Embracing the Complexities of Jewish Self-Harm and Suicidality

Welcome to our dedicated space for exploring and supporting the Jewish community in navigating the profound and complex experiences of self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content that look into the nuanced realities faced by Jewish individuals and families dealing with these issues, offering insights and guidance from experts within the community.

The Unique Considerations of Self-Harm and Suicidality in the Jewish Community

The Jewish community, with its rich cultural and religious traditions, faces unique challenges when it comes to the complex issues of self-harm and suicidality. Within this tight-knit community, factors such as stigma, communal expectations, and the interplay between spirituality and mental health can all contribute to the unique landscape of these behaviors.

Jewish individuals and families may grapple with the balance between traditional beliefs, which can sometimes view mental health struggles as a sign of weakness, and the need for open, compassionate dialogue and access to appropriate support services. The desire to maintain a strong communal identity and adhere to cultural norms can also create barriers to seeking help and addressing these sensitive topics.

Furthermore, the Jewish community's history of trauma and persecution can deeply impact the manifestation and understanding of self-harm and suicidal tendencies within this population. Navigating these complexities requires a nuanced, culturally sensitive approach that honors the unique experiences and needs of the Jewish community.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish mental health professionals, community leaders, and individuals who have personal experiences to share. These resources provide a compassionate and comprehensive exploration of this profound and often misunderstood issue.

A Cry for Help: Understanding the Darkness

**Trigger warning - This article discusses the desire to commit suicide and how to intervene. It is written in the form of a 1st person account of one who is…

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Fun Therapy

BS"D While the traditional formats of therapy have their place and are certainly important, there are plenty of fun ways you can find healing. Most of these are best done…

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My self-harm urges are way out of control.

This is a trigger warning question: My self-harm urges are way out of control. My therapist and psychiatrist are aware of this, but l'd like to hear what a mental health…

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1-1 Breakthrough Session

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Professionals Who Specialize in Self-Harm/Suicidality

Nesivos Behavioral Health

Hope starts here.

  • In-office Toms River, New Jersey

Nesivos Behavioral Health provides mental health care with tailored treatments for addiction, trauma, and more, rooted in Jewish values and sensitivity.


" Nesivos Behavioral Health provides a range of programs tailored to meet diverse mental health needs. Their Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) are designed for individuals requiring structured support for addiction, substance abuse, and other …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🥇 Empowering

Shimshon Meir Frankel

  • In-office Israel

With a strong background in both religious and psychological education, I am intimately familiar with and can help with the many challenges in the Jewish community.


" I offer practical strategies to enhance your well-being and productivity, both at home and in your professional life. These strategies are designed to create breakthrough moments that can significantly improve your overall happiness and life satisfaction. Whether you're …

  • 😃 Humorous
  • 🙌 Affirming
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

Shabsi Sorscher, LSW

Therapist, Licensed Social Worker

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey

Shabsi Sorscher. LSW, helps clients navigate anxiety, relationships, life transitions, & personal growth using a strength-based & solution-focused approach.


" My approach is rooted in respect, warmth, and nonjudgmental support. I believe that every individual has strengths and resilience, and my role is to help clients recognize and build upon them. Through collaboration, we identify the coping strategies …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 💡 Solution-oriented

Pesach Tikvah

Achieving Peace of Mind

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Pesach Tikvah offers culturally sensitive mental health care, addiction support, therapy, developmental disability services, and holistic community programs.


" Pesach Tikvah provides an extensive array of programs and services designed to support individuals across the lifespan, ensuring that no one feels left behind. Each offering reflects the organization’s mission to address the diverse needs of the community …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🙏 Spiritual
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Elliott Blitenthal

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Las Vegas, Nevada

Elliott Blitenthal is a Frum Therapist in Queens


" My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and personalized to each client’s unique needs. I work holistically, combining mind and body, using modalities like EMDR, parts work (IFS-inspired), mindfulness, and CBT tools. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic …

  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🎯 Direct
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 💪 Challenging

Sara Blank, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Work: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Sara Blank, LMSW, works from an attachment-focused lens, IFS, and uses trauma-informed practices to ensure that the therapy process feels safe and empowering.


" I see therapy as a deeply collaborative process—a partnership where your voice, experiences, and goals take center stage. I aim to create a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard, understood, and supported as you navigate your unique …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • 💙 Warm
  • 💪 Challenging
  • 🥇 Empowering

Shayna Shafier, MHC-LP

Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit

  • In-office Monsey, New York

Shayna Shafier, MHC- LP draws from a blend of therapeutic techniques to deepen self-awareness, explore underlying emotions, and foster transformative experiences.


" In my approach to therapy, I hold a fundamental belief in the inherent capacity of every individual to heal and evolve from within. Central to my philosophy is the understanding that our connections with others play a vital …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 🙌 Affirming
  • 🧘 Calm

Eli Kaufman, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Passaic, New Jersey

Eli Kaufman, LCSW is an experienced trauma specialist. He creates a safe environment in which individuals & families work through their unique life circumstances.


"

  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Yitzchok Wagshul, Ph.D.

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, Ph.D

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Yitzchok Wagshul, Ph.D. acknowledges the myth of a "one size fits all" approach & brings a diverse array of therapeutic techniques to help each client heal.


" One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there’s no “one size fits all” in psychotherapy, because every person has their own personality and life experience. I respect that, so I’ve put in a lot of time …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 👂 Listener
  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🧘 Calm

Eli Goldberg

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CASAC

  • In-office Jerusalem, Israel

I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and psychodynamic to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs.


" My approach to therapy is based on creating a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their inner selves and find solutions to their challenges. I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and …

  • 🧘 Calm
  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 🙏 Spiritual

Levi Rapoport

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, I teach people to second-guess the unhelpful rules they have written in their personal constitution.


" I believe deeply in human potential and one’s ability to see oneself beyond their behaviors and thoughts. Using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, I teach people to second guess the unhelpful rules they have written in their personal constitution. …

  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 💙 Warm
  • 😃 Humorous
  • 💪 Challenging

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky is a Frum Therapist, LMHC in New York


"

Strategies for Supporting Jewish Individuals Struggling with Self-Harm and Suicidality

Addressing self-harm and suicidality within the Jewish community requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the cultural, spiritual, and social factors that shape the experiences of this population. Effective interventions must honor the unique challenges faced by Jewish individuals and families and offer tailored solutions that address their specific needs.

This may include:

  • Culturally competent mental health professionals who understand the nuances of the Jewish experience and can provide sensitive, holistic care
  • Support groups and community-based resources that foster a sense of belonging and understanding among Jewish individuals and families
  • Educational initiatives that destigmatize self-harm and suicidality within the Jewish community and promote awareness of available resources
  • Integration of traditional Jewish practices and beliefs into mental health treatment and crisis support

By adopting a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach, we can empower Jewish individuals and families to navigate the complexities of self-harm and suicidality with greater resilience, self-compassion, and overall well-being.

Cultivating Holistic Healing and Communal Support

Fostering holistic healing and communal support for Jewish individuals and families struggling with self-harm and suicidality requires a deep understanding of the interplay between mental health, cultural identity, and spiritual beliefs. This involves seeking guidance from professionals who have extensive experience working with the Jewish community and are committed to providing culturally sensitive, integrative care.

Through a combination of evidence-based mental health interventions, community-based resources, and the incorporation of Jewish traditions and practices, Jewish individuals and families can address the multifaceted challenges they face. This can include access to culturally competent support groups, integration of spiritual practices into their care plan, and the cultivation of strong support networks within their community.

By prioritizing the unique needs and experiences of the Jewish community, we can empower Jewish individuals and families to achieve optimal mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This can lead to improved mental health outcomes, enhanced family and community connections, and a greater sense of empowerment and resilience within the Jewish community.

It is important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the Jewish experience to their work.

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Self-Harm/Suicidality within the Jewish community.

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