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

Tzippy Farhy, LCPC

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor,LCPC, NCC

  • In-office Southfield, Michigan

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 …

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

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

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

Leah Roman, MSW

Therapist, Somatic Practitioner

  • In-office Israel

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 …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 👂 Listener
  • 🙌 Affirming
  • 🌎 Holistic

Hannah Pasternak

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW and Clinical Manager

  • Remote only

My aim is to provide a supportive environment where authenticity and compassion flourish, enabling us to work together towards your self-defined goals.


" In therapy, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust. With a directive and strengths-based approach, I am focused on goal attainment and solutions, while creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to navigate life's …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 🤝 Collaborative
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 😃 Humorous

Shaina Bryski, LMSW, CASAC-T

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

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

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, …

  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 💭 Open minded
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Ari Poliakoff, LCSW, LCSW-C

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • Remote only

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 …

  • 👂 Listener
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Becky Fenton, PsyD

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, PsyD

  • In-office West Hempstead, New York

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
  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🥇 Empowering

Rivky Weiss

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

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 …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🎯 Direct
  • 🤝 Collaborative

Chaya Satt

Therapist, MSc

  • In-office Jerusalem, Israel

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
  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only

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


"

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey

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


" As a human and therapist, I deeply believe in our innate ability to discover H.O.P.E.—Healing, Opportunity, Purpose, and Empowerment. My vision for humanity is rooted in the belief that we can all uncover our intrinsic value and realize …

  • 💙 Warm
  • 💡 Solution-oriented
  • 🥇 Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

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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