What is METIV?
Metiv is a hebrew word meaning benefactor. It is the name of the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, founded in 1989 by Dr. Danny Brom. Metiv strives to create “a society that gives voice t
o psychological trauma, cares for those who have suffered from it and commits to empowering those affected by trauma.” To do this, they “provide clinical and other interventions that heal and empower those exposed to traumatic life experiences and to increase the recognition and the treatment implications of psychological trauma.”
In addition, under the guidance of lead researcher Dr. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, Ph.D, they have done a large amount of research on trauma and resiliency. Much of the research that is available about the psychological effects of trauma in Israel is done through Metiv.
Some Interventions:
Peace of Mind for Released Combat Soldiers: This is an intervention program for returning combat soldiers. Metiv works with the IDF to identify units who would benefit from this program. They work with units instead of individuals because of the already-formed bonds that have been created while in combat together. The soldiers then are hosted in a
Jewish community overseas while they do the most intensive therapeutic work, because “disengagement from Israel during the therapeutic process is central to their healing.” Almost 2/3 of participants show significant post-traumatic growth after participation.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
BEAR for Children: BEAR stands for Building Emotional and Affect Regulation for children. This is a small-group, six session intervention that works on building resilience including mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral strategies and narrative interventions. It is geared for children ages 7-12 who “have been exposed to difficult life events”.
Parents’ Place: This intervention focuses on parents. In facilitating other interventions they had done with children, parents, and educational staff, they realized that parents needed some help too. They developed programs that work to give parents the knowledge and coping skills they need to take care of young children in the face of stressful and traumatic experiences.
Metiv has also done a lot of work with minority Ethiopian and Bedouin communities. They are working to fill the gap in publicly available psychosocial services.