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

Leah Roman, MSW

Therapist, Somatic Practitioner

  • In-office Israel
  • $150 - $200 Per Session

Leah Roman, MSW, uses a holistic approach integrating mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and other body-oriented techniques to help her clients heal.


"My therapeutic approach is centered around honoring the wisdom housed within our bodies. I firmly believe that our physical selves are repositories of profound insights and experiences. By attentively listening to the language of sensations and the narratives …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • 🌎 Holistic

Becky Fenton, PsyD

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, PsyD

  • In-office West Hempstead
  • $300 - $350 Per Session
  • 1 review

Becky Fenton, PsyD, seamlessly integrates CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, executive function coaching & more to effectively support her clients.


"In my therapeutic approach, I seamlessly integrate proven methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, psychodynamic and relational therapy, Mindfulness Training, and executive function coaching. This eclectic blend allows me to effectively support …

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

Elliott Blitenthal

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Las Vegas
  • $175 - $175 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

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 …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🧘 Calm

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood
  • $225 - $225 Per Session
  • 7 reviews

Frayde Yudkowsky, LMSW helps her clients heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally from the grip of shame and suffering and embrace themselves.


"Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all. At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole youβ€”your identities, your parts, your …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

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


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Rivky Weiss

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $220 - $250 Per Session
  • 1 review

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

Devorah Leah Knobloch, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Work

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $75 - $85 Per Session
  • I accept insurance
  • 1 review

Devorah Leah Knobloch, LMSW takes a client-centered approach, allowing you to guide the direction of therapy in the way you feel will be most helpful.


"I believe every individual is the expert on their own life. With that in mind, I take a client-centered approach, allowing you to guide the direction of therapy in the way you feel will be most helpful. For …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Chaim Fishof

Porn Sex Love Lust & Fantasy Addiction Recovery & Trauma

  • In-office Far Rockaway
  • $100 - $12000 Per Session

Chaim Fishof is a Jewish recovery coach guiding clients to heal from addictions using trauma-informed, 12-step, and somatic modalities for growth & healing.


"My coaching philosophy is simple: clarity and simplicity are key to achieving success. I’ve seen too many people struggle in recovery, and my mission is to change that. I work with my clients to transform their health as …

  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ™ Spiritual
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Chanan Davis, LMFT

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • In-office Lakewood
  • $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

Shabsi Sorscher, LSW

Therapist, Licensed Social Worker

  • In-office Lakewood
  • $125 - $175 Per Session
  • I accept insurance
  • 3 reviews

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
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

Chaya Satt

Therapist, MSc

  • In-office Jerusalem
  • $175 - $175 Per Session

My goal as a therapist is to partner with you in relieving the symptoms that brought you into therapy while developing a strong foundation of self-awareness.


"In my approach to therapy, I place paramount importance on building a genuine human connection. While I use therapeutic modalities like EMDR, SE, and Psychodynamic Exploration as valuable tools in the process, I view them as secondary to …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

Yaakov Diner, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

  • Remote only
  • $175 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yaakov Diner is a frum psychiatric medication provider integrating therapy, medication management, & more to support healing, resilience, & wellness.


"My approach is deeply holistic and highly individualized. I believe true healing happens when we consider the whole person β€” mind, body, and environment β€” so I take into account psychological patterns, physical health, social dynamics, cultural identity, …

  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

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…

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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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