Addressing antisemitism in psychotherapy: A trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach

Hate crimes against Jews and negative depictions of Jews in the media have grown exponentially over the past several years. Clinicians are thus faced with an increase in Jewish clients' distress and trauma symptomology related to antisemitism, resulting from both direct experiences of violence and discrimination as well as bearing witness to antisemitic incidents. Most clinicians have not been trained to identify signs and symptoms directly related to antisemitism, have little understanding of antisemitism, including its definition and history, and do not have competency models to draw from in the literature. This paper proposes a clinical competency model to address antisemitism that relies on three core constructs: trauma-informed practice, cultural competence, and cultural humility. Spirituality is also drawn upon as a strengths-based foundation to restore and support resiliency for Jewish clients. It is the goal of this paper that readers develop both a deepening empathy and increased clinical competence in addressing their Jewish clients' struggles with antisemitism.