Narratives of Resilience: Exploring Trauma and Healing with Dr. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach

  Dr. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, the Chief Psychologist and the Head of the Community Services Unit of NATAL, the Israel Center for Victims of Terror and War joins eHealth Radio and the Health News and Psychology Channels. Listen to interview with host Eric Michaels and guest Dr. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach discuss the following: Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do. We want to know more about what inspired you to specialize in trauma psychology, and how did your career journey lead you to work with victims of terror and war?There are so many treatment methods. I understand that the NATAL methodology is being used in places like Chicago, in the US and also in Ukraine. Can you explain how narrative approaches help in the treatment of PTSD? What makes storytelling such a powerful tool in therapy?Research is important for understanding all forms of psychology and how the mind works.  You've conducted extensive research on gender and trauma. What are some of the key differences you've found in how trauma manifests and is treated in men versus women?NATAL has been working with people who are suffering from PTSD and trauma for more than 25 years. What are the most challenging aspects of working with victims of terror and war? How do you address these challenges in your work at NATAL?As we just mentioned, a major focus of what NATAL does is to help and train other therapists and clinicians. What advice would you give to clinicians who are new to dealing with trauma patients?How can non-professionals support friends or family members who have experienced traumatic events?Over the years, how has your work impacted your view of human resilience and recovery?How do you manage the emotional impact of working closely with trauma survivors?Dr. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach is a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Bar Ilan University, Israel. She is also the head of the Community Services Unit of NATAL, the Israel Center for Victims of Terror and War. Her research and clinical work includes the study of the use of narrative approaches to diagnose and treat people exposed to trauma and those with PTSD. Rivka also studies collective trauma, gender and trauma, and identity constructor processes following traumatic events. She uses qualitative and mixed methods in her research and has published extensively on these topics. Website: https://www.afnatal.org Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalGlobal  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-friends-of-natal  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanfriendsofnatal   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nataleng  People also listened to this: 5 Things All Savvy Health Plans Do To Improve Transportation Services for Members