Shavim: Strengthening mental resilience amidst trauma
Shavim is a national program offering early mental health intervention for Israelis facing trauma and psychological distress following their reintegration into civilian society during and after the war.
Designed to prevent long-term mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, the program equips participants and their families with practical tools to bolster their innate resilience and reclaim their lives.
The Need: Addressing trauma before it takes root
Since October 7 and the subsequent 7-front war, Israel has faced an unprecedented mental health crisis. Thousands of civilians from affected communities, are grappling with ongoing psychological distress. Without timely intervention, many face the risk of developing long-term conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.
Traditional mental health services are stretched thin, with waitlists for therapy growing daily. The stigma around seeking help further isolates many, leaving them to suffer in silence. Shavim was created to bridge this gap—providing accessible, stigma-free support before trauma becomes a deeply ingrained and potentially lifelong struggle.
The Solution: Holistic support for mind, body and community
Shavim delivers an eight-week program, running one day per week, across multiple therapeutic sites in Israel. Each session blends evidence-based therapies with holistic wellness practices, addressing both emotional healing and physical well-being.
Key therapeutic elements include:
Group Therapy
Participants engage in professionally guided group sessions, providing a safe space to share experiences, process trauma, and build peer support networks.
Stress Inoculation
Practical exercises teach participants how to manage stress responses, reducing anxiety and improving resilience in daily life.
Equine Therapy
Therapeutic horseback riding offers emotional regulation through non-verbal communication and trust-building with animals. Image equine therapy Mind-Body Workshops Yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness sessions promote relaxation and emotional balance, helping participants reconnect with their bodies and find calm amidst the chaos.
Mind-Body Workshops
Yoga, sound healing, and mindfulness sessions promote relaxation and emotional balance, helping participants reconnect with their bodies and find calm amidst the chaos.
Family Integration
In the eighth and final session, family members join participants for a collective healing experience, reinforcing bonds and building an essential support system.
A recent participant reflected, “Shavim gave me tools I never knew I needed—not just for myself but for my children and those around me. It’s more than therapy; it’s a lifeline.”
The Results: A strengthened nation
Shavim’s impact extends far beyond its participants, strengthening entire families and communities. By addressing trauma early, the program prevents emotional challenges from escalating into chronic mental health conditions.
Participants report transformative outcomes: improved sleep, reduced anxiety, stronger relationships, and an overall sense of hope. One attendee shared, “I arrived feeling broken, unsure how to continue living. But each session gave me the strength to rebuild, to feel hope again.”
Through its national reach and holistic approach, Shavim ensures that healing is not a solitary journey but a collective endeavour, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and communities to rebuild with renewed resilience and strength.