrospective View on Yom Kippur Veterans Seeking Help 30 Years After the War: Symptoms, Combat Exposure, and Psychoactive Substance Use.” Gadi is currently a PhD candidate at Bar-Ilan’s School of Social Work. His dissertation is about clinical and personal recovery among combat veterans, with a specific focus on the impact of proactive assessment and early intervention. Gadi completed the psychoanalytic psychotherapy program at Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. His scientific interests include combat PTSD, clinical and personal recovery from PTSD, and posttraumatic growth.
Yoav Levinstein M.S.W is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist in the IDF Medical Corps. He received his bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Tel Aviv University, and his master’s degree from Bar-Ilan University. His thesis was entitled: “Secondary traumatization among wives of IDF combat soldiers: The contribution of ambiguous loss.” Yoav is currently a PhD candidate at Bar-Ilan’s School of Social Work. His dissertation is about PTSD symptom trajectories among combat veterans, with a specific focus on the impact of moral injury on these trajectories. Yoav completed the psychoanalytic psychotherapy program at Bar-Ilan. His scientific interests include combat PTSD, moral injury, resilience strategies, and mental fitness.
MASTERS CANDIDATES
Adi Zamostiano received her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Bar-Ilan University and is currently pursuing her master's degree in Social Work at Bar-Ilan as well. Furthermore, Adi is a mental health officer and is experienced in treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic symptoms. Adi is a member of the clinical assessment team at the cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT) clinic at Bar-Ilan University. Adi is investigating the relationship between homework engagement and CBCT results.