In an effort to combat the rising cases of PTSD among IDF reservists, an intensive one-day retreat program has been launched in Herzliya Pituah. The program, known as The Villa, aims to provide immediate support and tools to help soldiers process trauma and prevent long-term psychological effects.
Key Takeaways
- The Villa is a one-day intensive program designed to prevent PTSD among IDF reservists.
- The program includes EMDR therapy, psycho-education, and mind-body interventions like Qigong.
- Participants receive tools and techniques to use at home for ongoing support.
- The initiative is a project of The Protective Partnership, established in 2019.
The Villa: A Safe Haven for Healing
On a recent day, 18 discharged IDF reservists gathered at a large single-family home in Herzliya Pituah, just north of Tel Aviv. This comfortable setting serves as the venue for The Villa, a one-day intensive program designed to arm soldiers with tools to deal with trauma experienced during combat.
The concept behind The Villa is that with the right initial support, many of these men and women can avoid developing PTSD. According to research, 90% of people exposed to trauma do not eventually develop PTSD, and The Villa aims to ensure that IDF reservists fall into this category.
Evidence-Based Approach
The program is based on evidence and focuses mainly on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR helps individuals process traumatic memories by moving their eyes in specific ways. This technique is well-researched and accepted both in Israel and internationally.
Participants also engage in psycho-education sessions to identify trauma symptoms and learn about healing processes. The program avoids using the term ‘mental health’ to reduce stigma and encourage participation.
Mind-Body Interventions
In addition to EMDR, the program includes mind-body interventions like Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise practice. Participants also learn relaxation techniques, EMDR approaches using tapping, and yoga nidra for better sleep.
Real-Life Impact
Aviram Atia, a reservist who participated in The Villa, shared his experience. Called up on October 7, he served for a month and a half in Gaza. The stress and trauma he experienced were overwhelming, but the one-day workshop helped him process these events. He continues to use the audio material provided by The Villa and attends private EMDR sessions.
Meeting Growing Demand
Initially, The Villa hosted three groups a week, but as demand grew, it expanded to four or five days per week. The program is open to all discharged IDF reservists and aims to provide preventative treatment as soon as possible.
A Word of Caution
While The Villa’s leadership is confident in its early intervention model, some experts caution that it is impossible to prevent PTSD entirely. However, providing immediate support and tools can make a significant difference in lowering the risk.
The Villa continues to offer additional one-on-one EMDR sessions and regularly checks in with participants to ensure their well-being. Those struggling are referred for further treatment at affordable rates.
The Villa is open to every reservist or soldier discharged from enlisted duty, offering a lifeline to those who feel they are not as they were before the war began.
