I hold an MA in Counseling and a Ph.D in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. I also have 2 years of training as a Gestalt therapist and over 25 years of experience with group processes and dynamics and group facilitation. Over the past 15 years, I have devoted particular attention to examining dynamics of power and privilege at all level of human interaction. I am currently registered as a counselor in the state of Washington and am in the process of starting an intensive Imago training to become a certified clinical Imago therapist.

My journey into becoming a therapist and focusing on interpersonal relationships has not been conventional. Upon completion of my MA, I examined the prospects of getting a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. At the same time, growing up in Israel and living through intense political conflict I was convinced that to effectively transform individuals’ lives, we have to pay close attention to the social, economic, and political context within which they operate and their relationships unfold. I concluded that in conflict areas/times of crisis it is impossible to separate between people personal problems and the political context within which they unfold. In addition, I was very active politically, opposing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and I felt that therapists tend to look critically at activists. I felt criticized by both my individual therapist and the participants in my Gestalt Therapy group for spending valuable time and energy trying to change the political reality around us. It was becoming increasingly clear to me, however, that the lack of empathy I encountered among licensed and aspiring therapists was the problem, not my political activism. As a result of this realization, I enrolled in an interdisciplinary Ph.D program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

Throughout my studies and academic career, I focused on trying to understand and transform conflict at all levels of human interactions and identify patterns that cut across from the personal to the global. As a scholar, an activist, a counselor, a parent and a lover, I have become aware of many personal conflicts/relationships that have contextual sources or symptoms). I have also come to realize that the persistence of these symptoms make it difficult for people who are politically minded and seek to contribute to social justice work in a healthy manner. In other words, if our personal lives are in ruins and we don’t find the motivation, energy and tools to deal with, why would anyone trust that we can offer solutions to community/national/international conflicts or problems.

Finally, my academic and professional expertise notwithstanding, I bring to this workshop my rich life experience and my humble yet persistent quest to nurture meaningful intimate relationships.

The most common approaches to personal and relationship transformation focus on the individual. Even when it is clear that the breakdown in communication and relationships is due to outside stressors like poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, homelessness, substance abuse, war and stressful working conditions, the therapeutic intervention focuses almost solely on the individual.

While I see individuals as capable of radically transforming their lives, changing communications patterns and healing from trauma and abuse, I believe that a critical analysis of the social, economic, and political structures and conditions that contributed to the problem facing by individuals is crucial to the transformation process.

We live in a society where few models of healthy relationships are available and with very few spaces where women, and especially men, can reflect upon and become more conscious about their relationships. Most of us carry into our relationships open wounds and scars as well as old baggage from our past.

The workshop is designed to create a safe space in which individuals can reflect on their past and present relationships and envision future ones. While you would learn some new analysis, reflection and communication skills, I don’t have a magic formula to transforming relationships. I do have a strong belief however that healthy relationships contribute to our happiness as individuals and to a healthier planet.