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.

Professionals Who Specialize in Self-Harm/Suicidality

Eli Goldberg

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CASAC

  • In-office Jerusalem
  • $200 - $250 Per Session

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 …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ™ Spiritual
  • 🧘 Calm

Shaina Bryski, LMSW, CASAC-T

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker & CASAC-T: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $100 - $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Shaina Bryski, LMSW, CASAC-T, helps individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, & life challenges through a compassionate, client-centered, & practical therapy approach.


"My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, understanding, and a genuine commitment to meeting you where you are. As a client-centered therapist, I specialize in supporting young adults and adults as they navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, …

  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Rivky Weiss

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $220 - $250 Per Session

Rivky Weiss is a Frum Therapist in Brooklyn


"My therapy style is warm and compassionate. I focus on listening to your story and helping you hear your story as well so that you can develop self-compassion as well. I am trained in various trauma modalities including …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Ari Poliakoff, LCSW, LCSW-C

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • Remote only
  • $200 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Ari Poliakoff, LCSW, helps his clients build a foundation of self-support and empowerment themselves while they get "unstuck" & move towards healing & growth.


"Wouldn't it be great if your therapist didn't just listen to you, but helped YOU listen to yourself? You know, that part of yourself that gets lost among all your responsibilities and commitments and social media and stress …

  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Toby Diamond, LMHC-D, CASAC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $100 - $300 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Toby Diamond, LMHC's therapeutic philosophy is trauma-informed. She helps her clients understand how their past experiences impact their present selves.


"At the core of my therapeutic philosophy is a commitment to being a trauma-informed practitioner. I conscientiously consider any adverse or traumatic experiences individuals may have faced, aiming to create a secure environment for the courageous work ahead. …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Tzippy Farhy, LCPC

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor,LCPC, NCC

  • In-office Southfield, MI
  • $125 - $165 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Tzippy Farhy LCPC's therapeutic approach is characterized by proactivity & a focus on solutions, all within CBT, DBT, and positive psychology frameworks.


"When clients come to me after experiencing unsuccessful attempts with alternative therapies, that's when their therapeutic journey truly begins. Many of them often pose the question, "I've been in therapy for years, gained insights, and developed a deeper …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Anya Karpov, MD, MBA

Psychiatrist, Physician and Clinical Director

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $330 - $550 Per Session

Anya Karpov is a physician who provides patient-centered ketamine therapy for depression with evidence-based care, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.


"I take an evidence-based and patient-centered approach to care, always keeping the individual at the heart of treatment. Each patient receives a personalized care plan that is tailored to their needs, designed to help manage depressive symptoms in …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Sara Blank, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Work: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, NY
  • $75 - $85 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

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 processβ€”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
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Chanan Davis, LMFT

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $220 - $220 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Chanan Davis, LMFT stays committed to using powerful actionable healing modalities to help his clients reduce suffering and improve their lives.


"Multifaceted and Flexible: I draw from a wide range of powerful therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual. My approach is goal-oriented, yet deeply intuitive and attuned. I look beyond surface symptoms to explore underlying issuesβ€”like trauma, nervous system …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Nina Kaweblum, DSW, LCSW, DBT-LBC, MA, EdM

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Lakewood, NJ
  • $260 - $275 Per Session

Nina Kaweblum is a Frum Therapist, LCSW,DBT-LBC,MA,MEd in New Jersey


"In a sentence: My approach is to provide therapy that works to help you reach your goals as effectively and quickly as possible. I offer a full scope of comprehensive DBT and Trauma services. During in-person sessions, we …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

Eli Kaufman, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Passaic, NJ
  • $300 - $350 Per Session

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


"

  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only
  • $165 - $165 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

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


"

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…

Full Article

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…

Full Article

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

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,…

Full Article

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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