This workshop will examine the development of new therapeutic protocols by Israel’s Health & Welfare Ministries to care for hostages returning home. The absence of historical guidelines or protocols for therapeutic processes in situations involving vulnerable groups like kidnapped children, mothers, and the elderly, has necessitated new protocols.
Mrs Eti Kisos, a senior Israeli official, will share her unique experiences and the professional knowledge she has gained, providing a rare and valuable perspective to an international audience. In a conversation with Dr Kalanit Ben-Ari, an Israeli and London-based senior therapist, they will discuss the evolution of Israel’s mental health practices and treatment protocols, offering insight into high-level decision-making and frontline responses in the face of crisis.
The aim of this event is to share the learning gained in developing these protocols with as many mental health practitioners as possible, to support the healing of everyone affected by this conflict and numerous other conflicts around the world.
Audience:
This workshop is ideal for mental health professionals, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of mental health responses to national crises and historical traumas. It offers an opportunity to gain international perspectives and learn about adaptive therapeutic approaches in times of unprecedented challenges.
Course Content
Presenter
Kalanit Ben-Ari, Ph.D. is a senior psychologist, psychotherapist, and author with over 20 years of experience working with couples, individuals, and parents. With a private clinic in Hampstead, London, she is an international speaker, trainer, and supervisor of therapists. Kalanit is a member of the Faculty at the Imago International Training Institute and served as the Chair of Imago UK from 2013 to 2023. Dr. Ben-Ari’s expertise is well-recognised; she has trained thousands of therapists worldwide and is frequently featured in professional journals and the media.
Mrs Kisos is a Graduate of the Wexner Senior leadership Program at Harvard University. She is Senior Vice President, Head of Social and Personal Services at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. She has worked at the ministry for over 22 years in various positions. Mrs Kisos is a graduate of the National College of Management, Leadership and Government. She holds a BA in Social Work from Ben Gurion University, an MA in Social Work, and an MBA from Haifa University’s Business School. During the war, she was responsible for establishing the professional outline for the reception of the kidnapped children, for accompanying the families of the captives and missing, and for the treatment of returnees.
