The training, at the Mifrasim Institute for Psychotherapy Research and Teaching at the Academic College of Tel Aviv–Yaffo, includes 350 hours of service-oriented academic training, organized into three learning modules.
Unit 1: Assessment
This unit trains participants in assessment skills and introduces the foundations of guided self-help interventions.
The training addresses common needs in Israeli society following October 7th, 22023, focusing on trauma-sensitive approaches for individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties or rehabilitation needs in the community. Training aligns with the defined boundaries of the PWP role.
Trainees will learn about:
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The stepped-care model for mental health support
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The scope and boundaries of the PWP role within a multidisciplinary team
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Basic theory on mental health conditions and distress
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Ethical foundations to guide their professional work throughout the program
Unit 2: Interventions
This unit provides knowledge and practice in:
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Setting goals for intervention
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Enhancing motivation for change
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Preventing relapse
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Applying evidence-based intervention techniques for a variety of mental health challenges
Key approaches covered include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
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The Motivational approach
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Transdiagnostic interventions
Trainees will develop the ability to apply core therapeutic skills in brief interventions. Emphasis will be placed on:
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Working with clients facing regression or mild-moderate distress
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Responding to life crises
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Adapting interventions based on ongoing assessment
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Developing skills in record-keeping, documentation, and clinical reporting
The unit also addresses:
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Supporting clients dealing with loss, grief, and bereavement
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Initial psychological responses to trauma (e.g., acute stress disorder)
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Referral protocols for suspected PTSD cases to appropriate professionals
Unit 3: Relationship
This unit prepares trainees for values-based professional work rooted in tolerance, empathy, and respect for diversity and the sociocultural context of clients’ difficulties.
Trainees will develop:
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Sensitivity to client needs
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Skills to work with individuals with lived experience of mental illness
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The ability to recognize situations beyond their professional role
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Strategies for providing personalized, accessible, and culturally sensitive responses
They will also:
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Gain knowledge of relevant community services and rehabilitation interfaces
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Learn how to make informed referrals
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Understand role distinctions and responsibilities across mental health systems
PWP-ISRAEL
Structure of the Academic Training Program
A unique training program to prepare professionals as mental health support practitioners within the Israeli welfare, education, health, and rehabilitation systems.
The training is composed of three structured learning units, integrating theory, experiential learning, and practical application—from trauma-sensitive assessment, through evidence-based interventions, to building context-aware therapeutic relationships.
This training equips participants with key skills for a new and impactful role on the front lines of community mental health.
עוטף לב׳ - סיוע נפשי ישראלי, מבית החמ״ל האזרחי הוא מערך שהוקם בעקבות אירועי ה-7 באוקטובר על מנת לסייע בתחומי בריאות הנפש לכלל תושבי ישראל.
אנחנו מתמחים בסיוע לכל תושבי הארץ, כולל סיוע במציאת מענים ספציפיים לאותם עשרות אלפי התושבים שנאלצו להתפנות מבתיהם ושוהים בריכוזי מפונים או במסגרות דיור אחרות (מפונים ומתפנים).