Exploring the Danger, Trauma, and Grief for a Palestinian Therapist in the United States: An anonymous interview

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Exploring the Danger, Trauma, and Grief for a Palestinian Therapist in the United States: An anonymous interview

As part of a double episode release, Curt and Katie share an anonymous interview with a Palestinian American therapist about their experience in our profession and in the United States both historically and since the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. We explore what therapists need to know about Palestine, Palestinian culture, and Palestinians in the diaspora. We also identify additional resources for Palestinian therapists in the diaspora.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we look at the challenges Palestinian American Therapists face in our communities and our profession

We reached out to Palestinian American colleagues to work to get the perspective of these individuals during the last year as well as historically. Due to safety concerns, our interviewee decided to be interviewed anonymously. Curt and Katie share written interview questions and answers on this episode.

What should therapists know about Palestine, Palestinian Culture, and Palestinians in the diaspora?

· There is a rich and complex history for Palestinians, deeply tied to experiences of displacement, resilience, and a strong sense of community

· One of the most significant events in Palestinian history is the Nakba (or catastrophe) which saw the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homeland in 1948. This event has led to intergenerational trauma and collective grief.

· There are generational differences in the Palestinian experience to be aware of

What has the experience been like over the past year, with heightened awareness of Palestine and the conflict in Gaza?

· There has been a heightened sense of dread and the ability to remain invisible or avoid the topic has been taken away

· Safety, even with therapy clients, has been questioned

· Difficulty balancing denouncing the violence committed by Hamas, while also advocating for Palestinian human rights without being branded a terrorist sympathizer

What do therapists need to know about working with Palestinian clients in the diaspora at this time?

· Clients may be reluctant to share feelings about the conflict due to the challenges in doing so without judgment or fear for their own safety

· Therapists need to have an understanding of the conflict and the broader context, to help avoid relying on the emotional labor of the client to educate

· Palestinians are not a monolith (there are religious, cultural and socioeconomic differences, as well as different reasons for emigration), so it is important to see and connect to the client in front of you

How can therapists in the diaspora navigate global tragedies in their homeland?

· Seek and Accept Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from colleagues or professional networks. It’s crucial to have spaces where you can share and process your experiences.

· Engage in Personal Therapy: Utilize personal therapy more actively. Having a space to openly discuss and navigate your identity and feelings can be invaluable, especially when faced with such intense global events.

· Choose Supportive Communities Wisely: Be discerning about the communities and support networks you engage with. Ensure they offer a safe and respectful space for sharing and discussion and be mindful of how public or anonymous these spaces are.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/