Trauma, Psychotherapy and the Gaza War

As a therapist in Israel, I have spent close to two years seeing clients during the Gaza war—exhausted, fearful, grieving through sleepless nights. This war feels like none we’ve ever known, and that’s saying a lot for Israelis.

Normally, when difficult moments end, they’re over. That’s the difference between stress and trauma: stress ends, trauma persists in our brains and bodies long after events conclude.

Trauma isn’t what happened to us—it’s how we unconsciously keep responding as if it’s still happening. My mind knows I’m in the present, but my body reacts like I’m stuck in the past.

The Unique Challenge of Ongoing Trauma

October 7th created a shocking paradox: even after specific horrible events ended, the wider war continued. Our brain repeatedly sent conflicting messages—”This is over, move forward” but “We’re still in danger.”

How many times have we tried resuming daily routines after an attack, only to face another devastating blow that validates our unconscious danger signals? We’re stuck in an Elevator of Trauma—going up, going down, and wondering when we will ever reach solid ground.

Psychotherapy Actually Helps

Where there’s trauma, there’s also resilience. And psychotherapy can help us access that resilience through self-compassion—self compassion isn’t just helpful, it is essential for recovery.

Therapy also teaches us to feel fundamentally safe again, helping us acknowledge: “That was terrifying, and I need to care for this psychic wound that I am carrying.”

Finally, it is important to note that even amid ongoing uncertainty, we always have the tools to help us reclaim our sense of safety, connection, and hope.