ADVICE
ASK THE THERAPIST
WITH RABBI DANIEL SCHONBUCH, LMFT
SPIRITUALITY CAN HEAL TRAUMA FROM THE COVID VIRUS Dealing with the long-lasting psychological impact of trauma from the ongoing COVID crisis is one of the most important issues facing the world. Illness, lack of safety, job loss, and uncertainty of what the future will bring, is increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and somatic pain. Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT, who treats trauma, is a therapist and director of the TorahPsychology.org School of Coaching & Counseling. He believes that Chasidus has the power to heal trauma, especially when we can learn how to coach others based on spiritual principles and practices.
HOW CAN PEOPLE UTILIZE SPIRITUALITY TO HEAL TRAUMA? It says in Mishle, ”Daiga b’Lev ha-Ish yesichena,” which translates as ”If there is concern in a man's heart, let him cast it down.” Chassidus teaches that yesichena also means to ”spill,” or to ”empty out” one’s worries to another. This refers to one of the most basic principles of treating trauma: the need to share one’s feelings with others. I teach people how to coach individuals they know (which includes family and friends) by listening to their feelings with unconditional acceptance.
Listening has the power to elevate people out of states of helplessness and sadness, and into the mindset of positive thinking, emunah and bitachon. These ideas are actually supported by the latest research in treating trauma. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, spiritual care forms a vital component of holistic health management, especially in terms of coping, coming to terms with illness, suffering and ultimately, death. They claim that the relationship with the ”transcendent or sacred” has a strong influence on a people’s beliefs, attitudes, emotions
Kislev 5781 Edition 57 COLlive Magazine - Kislev 2020___Yossi --- Monday.indd 57
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