Dana Caspi
M.A student of the Clinical Psychology program, Bar Ilan University
My thesis will focus on therapists' experiences when treating patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) regarding the role of their gender in forming a theraputic alliance with patients.
Many researches have shown the positive effect of the theraputic alliance on commitment to and success of therapy. Treating AN has been shown to be very challenging, and little is known about the factors contributing to forming a strong alliance with AN patients. My research will focus on gender as one of the factors that might affect the theraputic alliance.
My thesis will focus on therapists' experiences when treating patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) regarding the role of their gender in forming a theraputic alliance with patients.
Many researches have shown the positive effect of the theraputic alliance on commitment to and success of therapy. Treating AN has been shown to be very challenging, and little is known about the factors contributing to forming a strong alliance with AN patients. My research will focus on gender as one of the factors that might affect the theraputic alliance.
Maia Yogev
M.A student of the Clinical Psychology program, Bar Ilan University
Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) have long had a reputation as being difficult for clinicians to treat. It is assumed that among the factors that contribute to this difficulty is the challenge therapists face when trying to form a Therapeutic Alliance (TA) with AN patients. Among the reasons that might contribute to this challenge is that AN patients are often diagnosed as having a comorbidity with one or more disorders (i.e Major Depression, OCD, Personality Disorders, etc.). Previous studies have shown that therapists often experience strong negative feelings when dealing with comorbidity among AN patients (specifically with personality disorders).
My thesis will focus on therapists' experiences and opinions regarding the factors that affect forming a TA with patients who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa, specifically those who also suffer from comorbidity with one or more disorder.
Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) have long had a reputation as being difficult for clinicians to treat. It is assumed that among the factors that contribute to this difficulty is the challenge therapists face when trying to form a Therapeutic Alliance (TA) with AN patients. Among the reasons that might contribute to this challenge is that AN patients are often diagnosed as having a comorbidity with one or more disorders (i.e Major Depression, OCD, Personality Disorders, etc.). Previous studies have shown that therapists often experience strong negative feelings when dealing with comorbidity among AN patients (specifically with personality disorders).
My thesis will focus on therapists' experiences and opinions regarding the factors that affect forming a TA with patients who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa, specifically those who also suffer from comorbidity with one or more disorder.
Efrat Shaked
Ph.D, Gender studies Program, Bar Ilan University
My research focuses on the perceived impact of a therapeutic running group on physical-mental experiences of women coping with incest. The study focuses on the changes in the web of relationships between the different parts of the self and the changes in the inner discourses in the context of the public discourse in Israel.
The rationale behind the use of running groups as therapeutic intervention is that since the trauma occurs in the physical arena and continues to be preserved as physical symptoms, accordingly it is appropriate to treat it not only on the cognitive level as thoughts and emotions, and through emotional-verbal processing, but also through the body, and referring to physical aspects that allow rendering processes that are beyond the verbal.
My research focuses on the perceived impact of a therapeutic running group on physical-mental experiences of women coping with incest. The study focuses on the changes in the web of relationships between the different parts of the self and the changes in the inner discourses in the context of the public discourse in Israel.
The rationale behind the use of running groups as therapeutic intervention is that since the trauma occurs in the physical arena and continues to be preserved as physical symptoms, accordingly it is appropriate to treat it not only on the cognitive level as thoughts and emotions, and through emotional-verbal processing, but also through the body, and referring to physical aspects that allow rendering processes that are beyond the verbal.
Sharon Shimshi
Sharon is an intern in the service of clinical psychology at Ben Gurion University. My doctoral research focuses on the relationship between innovative moments in treatment according to the narrative approach and the ability to move between self-states according to the relational approach, as well as the contribution of these variables to the treatment results. I am interested in the therapeutic relationship, in the movement between self-states, and in the narrative and emotional change that takes place in successful therapies. In particular, I am interested in the processes of change in the self-narrative as well as the emotional changes of the patient that occur in psychodynamic therapies
Nira Shmueli
Ph.D, program for Gender Studies, Bar-Ilan University. my study entitled: Familial thinking patters and emotional adjustment to the IDF
This study is part of a broad study, that examines the adjustment of recruits and their parents to the family stage, the leaving home transition in order to enlist to the military service. The purpose of this study is to investigate three aspects during this transition: (1) Is there a mutual cognitive style (rational/irrational beliefs, Ellis, 1994) between family members (parents and their young adult/soldier) and how these mutual style maintains or changes in the process of leaving home and recruiting?; (2) How does family cognitive style is related to the emotional adjustment to the recruitment process of the three family members?; (3) Gender differences and/or similarities in thinking patterns and emotional adjustment to the recruiting phase.
The study expands our knowledge and gives a new understanding of the rational and irrational thinking processes within the family. Moreover, it reveals how these processes express at the time of leaving home for recruiting. Additionally, the study increases the knowledge about the emotional adjustment of parents and their adolescents in this process.
This study is part of a broad study, that examines the adjustment of recruits and their parents to the family stage, the leaving home transition in order to enlist to the military service. The purpose of this study is to investigate three aspects during this transition: (1) Is there a mutual cognitive style (rational/irrational beliefs, Ellis, 1994) between family members (parents and their young adult/soldier) and how these mutual style maintains or changes in the process of leaving home and recruiting?; (2) How does family cognitive style is related to the emotional adjustment to the recruitment process of the three family members?; (3) Gender differences and/or similarities in thinking patterns and emotional adjustment to the recruiting phase.
The study expands our knowledge and gives a new understanding of the rational and irrational thinking processes within the family. Moreover, it reveals how these processes express at the time of leaving home for recruiting. Additionally, the study increases the knowledge about the emotional adjustment of parents and their adolescents in this process.
Heftzi Zion Mozes
Gender Studies Program, Bar Ilan University, M.A
Many women have to cope with breast cancer at some point in their lives, and many of them will return to health afterwards. There is rising awareness in the medical and mental health communities of the importance of therapy after cancer treatments have concluded. There are various therapy strategies that women choose themselves and that are offered by organizations and private therapists. While the disease and the medical treatments affect the body, psychotherapy uses words and does not provide much space for the body. Coping with breast cancer offers a unique opportunity to integrate body and mind therapy focusing on such elements as self-image, femininity, and sexuality.
In this study I will focus on the embodied experiences of women who coped with breast cancer by participating in therapy that integrated the body in the psychotherapeutic process (methods included in the study: movement therapy, drama therapy and body psychotherapy) to learn about the quality of these experiences and the therapy itself on this group of research subjects.
Many women have to cope with breast cancer at some point in their lives, and many of them will return to health afterwards. There is rising awareness in the medical and mental health communities of the importance of therapy after cancer treatments have concluded. There are various therapy strategies that women choose themselves and that are offered by organizations and private therapists. While the disease and the medical treatments affect the body, psychotherapy uses words and does not provide much space for the body. Coping with breast cancer offers a unique opportunity to integrate body and mind therapy focusing on such elements as self-image, femininity, and sexuality.
In this study I will focus on the embodied experiences of women who coped with breast cancer by participating in therapy that integrated the body in the psychotherapeutic process (methods included in the study: movement therapy, drama therapy and body psychotherapy) to learn about the quality of these experiences and the therapy itself on this group of research subjects.
Maya Farbshtain
Clinical Psychology graduate at the the Bar-Ilan University. Maya is currently in the process of performing her qualitative research, which focuses on the ways in which elder women experience and express a personal crises evolving around their transition to old age, as brought up during their therapy
Maya’s work is part of the wider activity of the psychotherapy process-research that takes place in our lab. Based on the relational approach, it focuses on the development of the TPA (Two-Person APES), and its utilization in the research of therapeutic processes. As a part of her work, Maya codes transcripts of therapeutic sessions according to the TPA scale, thereby expanding the investigative work on therapeutic processes performed by our lab members.
Maya’s work is part of the wider activity of the psychotherapy process-research that takes place in our lab. Based on the relational approach, it focuses on the development of the TPA (Two-Person APES), and its utilization in the research of therapeutic processes. As a part of her work, Maya codes transcripts of therapeutic sessions according to the TPA scale, thereby expanding the investigative work on therapeutic processes performed by our lab members.
Shahar Bitton
Ph.D. Program, Clinical Psychology, Bar-Ilan University.
I am a M.A. graduate of the Clinical Psychology program (Adult Sub-Speciality) at Bar-Ilan University.
My dissertation is entitled: Reciprocal Influences between Distress Symptoms of Parents of Combat Soldiers and of Their Soldier Son as a Result of the Military Service.
The recruitment and adjustment to military service is a highly demanding and stressful period both for the recruited adolescent and for his parents. While the child’s experience has been well researched, it seems that the parents’ experience has been surprisingly neglected.
The main purpose of my study is to contribute to the knowledge base pertaining to families of military personnel, by prospectively examining the emotional needs of combat soldiers’ parents before and during the actual active duty service of their child in IDF. Additionally, the research will examine a model of reciprocal influences between the child’s and parent’s distress and how this model influences the child’s adjustment to military service.
I am a M.A. graduate of the Clinical Psychology program (Adult Sub-Speciality) at Bar-Ilan University.
My dissertation is entitled: Reciprocal Influences between Distress Symptoms of Parents of Combat Soldiers and of Their Soldier Son as a Result of the Military Service.
The recruitment and adjustment to military service is a highly demanding and stressful period both for the recruited adolescent and for his parents. While the child’s experience has been well researched, it seems that the parents’ experience has been surprisingly neglected.
The main purpose of my study is to contribute to the knowledge base pertaining to families of military personnel, by prospectively examining the emotional needs of combat soldiers’ parents before and during the actual active duty service of their child in IDF. Additionally, the research will examine a model of reciprocal influences between the child’s and parent’s distress and how this model influences the child’s adjustment to military service.
Galya Aderet
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Adult Track, Bar Ilan
My area of research relates to PTSD and combat veterans. In the “I Was There” intervention, small groups of veterans, many of whom have previously refused mental health services, are invited to come together and create short films about their coping. The goal of the intervention is to reduce social isolation and strengthen family, community, and professional bonds. Additionally the intervention aims to enable participants to collaborate with peers to process their service experiences, validate veterans’ experiences, advance community dialogue, and educate the public about the mental health challenges facing veterans and military families. The purpose of my research is to qualitatively explore the essence and significance of the workshop as experienced by participants. Further, I am working to assess how substantial themes within veterans’ coping are solidified and reflected in the films. In addition to observing whether the theoretical goals of the intervention are achieved, this exploration can sharpen our understanding of military related stress and trauma.
My area of research relates to PTSD and combat veterans. In the “I Was There” intervention, small groups of veterans, many of whom have previously refused mental health services, are invited to come together and create short films about their coping. The goal of the intervention is to reduce social isolation and strengthen family, community, and professional bonds. Additionally the intervention aims to enable participants to collaborate with peers to process their service experiences, validate veterans’ experiences, advance community dialogue, and educate the public about the mental health challenges facing veterans and military families. The purpose of my research is to qualitatively explore the essence and significance of the workshop as experienced by participants. Further, I am working to assess how substantial themes within veterans’ coping are solidified and reflected in the films. In addition to observing whether the theoretical goals of the intervention are achieved, this exploration can sharpen our understanding of military related stress and trauma.
Shlomit Rozen
I have been a PhD candidate in the Gender Studies Program at Bar-Ilan University since 2008. My M.A. thesis, which I completed within the Gender Studies Program, dealt with the topic of psychosis in women's autobiographies.
The title of my PhD dissertation is: "The Interaction of Life Stories about Loneliness and the Perception of Gender Identity Development." Drawing on life stories of men and women in their forties, this research aims to follow the paths by which loneliness is interwoven into life stories, in an attempt to decode its relationship with perceptions of gender identity development.
The title of my PhD dissertation is: "The Interaction of Life Stories about Loneliness and the Perception of Gender Identity Development." Drawing on life stories of men and women in their forties, this research aims to follow the paths by which loneliness is interwoven into life stories, in an attempt to decode its relationship with perceptions of gender identity development.
Zohar Vidan
I am a first year doctoral student, having previously received an M.A. from the Clinical Psychology Program at Bar-Ilan University.
Research name: Characteristics of the Traumatic Narrative Before and After Treatment in Organization,
Affect and Integration in the Autobiographic Memory.
The research evaluates a short-term PTSD treatment. As part of the evaluation measures,
we analyze different aspects of the traumatic narratives both before and after treatment.
Research name: Characteristics of the Traumatic Narrative Before and After Treatment in Organization,
Affect and Integration in the Autobiographic Memory.
The research evaluates a short-term PTSD treatment. As part of the evaluation measures,
we analyze different aspects of the traumatic narratives both before and after treatment.
Tal Eckstein
My name is Tal Eckstein and I’m a graduate student in the Clinical-Rehabilitation Psychology program. My thesis deals with Filipino caregivers who have experienced the loss of an employer, with whom they’ve had a meaningful relationship. Many times, a special bond develops between live-in caregivers and their employers. When the employer passes away, the caregiver might experience feelings of loss and grief. The purpose of my study is to advance our understanding of coping with loss in general, and specifically in the caregiving profession. Another goal is to raise awareness of caregivers’ psychological and emotional needs.
Noam Maoz
I am currently working towards an M.A. from Bar-Ilan University's children’s clinical psychology Program.
I intend to conduct a study, utilizing write-ups of interviews performed by the Israeli military, to identify the underlying mechanisms of bipolar disorder in people who were diagnosed later in their military service.
In this proposed study I will examine the write-ups of interviews of seventeen-year-olds who were later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and compare them to controls. Using pre-morbid data of bipolar disorder provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the mechanisms and causes of social and educational dysfunction in this population.
I intend to conduct a study, utilizing write-ups of interviews performed by the Israeli military, to identify the underlying mechanisms of bipolar disorder in people who were diagnosed later in their military service.
In this proposed study I will examine the write-ups of interviews of seventeen-year-olds who were later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and compare them to controls. Using pre-morbid data of bipolar disorder provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the mechanisms and causes of social and educational dysfunction in this population.
Kineret Shapira
Clinical psychologist intern at the Bar-Ilan University’s Students’ Clinic. Kineret is the current coordinator of the Relational Psychotherapy Research Lab at the Bar-Ilan University. Writes and researches within the framework of relational psychoanalysis and its intersections with critical theory, gender studies and comparative literature. Conducts qualitative research focused on intergenerational dissociative aspects of traumatization, as these were identified by unconscious relational communication pathways.
Mor Alpha
Ph.D., Clinical Rehabilitation Psychology Subprogram.
I obtained my M.A. from the Clinical-Rehabilitation Psychology Subprogram at Bar-Ilan University two years ago, and have been the co-coordinator of the University's Community Psychological Services Clinic since then.
I am currently studying issues of trauma, resilience and post-traumatic growth among young women who seek psychological assistance, using a mixed-method design.
My study is entitled: "Hearing Their Voices: Trauma, Resilience and Growth in the Life Stories of Young Women At Risk in the Process of Emerging Adulthood." It consists of in-depth interviews with young women in their 20's, which will provide the basis for an analysis using the narrative paradigm. These interviews, combined with quantitative data collected through questionnaires, will likely shed more light on the unique characteristics of emerging adulthood among young women.
Evaluating the resilience of emerging adults alongside their capacity for experiencing post-traumatic growth may hold the key to understanding their ability to successfully cope with the tasks of this developmental stage. Furthermore, the study will attempt to portray the role that gender plays in this stage of life.
Orit Ben-Ytzhak
I am an M.A. student in the Graduate Program for Gender Studies at Bar-Ilan University.
I completed my program requirements two years ago and since then I have been focusing on writing my thesis.
The name of my thesis is:
“Israeli Men in Their Mid-Life Years: Experiencing and Coping with Stress”
Abstract:
My research focuses on understanding how “normative masculinity” may contribute to the stress experienced by Israeli men in their mid-life years and the impact this stress has on their daily lives. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method of biographic-narrative interviewing of 14 men, according to the "life stories" method.
I completed my program requirements two years ago and since then I have been focusing on writing my thesis.
The name of my thesis is:
“Israeli Men in Their Mid-Life Years: Experiencing and Coping with Stress”
Abstract:
My research focuses on understanding how “normative masculinity” may contribute to the stress experienced by Israeli men in their mid-life years and the impact this stress has on their daily lives. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method of biographic-narrative interviewing of 14 men, according to the "life stories" method.
Ortal Bhoknik
I am currently working towards an M.A. from Bar-Ilan University's Cognition, Emotion and Brain Program.
I intend to conduct a study, utilizing write-ups of interviews performed by the Israeli military,
to identify the underlying mechanisms of social impairment in people who have committed suicide.
In this proposed study I will examine the write-ups of interviews of seventeen-year-olds who went on to commit suicide and compare them to controls. Using pre-morbid data of suicide-completers provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the mechanisms and causes of social dysfunction in this population.
I intend to conduct a study, utilizing write-ups of interviews performed by the Israeli military,
to identify the underlying mechanisms of social impairment in people who have committed suicide.
In this proposed study I will examine the write-ups of interviews of seventeen-year-olds who went on to commit suicide and compare them to controls. Using pre-morbid data of suicide-completers provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the mechanisms and causes of social dysfunction in this population.
Sharon Cohen
Sharon obtained her M.A. from The Clinical-Rehabilitation Psychology Subprogram at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Her studies include the engulfment of life events and lifestyle in the trauma experience. Her research uses qualitative research methods to analyze the life stories of national trauma victims. The investigation focuses on key themes that emerge from the trauma experience, in the context of previous life events and the individual's personality.
Maya Ehrlich
My name is Maya Ehrlich. Several months ago I completed my studies in Clinical Rehabilitative Psychology.
My thesis is entitled: "Post-Trauma and How it Affects the Perception of Personal Relationships."
By analyzing a series of recorded interviews, I am examining the ways in which traumatic battlefield experiences have influenced Israelis in their perceptions of personal relationships.
My thesis is entitled: "Post-Trauma and How it Affects the Perception of Personal Relationships."
By analyzing a series of recorded interviews, I am examining the ways in which traumatic battlefield experiences have influenced Israelis in their perceptions of personal relationships.
Rivi Frei (Landau)
I am a bereavement researcher and a fifth year student in the direct program towards a Ph.D. (I was awarded the University's "Presidential" Scholarship).
I studied in the Clinical-Rehabilitational Psychology track (M.A). I teach Educational Psychology at the Open University, and I am a mother of three.
My work is entitled, "Religiosity and Coping with the Loss of a Child: The Effect of Religiosity, Religious Coping and God-Attachment Style on Adjustment to Loss, Psychological Distress and Well-Being".
Bereavement research looks at the resources which might contribute to the adjustment to loss. There is a disagreement about the contribution of religiosity to adjusting to distress. The study examines the effects of religion variables related to personality beyond the effect of demographic religion variables (religiosity classification) on adjustment to loss and mental well-being/distress. The study uses a mixed methodology (quantitative questionnaires and narrative interviews).
The study received a grant from the Israel Foundation Trustees (Research Grants for Doctoral Students in the Social Sciences), 2012.
I studied in the Clinical-Rehabilitational Psychology track (M.A). I teach Educational Psychology at the Open University, and I am a mother of three.
My work is entitled, "Religiosity and Coping with the Loss of a Child: The Effect of Religiosity, Religious Coping and God-Attachment Style on Adjustment to Loss, Psychological Distress and Well-Being".
Bereavement research looks at the resources which might contribute to the adjustment to loss. There is a disagreement about the contribution of religiosity to adjusting to distress. The study examines the effects of religion variables related to personality beyond the effect of demographic religion variables (religiosity classification) on adjustment to loss and mental well-being/distress. The study uses a mixed methodology (quantitative questionnaires and narrative interviews).
The study received a grant from the Israel Foundation Trustees (Research Grants for Doctoral Students in the Social Sciences), 2012.
Nehama HaCohen
Ph.D. Program, Clinical Psychology
Nehama is studying narrative processes throughout psychotherapy texts.
The study is a qualitative study that follows the dynamics of multiple self-states as reflected in texts of dynamic therapy. The study will examine the issues of unity and coherence of the narrative identity, within the process of psychotherapy as an arena of narrative change. The study combines two different paradigms: the narrative approach and the psychoanalytical-dynamic theory throughout psychotherapy texts.
Clinical Psychology Intern at the Bar-Ilan Public Clinic and Bibliotherapist. Nehama is currently pursuing her post-doctorate at the Department of Counseling and Human Development of the Haifa University, directed by Dr. Dana Amir. Nehama is the previous coordinator the relational psychotherapy lab, where she completed her dissertation, titled: Multiplicity and mutuality in the transition of patient and therapist's self-states: comparison of good vs. poor outcome groups (HaCohen et. al., 2017). Her research project entailed the development of the TPA (Two-Person APES), an empirical mixed-method tool that enables a moment-to-moment intersubjective analysis of psychotherapy processes. The project has won acknowledgeable ISF (Israeli Science Foundation) research grants and has been presented in several highly established conferences, including the 2016 annual conference of the SPR (Society for Psychotherapy Research). In addition, Nehama is a member of the directors committee at the Briah Foundation, for advancing and supporting women-centered medical knowledge and services.
Publications:
HaCohen, N., Atzil-Slonim, D., Bar-Kalifa, E., Fisher, H., & Tuval-Mshiach, R. (2017). Multiplicity and mutuality in the transition of patient and therapist's self-states: comparison of good vs. poor outcome groups. Psychotherapy Research.
HaCohen, N., Amir, D. & Wiseman, H. (2016). Women's Narratives of Crisis and Change: Transitioning from Infertility to Pregnancy. Journal of Health Psychology.
הכהן, נ., אמיר, ד. וויסמן, ה. (2015). מעבר לזהות פוריה: נרטיבים של זהות מתוך משבר ושינוי. מגמות, נ(2), 55-91.
Nehama is studying narrative processes throughout psychotherapy texts.
The study is a qualitative study that follows the dynamics of multiple self-states as reflected in texts of dynamic therapy. The study will examine the issues of unity and coherence of the narrative identity, within the process of psychotherapy as an arena of narrative change. The study combines two different paradigms: the narrative approach and the psychoanalytical-dynamic theory throughout psychotherapy texts.
Clinical Psychology Intern at the Bar-Ilan Public Clinic and Bibliotherapist. Nehama is currently pursuing her post-doctorate at the Department of Counseling and Human Development of the Haifa University, directed by Dr. Dana Amir. Nehama is the previous coordinator the relational psychotherapy lab, where she completed her dissertation, titled: Multiplicity and mutuality in the transition of patient and therapist's self-states: comparison of good vs. poor outcome groups (HaCohen et. al., 2017). Her research project entailed the development of the TPA (Two-Person APES), an empirical mixed-method tool that enables a moment-to-moment intersubjective analysis of psychotherapy processes. The project has won acknowledgeable ISF (Israeli Science Foundation) research grants and has been presented in several highly established conferences, including the 2016 annual conference of the SPR (Society for Psychotherapy Research). In addition, Nehama is a member of the directors committee at the Briah Foundation, for advancing and supporting women-centered medical knowledge and services.
Publications:
HaCohen, N., Atzil-Slonim, D., Bar-Kalifa, E., Fisher, H., & Tuval-Mshiach, R. (2017). Multiplicity and mutuality in the transition of patient and therapist's self-states: comparison of good vs. poor outcome groups. Psychotherapy Research.
HaCohen, N., Amir, D. & Wiseman, H. (2016). Women's Narratives of Crisis and Change: Transitioning from Infertility to Pregnancy. Journal of Health Psychology.
הכהן, נ., אמיר, ד. וויסמן, ה. (2015). מעבר לזהות פוריה: נרטיבים של זהות מתוך משבר ושינוי. מגמות, נ(2), 55-91.
Avichai Young
I am currently working towards an M.A. in Bar-Ilan University's Adult Clinical Psychology Program,
studying the effects of combat soldiers' aggressive behavior during their military service.
In an attempt to map the influence of this behavior, my research analyzes in-depth interviews with combat
soldiers who have been discharged from various units of the Israel Defense Forces.
The research mainly focuses on the participants' perception of aggression and their interpersonal relationships. I am also looking at the participants' use of defense mechanisms to resolve the dissonance that might emerge from the collision of two forces: their self-image as moral people and their actions as combat soldiers.
studying the effects of combat soldiers' aggressive behavior during their military service.
In an attempt to map the influence of this behavior, my research analyzes in-depth interviews with combat
soldiers who have been discharged from various units of the Israel Defense Forces.
The research mainly focuses on the participants' perception of aggression and their interpersonal relationships. I am also looking at the participants' use of defense mechanisms to resolve the dissonance that might emerge from the collision of two forces: their self-image as moral people and their actions as combat soldiers.
Shira Minna Haber, M.A
Shira is currently completing her graduate studies in child-clinical psychology at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Her research stems from the relational approach and follows the dynamics of multiple self-states as reflected in texts of psychodynamic therapy. In her research Shira conducts a parallel examination of two psychological change-processes: the one is the progression of multiple self-states dynamics and tension and involves the transition from dissociation to dialectics, and the second is the progression of emotional experiencing and involves the transition from detached emotional experiencing to a subjective one.
Shira completed her graduate studies in child-clinical psychology at Bar-Ilan University and is currently completing her internship in clinical psychology. Shira is an active member of the relational psychotherapy research lab. Her research thesis is entitled: “Working Through Pain to Achieve Growth: Client Transition from Dissociation to Dialectics and from Detached Experiencing to Subjective Experiencing”.
Hagai Mazali
I am a first-year Rehabilitation-Psychology practitioner.
My thesis is entitled, "Humiliation and its Consequences: Understanding the Experience of Humiliation and its Effect on Dynamic, Behavioral and Physiological Processes as Perceived by the Study Participants."
My thesis is entitled, "Humiliation and its Consequences: Understanding the Experience of Humiliation and its Effect on Dynamic, Behavioral and Physiological Processes as Perceived by the Study Participants."
Cheftzy Nachmany
My MA dissertation will focus on Religious married women's coping with the tension between Halachic requests and personal needs and self-actualization in regard to family planning, and sexuality.
Jewish Israeli religious women live in a unique situation in which on the one hand they are socialized into western modern value, like self-actualization, autonomy, and free will, while on the other hand, they are committed to the Jewish Halachic rules.
The tension between these two worlds may create identity conflicts, especially where the two worlds inflict contradicting values and behaviors.
Jewish Israeli religious women live in a unique situation in which on the one hand they are socialized into western modern value, like self-actualization, autonomy, and free will, while on the other hand, they are committed to the Jewish Halachic rules.
The tension between these two worlds may create identity conflicts, especially where the two worlds inflict contradicting values and behaviors.
Milena Ruman
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program '09
After some deliberation, I chose a subject for my thesis that held a great deal of personal interest for me as an immigrant; in fact, I likely chose the field of psychology originally as a way to understand some of my experiences. I began my work under the guidance of the late Professor Israel Orbach; while the subject didn't fall into his particular field of expertise, he took an interest in my studies and greatly encouraged me. It was to my great good fortune that before he died he asked Rivka Tuval-Mashiach to help and guide me, in terms of the methodological aspect of the research, and she has since taken his place and become my mentor. It has not been easy for me, but I am happy to say that right now, with Rivka's kind support and guidance, I am finally close to completing my thesis.
The Feeling Of Home: A Psychological Analysis Of The Immigrant Experience of Home
My research subject is the philosophical concept of the "Feeling of Home," which I have studied by examining a group of immigrants who arrived in Israel as teenagers. The research uses narrative and phenomenological methodology and analyzes in-depth interviews in order to investigate the subject of the meaning of home for people who have immigrated from a "personal homeland" to a "historical one." The purpose of this study was to introduce the concept of home as a psychological term that can be used in theoretical and clinical work with immigrants and people who have migrated repeatedly. Another purpose of this study was to offer a different perspective on the immigrant experience, one that adds to the basic discourse about loss and adaptation and provides a more universal perspective on the concept of home, the loss of it, the search for it and the process of building a home for the modern individual. I believe that as an immigrant myself, I had a unique perspective from which to conduct this research and an ability to better communicate the experience.
After some deliberation, I chose a subject for my thesis that held a great deal of personal interest for me as an immigrant; in fact, I likely chose the field of psychology originally as a way to understand some of my experiences. I began my work under the guidance of the late Professor Israel Orbach; while the subject didn't fall into his particular field of expertise, he took an interest in my studies and greatly encouraged me. It was to my great good fortune that before he died he asked Rivka Tuval-Mashiach to help and guide me, in terms of the methodological aspect of the research, and she has since taken his place and become my mentor. It has not been easy for me, but I am happy to say that right now, with Rivka's kind support and guidance, I am finally close to completing my thesis.
The Feeling Of Home: A Psychological Analysis Of The Immigrant Experience of Home
My research subject is the philosophical concept of the "Feeling of Home," which I have studied by examining a group of immigrants who arrived in Israel as teenagers. The research uses narrative and phenomenological methodology and analyzes in-depth interviews in order to investigate the subject of the meaning of home for people who have immigrated from a "personal homeland" to a "historical one." The purpose of this study was to introduce the concept of home as a psychological term that can be used in theoretical and clinical work with immigrants and people who have migrated repeatedly. Another purpose of this study was to offer a different perspective on the immigrant experience, one that adds to the basic discourse about loss and adaptation and provides a more universal perspective on the concept of home, the loss of it, the search for it and the process of building a home for the modern individual. I believe that as an immigrant myself, I had a unique perspective from which to conduct this research and an ability to better communicate the experience.
Gali Sembira
I am currently working on obtaining my PhD in Gender Studies at Bar-Ilan University (since 2007).
Being a Step-Parent in a Lesbian Family
In recent years, there have been many changes in family patterns and household structures. New types of families include "merged families" and lesbian-parented families." Another type, which has resulted from a combination of these two, is the "integrated lesbian family," i.e., a family in which one of the partners entered the relationship with a child or children from a previous marriage. The other partner therefore finds herself in a situation in which she must help raise a child or children to whom she did not give birth and for whom she did not plan; these children came into her life as part of the "package deal" of the new relationship.
I will soon be presenting the initial findings of my doctoral thesis, which are based on a series of meetings
with 20 parents from integrated lesbian families, exploring their personal experiences.
Being a Step-Parent in a Lesbian Family
In recent years, there have been many changes in family patterns and household structures. New types of families include "merged families" and lesbian-parented families." Another type, which has resulted from a combination of these two, is the "integrated lesbian family," i.e., a family in which one of the partners entered the relationship with a child or children from a previous marriage. The other partner therefore finds herself in a situation in which she must help raise a child or children to whom she did not give birth and for whom she did not plan; these children came into her life as part of the "package deal" of the new relationship.
I will soon be presenting the initial findings of my doctoral thesis, which are based on a series of meetings
with 20 parents from integrated lesbian families, exploring their personal experiences.
Cobi Stein
I am an M.A graduate of the Clinical-Rehabilitational Psychology Department at Bar-Ilan University.
For three years I have been working towards a PhD on the subject of the loneliness of men who have undergone a national-related trauma.
My research attempts to shed light on the loneliness these men experience and the coping mechanisms – prevalent in the phenomenology of national-related trauma – that they have used to deal with it. I utilize qualitative methods of narrative inquiry to uncover these themes in the life stories of 40 men who have participated in NATAL's testimonial project.
For three years I have been working towards a PhD on the subject of the loneliness of men who have undergone a national-related trauma.
My research attempts to shed light on the loneliness these men experience and the coping mechanisms – prevalent in the phenomenology of national-related trauma – that they have used to deal with it. I utilize qualitative methods of narrative inquiry to uncover these themes in the life stories of 40 men who have participated in NATAL's testimonial project.
Gilad Stempler
M.A student at the clinical subprogram, department of psychology, Bar-Ilan university.
My study is titled: the long term impact of peritraumatic losses on adjustment and well-being in a sample of Gush-Katif evacuees
The study examines the long-term ramifications of Gush-Katif forced relocation, focusing on the contribution of early losses during and shortly after the evacuation to post traumatic symptoms, well-being, growth and depression four years later. In order to understand these relationships the study integrates quantitative and qualitative findings.
My study is titled: the long term impact of peritraumatic losses on adjustment and well-being in a sample of Gush-Katif evacuees
The study examines the long-term ramifications of Gush-Katif forced relocation, focusing on the contribution of early losses during and shortly after the evacuation to post traumatic symptoms, well-being, growth and depression four years later. In order to understand these relationships the study integrates quantitative and qualitative findings.
Noa Polak-Verdiger
I am currently working towards an M.A. in Bar-Ilan University's Cognition, Emotion and Brain Program.
My thesis aims to assess the outcomes for young people who served in the National-Civic Service (NCS) over the past 5 years and were identified as youth in distress. Moreover, it aims to provide recommendations for NCS officials as to what needs to be done in order to achieve the best results for these youth.
My thesis aims to assess the outcomes for young people who served in the National-Civic Service (NCS) over the past 5 years and were identified as youth in distress. Moreover, it aims to provide recommendations for NCS officials as to what needs to be done in order to achieve the best results for these youth.
Michal Almgor
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology Subprogram.
I obtained my M.A. from the Clinical Psychology Subprogram at Haifa University. For the last 20 years, I work as Clinical Psychologist in public and private practice, and as a lecturer and a supervisor at Haifa University.
My work includes facilitating groups and using writing as a therapeutic tool, what led me to my current study.
My study, which I started in 2015, is entitled: "Women writing group as mean for personal development". This qualitative-phenomenological research aims to explore and understand the experience of participating in a women-writing group, and its contribution to the participants' personal development.
This research combines psychological content fields of psychotherapy and groups, with the element of writing, in the context of gender and feminism.
I obtained my M.A. from the Clinical Psychology Subprogram at Haifa University. For the last 20 years, I work as Clinical Psychologist in public and private practice, and as a lecturer and a supervisor at Haifa University.
My work includes facilitating groups and using writing as a therapeutic tool, what led me to my current study.
My study, which I started in 2015, is entitled: "Women writing group as mean for personal development". This qualitative-phenomenological research aims to explore and understand the experience of participating in a women-writing group, and its contribution to the participants' personal development.
This research combines psychological content fields of psychotherapy and groups, with the element of writing, in the context of gender and feminism.
