The events of October 7th – especially the acts of violence and terror – have caused deep physical and emotional harm to individuals and communities around the world. For many Jewish individuals, the trauma has been compounded by the pain of experiencing antisemitism in its rawest form. Whether directly affected or witnessing the horrific events from a distance, many are left in a state of hyper-vigilance, numbness, and despair. 

Somatic experiencing can offer powerful support to individuals grappling with these effects. In this blog we’ll explore how somatic experiencing can assist in processing the trauma of antisemitism and how Jewish therapists, grounded in both cultural and therapeutic understanding, can provide invaluable support. 

The Role of Somatic Experiencing in Trauma Healing

Somatic experiencing helps clients reconnect with their bodies and release the overwhelming stress stored in the nervous system. Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic experiencing focuses on the physical sensations that arise in response to traumatic experiences, helping individuals regulate their nervous systems and move through the stress cycle. 

The profound shock caused by trauma, such as witnessing or experiencing violence, triggers our body’s fight, flight, or freeze response.

 

The Importance of a Jewish Therapist

While any competent therapist can help someone process trauma, a Jewish therapist brings an additional layer of understanding, especially when the trauma involves the experience of antisemitism. Jewish therapists are uniquely positioned to offer deep cultural and historical insight into the complexities of antisemitism and Jewish identity. This cultural sensitivity can make a significant difference in the healing process, as Jewish clients don’t need to explain the nuances of their experiences or fears related to their identity. 

A Jewish therapist also provides a sense of communal healing. For many Jewish individuals, knowing that their therapist shares similar values and has a shared cultural background can be incredibly comforting. This shared experience can reduce feelings of isolation and create a safe space to process trauma. The therapist understands the unique pain of antisemitism and can stand in solidarity with the client, offering validation, support, and guidance without the fear of being misunderstood or dismissed.

 

Rebuilding Community and Finding Safety Again

Healing does not happen in isolation. One of the most vital components of recovery is finding new community support. For many Jewish individuals, connecting with Jewish spaces – whether physical or online – can offer a sense of comfort and belonging. These spaces provide an environment where individuals can share their experiences, process their trauma, and find solidarity with others who have lived similar experiences. 

It’s important to prioritize safety in this process – both emotional and physical. Surround yourself with people who validate your pain, honor your experiences, and truly have your back. In times of trauma, it is crucial to create a supportive circle of friends, family, and community members who can provide a sense of stability and comfort. 

 

Somatic Experiencing Techniques for Trauma Healing

Somatic experiencing includes several effective exercises designed to help individuals regulate their nervous system and process trauma in a gentle, step-by-step manner. One such practice is grounding through the senses. By focusing on five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two smells, and one thing that comforts you, you can bring yourself back into the present moment and away from a trauma response. This practice helps to disrupt the physiological patterns that can keep you stuck in stress and fear. 

 

For Jewish Therapists: Navigating Challenging Spaces

As Jewish therapists, we can often feel pushed out of therapy spaces where our pain and trauma are minimized or misunderstood. The weight of collective trauma, especially in moments of heightened tension, may not always be acknowledged or validated. It’s vital to remember that our experience deserves care, empathy, and space for healing, just like anyone else’s. 

While many of us may be equipped to hold space for clients expressing views about Israel, it’s essential to recognize that not all of us are able to do so without sacrificing our own emotional and mental wellbeing. If you find yourself unable to hold space for such conversations due to the emotional toll they take on you, it is okay to refer clients out for your own safety and self-preservation. 

For those of you who are working with clients holding these views, please remember that countertransference is real. Take extra care of yourself. Seek supervision, debrief regularly, and ensure you have support in place so you can continue to show up as your best self for your clients. 

Final Thoughts

The trauma caused by antisemitism is profound, and the healing process is long and complex. As trauma therapists, our role is to provide guidance, tools, and a safe space for individuals to process their pain, regain their agency, and rebuild trust in themselves and others. Healing happens not in isolation but in solidarity, and together we can rebuild and emerge stronger. 

If you’re seeking a therapist who understands the complexities of your experiences and is ready to work with you in a compassionate and empathetic space, schedule an appointment with me online today. Let’s work together to support your healing journey. 

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Each post is an invitation to slow down, notice, and remember that your healing is already unfolding. These reflections are here to remind you that you are not alone and that wherever you are in your process, I hope these words help you feel a little more steady inside your own story.

If something in this post stayed with you, therapy is where we slow down and begin to make sense of what it’s connected to.

It’s a space to feel safe enough to notice what your body has been carrying and begin to let it shift.

Through this work, you begin to feel grounded and clear enough to trust yourself, set boundaries that hold, and choose relationships that feel safe.