Videotherapy: From a Traumatic Space to a Healing Space

July 2024, The 9th Videotherapy Conference:

Lecture and Workshop Abstracts:

Workshop

The Role of Dreams in the Expression and Resolution of Moral Guilt in Three Films Dealing with War Trauma – Ms. Ruth Netzer

The workshop will address the distinction between post-trauma of a war victim and post-trauma of an aggressor in war, which is essentially moral guilt for a soldier's conduct that contradicts their moral code and humanity. We will refer to excerpts from the films: 'Waltz with Bashir' (Folman), 'Dreams' (Kurosawa), 'To Cut the Pain' (Nir and Gelman). We will see how dreams in these films, which deal with moral trauma, serve to express the traumatic state but also facilitate the healing process. In the workshop, we will watch excerpts from the films and discuss them from the perspective of Jung's depth psychology on the role of dreams.

Ms. Ruth Netzer

A clinical psychologist, Jungian analyst, and senior supervisor, she is an intensive facilitator in the Videotherapy study program at the Sharon Israel Center and Ono Academic College. She teaches at Jungian psychotherapy schools, including the Group Seminar, Oranim College, and Bar Ilan University, as well as various Jungian training programs across Israel. She is also an artist (painting and photography), poet, and researcher of literature and cinema. She has published ten poetry books, an autobiographical book, and six non-fiction books, three of which focus on therapy and cinema, published by Resling.

Workshop

Reframing and Cinematic Narrative Work with the Other Story in Trauma Therapy – Mr. Avi Heller

Narrative submission discusses how our identity is constructed through the stories we constantly tell ourselves about ourselves. Our identity is dynamic, evolving, and our lives are multi-storied. Often, individuals tend to tell a dominant story that can narrow, harm, and fail to make room for other stories that have the power to broaden the human experience. In many cases of distress and trauma, the dominant narrative is one of guilt and shame. Discovering alternative narratives in such instances can be life-saving.

Just as a camera lens changes the visible image when the lens or frame is altered, so too does the use of "reframing" change a person's internal perception. Every change in frame will alter the story, the experience, and the emotion.

How can one find other stories?

How can we bring them to light and create a different reality using video and docu-therapy tools?

The workshop will include a presentation of cases and filmed examples from the field, including stories of a survivor whose home was invaded by terrorists on October 7th, soldiers who experienced difficult combat events, and more. In the workshop, participants will engage in practical exercises of reframing their own experiences.

Avi Heller –

A graduate of the Videotherapy study program at the Sharon Israel Center, a lecturer in the Videotherapy study program at the Sharon Israel Center and Ono Academic College, extensive experience as a facilitator of docu-therapy workshops, extensive experience with diverse populations.

Workshop

The Healing Owl. Video therapy workshop with power animals for building resilience – Ms. Iris Rubin

In shamanic practice, we will encounter working with our "power animals" or "spirit animals." Thanks to our biological closeness to the animal kingdom, we are able to understand symbolic messages embedded in animal representations. The term "power animals" describes the ability to activate the inner strength within us, or to reintegrate it. Through the animal's representation, we can identify parts within ourselves that require understanding and appreciation. Through this recognition, the inner expression represented by the animal becomes balanced and strengthened. Thus, working with power animals reminds us of the inner strength that has always been present within us.

About the Workshop.

The workshop combines video therapy with working with power animals.

During the workshop and through guidance, we will encounter our power animal and deeply explore the behavioral patterns of animals in nature. This includes their active hours, unique movements, diet, hunting habits, family structure, how they raise their offspring, their movement pace, developed sense of smell, their connection to other elements in nature (water, vegetation, earth, air), and more.

Following the research, a film was created about our animal and our dialogue with it.

Creating a film about a power animal strengthens the emotional connection with our source of inner power. The process enables connection, supportive guidance, and spiritual reinforcement, which strengthens the sense of resilience and creativity in the rehabilitation process and personal development.

The workshop aims to provide tools for self-resilience to individuals who have experienced trauma, are in crisis, or at a crossroads. When participants film a video about their 'power animal,' it facilitates a deep, personal process, helping them achieve healing resilience in various ways.

Improving Self-Awareness: The photography process offers participants the opportunity to observe themselves, their experiences, and their emotional connections with their power animal. This allows them to look within themselves, understand themselves better, and feel more aware and strong.

Improving Expression and Communication Skills: Through photography and the image of their power animal, participants organize and express their feelings and experiences. This can help them strengthen their expression and communication skills and deepen their ability to cope with difficult emotions and experiences.

Improving Sense of Belonging and Connection: The process of creating a film about their power animal evokes feelings of belonging and connection to their power animal in participants, and they gain a companion on their healing journey, which gives them a feeling that they are not alone.

Improving Courage and Self-Confidence: By learning about their animal's strengths and its ways of coping in different situations, it provides strength and understanding for personal coping.

The entire process of creating a film about the life force of participants can be challenging and fascinating, and using video as a tool can help participants carry out this process creatively and deeply, turning them into active participants in their healing process.

Ms. Iris Rubin

Lecturer in the Videotherapy study program at Ono Academic College and the Sharon Israel Center, filmmaker, videotherapy group facilitator, owner of a private videotherapy clinic in Zichron Yaakov, and a veteran in the field.

Workshop

Reducing anxiety and strengthening resilience through smartphone creativity –

Unique Tools for Professionals Working with Children and Youth

How can one strengthen the personal connection with children and youth? How can one foster greater motivation and cooperation in pedagogical or therapeutic settings?

An experiential workshop that includes learning and hands-on experience with unique tools developed at the Sharon Israel Center for anxiety reduction and resilience building, using creativity on a smartphone. In the workshop, we will practice tools and exercises that can be implemented in the field with children and youth, and with work teams.

The workshop is led by instructors from the Assistive Film Program and the  Media Active

Workshop

Understanding and Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Through Cinematheapy – Thoughtful Parents, starting October 7 at The Secret Forest in Cyprus

The workshop is based on a cinematherapy workshop I conducted in Israel for bereaved parents from October 7th.

In the secret forest in Cyprus.

By watching cinematic clips and engaging in personal and group reflection on them, we will strive to understand some of the crucial topics related to coping with trauma and post-trauma.

Trauma is recorded in the body and mind and evokes unique survival responses in each individual.

After experiencing a traumatic event, each person has their unique style and their own survival defense mechanisms, which differ from one another.

In the workshop, we will address the following topics:

The importance of building and accepting differences in coping styles and the difficulties that this difference creates in relationships and family life.

What kind of support is suitable for everyone, and how difficult is it for us to ask for help?

How can post-traumatic symptoms be reduced?

Messages to other family members and their various needs.

The use of cinematherapy to clarify these issues allows individuals to connect emotionally and share, each according to their ability, their struggles and the difficult situations experienced after trauma.

Mr. Yisrael Rozbaum – Lecturer in the Videotherapy specialization program at the Sharony Israel Center and Ono Academic College, Senior Clinical Psychologist – Certified Supervisor. Specializes in treating adults and adolescents through various life crises, depression, anxiety, and post-trauma. Possesses extensive experience in treating victims of sexual assault and working with bereavement.

Film Screening and Lecture

Alex's Group. A meeting on Docu-therapy and Post-Traumatic Growth – Mr. Yonatan Nir

In this inspiring lecture, combined with the screening of the film "Alex's Group," Yonatan Nir will speak about documentary cinema as a tool for social change and personal empowerment, about ethics, aesthetics, and what lies between them, and will share behind-the-scenes stories of complex productions in extreme areas, which require coping with situations of uncertainty, frustration, and fear, and demand teamwork, patience, faith, and hope.

The film 'Alex's Group' was screened for half a year in Lev Cinemas and cinematheques across the country, with dozens of screenings leading up to the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. Chillingly, it was taken off screens exactly one week before October 7th.

Israel is a post-traumatic society, grappling with bereavement, anxiety, and pain.

Israeli post-trauma has long become a social phenomenon whose widespread consequences penetrate almost every home.

But is it possible to grow from post-trauma as individuals and as a society? And what role can photography and documentary film play in this kind of growth?

And how, specifically in the current 'era of storytellers,' can developing technology be used effectively in this context?

And more, in a fascinating meeting with Yonatan Nir, a producer and director, and an expert in documentary therapy – creating a documentary as a therapeutic tool.

Alex's Group – Yonatan Nir

60 min | Israel

Film Synopsis:

Four women and four men, representing a mosaic of Israeli society, meet for a year in a therapeutic photography group led by Israel Prize-winning photographer Alex Levac.

Every single participant in the group is connected in some way to post-trauma.

It includes a mother of a post-traumatic person, a wife of, a daughter of, a woman who served as an observation soldier, and four men of various ages, some of whom are not diagnosed or recognized as post-traumatic.

From Libac's iconic photographs and from images brought by the participants themselves, an intuitive and authentic discussion develops about post-trauma as a social phenomenon that has permeated every home in Israel, about audio-visual images as shapers of consciousness, and also about the path to growth from trauma through sharing, recognition, creation, humanity, and compassion.

"Heart-wrenching monologues"

Nirit Anderman, Haaretz

"Go see!"

Rino Tzror, Galei Tzahal (GLZ)

"'Alex's Group' is an important film that embraces post-traumatic individuals and shows that traumatic damage is also environmental damage."

Dani Dagan, Kan 11

"-A film that will stay with you"

Itzik Yosha, Kan Tarbut

Produced with the support of: Yes Docu, Rabinovich Foundation, Gesher Multicultural Film Fund, Charter For Compassion, Yaffa Maritz, Gerard Jameson, Uri and Mirith Eisen, Friends Association – Lev Hasharon Medical Center

Producers: Elad Peleg, Hagai Arad, Aharon Paar, Yonatan Nir

Participants: Alex Libac, Dr. Shmuel Hirschman, Dr. Adiel Doron, Assi Hauss, Oryan Gelster-Oren, Natan Margalit, Naama Haro, Gilad Vital Shimon, Basmat Sela, Ahuvah (Ahuvik) Doron, Yair Waller, Rami Yulzari

Screenplay: Yonatan Nir, Eyal Tsarfati

Edited by: Eyal Tzarfati

Photography: Yoav Kleinman, Ran Aviad

Pascal Designer: Ami Arad

Original Music: Gilad Vital Shimon

Animation and graphic packaging: Yoni Goodman

Marketing and Distribution Management: Almog Gurevitch – 052-8853854 | info@yonatannir.com

Mr. Yonatan Nir –

Director and producer of award-winning documentary films and a sought-after lecturer.
His films 'The Dolphin', 'To Row the Pain', 'My Hero Brother', 'The Disappearing Man – The Story of Wilfred Israel', 'Picture of His Life' and '"Alex's Group"' have been broadcast on leading television channels worldwide, viewed by millions of viewers in over 60 different countries, and have received critical acclaim and dozens of awards at prestigious international festivals.

Presentation

"WE ARE THE TREE OF LIFE© and Your Digital Storytelling Project2 ©: Stories of Post-Traumatic Growth"- Dr Joshua Lee Cohen

The lecture is delivered via Zoom in English.

 Overview:

This 20-minute treatment expands the script into an engaging classroom experience. It focuses on an in-depth exploration of post-traumatic growth through discussions, interviews, and interactive elements.

Content Structure:

1. Opening (1 min): Visual montage with uplifting music introduces the concept of post-traumatic growth and the WE ARE THE TREE OF LIFE© Foundation.
2. Introducing Contributors (2 min): Detailed introductions of Jackie Gmach, Rose Mapendo, Evan HUGME, Sascha Sneider, and Skip Rizzo, highlighting their contributions and insights on resilience.
3. Deep Dive into Stories (15 min): 3-4 minutes per story, enhancing narrative depth and emotional connection.
4. Connecting Stories (2 min): Narration discusses connections between individual stories and post-traumatic growth, setting up for classroom discussion.
5. Conclusion and Call to Action (1 min): Summarizes key messages, emphasizing transformation from trauma to growth; directs viewers to further resources, including Trailer to the Video click here-password is Oct7.
6. Classroom Discussion Setup: Introduces discussion facilitator and encourages active participation after the presentation.

Objective:

The treatment is designed to inspire and engage viewers, fostering deep discussions on overcoming adversity and achieving personal growth.

Font: David 12, Space 1.5

This concise proposal ensures academic integrity and aligns with educational goals. It promises an immersive experience that combines personal narratives with theoretical insights into post-traumatic growth

Dr Joshua Lee Cohen-

Dr. Joshua Lee Cohen is a media psychologist specializing in Virtual Reality and Digital Storytelling. He is the author and lead co-editor of the book Video and Filmmaking as Psychotherapy: Research and Practice which was published by Routledge in 2015.

He was also trained as an Avid and FinalCut Pro editor in Burbank, California, and worked in Hollywood with notable people before turning back to healthcare. He has a doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in depth psychology, and is license eligible.

He works in the mental health field with clients and colleagues all over the world in both education and collaboration on the book. He Provides non therapeutic services such as the trademarked "therapeutic advertising" for his company "Your Digital Storytelling Project" based in Long Beach California.

Presentation

The Impact of Emotional Therapy Through Communication on Elementary School Students During Wartime – Ms. Yasmin Matar

In the new technological era, and following complex events such as those after October 7th, there is increasing importance in implementing therapeutic approaches tailored for elementary school students. Integrating emotional therapy through targeted communication mediums, such as cinema and video therapy, animation, and radio, can form a comprehensive program for personal empowerment, self-expression, and strengthening mental resilience. Yasmin Katura, a communication teacher and experienced emotional therapist, will present in her lecture the application of resilience approaches and their impact on students, including those with behavioral or mental difficulties, while examining the tension between traumatic experience and the healing space of video therapy.

Key Topics:

1. Emotional Therapy through Communication Media – Video, Animation, Radio
2. Self-Confidence and Its Impact on Elementary School Students
3. Methods for integrating emotional therapy in schools
4. Tailored interventions for each student individually

How does creating video communication help during wartime?

On October 7th, at the special education school for behavioral issues where Yasmin teaches, there was an increased incidence of anxiety, fear, rage, and anger among the students, directed at themselves and the staff. This led Yasmin to incorporate cinema and video therapy, animation, and radio into her therapeutic work. These methods helped the students express themselves in additional ways and better convey their feelings.

In the lecture, Yasmin will share tools and insights from real-world case studies.

Ms. Yasmin Matar Katura

A graduate of the Videotherapy study program at the Sharon Israel Center and Ono Academic College, an emotional therapist using video, animation, and radio. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Marketing from the University of Indianapolis, USA. Additionally, holds a Master's degree in At-Risk Youth in Psychology and Guidance from Oranim College in Israel.

Presentation

Videotherapy Group for Jewish and Arab Women in Jaffa – A Chance for Joint Work in a Challenging Reality. Is it Possible? – Ms. Rakefet Lapid

Rakefet Lapid has lived in Jaffa for about 30 years and has been actively involved in the community in various ways over the years. She has worked for years with at-risk girls and has also sung in an Arab and Jewish women's choir for 16 years.

Following a connection with the cultural coordinator of the Beit Cherner Community Center in Jaffa, the opportunity arose to collaboratively envision this group at the community center.

The goal is to establish a local women’s group in Jaffa as part of an effort to strengthen community ties and foster connections among different populations.

Forming the Group – To our delight, a very diverse group came together: three Muslim women, one Christian woman, and seven Jewish women, ranging in age from 35 to 70, representing a very broad spectrum of socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Right from the very first meeting, there was a moving connection and a deep dive into personal experiences.

The tools —involved filming short videos on topics such as: “A place I love/don’t love in my home,” “What helps me make a decision?” “What inspires me?” and so on. During the sessions, the women watched the videos they had filmed together, which sparked a discussion on a variety of topics related to their lives.

Concluding Film – The group members created a film from parts of the videos they produced during the activity. The result was presented to them as a concluding film that deeply moved them and strengthened the sense of connection that had formed within the group. The compilation of the videos and the diversity within the group added a subtle yet interesting statement about similarities and differences.

This process allowed women to decide what the final version would contain, and the balanced outcome was presented at a meeting of municipal managers, where it was received with great curiosity and surprise.

In her lecture, Rakefet will share the story of this unique group and demonstrate how videotherapy can build bridges between people. The group’s film will also be screened during the lecture.

Ms. Rakefet Lapid 

Video therapist and group facilitator. A graduate of Videotherapy studies at Ono Academic Campus and Sharon Israel Center,

In her past, she worked for 13 years in the film industry ("Avia's Summer", "Snow White"), and for 10 years with at-risk women and girls, including training as an employment and advocacy coordinator at HaHazer HaNashit in Jaffa. She is also active in educational initiatives in Jaffa.

Presentations by female videotherapy students from the Videotherapy Training Program

First Session:

Emerging Researchers – 3rd and 2nd-year Videotherapy students

Third and second-year female students presented seminar research papers from the "Therapeutic, Educational, and Community Intervention through Video" research seminar, taught by Mr. Sharon Israel. The students presented topics they recently researched, including videotherapy in anxiety treatment, coping with post-trauma, and videotherapy as a rehabilitative space, among others. This was a rare opportunity to present to budding researchers.

Second Session:

Case Studies. Presentation of significant outcomes and processes during the war from the practicum – Third-year videotherapy student.

Presentation of case studies from the practicum within the video therapy specialization, presenting significant outcomes and processes during the war. Supervision: Mr. Sharon Israel.