Beyond PTSD: Exploring the Effects of Chronic Wartime Stress on Sexuality and Relationships in Israel

In the aftermath of October 7, 2023, Israeli society has been immersed in a state of ongoing collective trauma. While much has been written about the sexual impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the effects of acute and prolonged wartime stress on intimacy and sexuality remain less understood. This presentation explores how trauma in progress—rather than post-trauma—shapes sexual expression, attachment, and relational functioning.

Combining personal reflection, clinical insight, and new research findings, the presentation examines the relational and sexual implications of acute stress, media exposure, identity shifts, and differential coping within couples. Special attention is given to the unique psychological and sexual challenges faced by soldiers and their partners. The session also presents practical clinical recommendations for therapists supporting individuals and couples navigating intimacy under ongoing threat and grief.

(Trainer - Talli Yehuda Rosenbaum is an individual and couple therapist, certified sex therapist, and sex therapy supervisor (IAPST, ISST). She co-hosts the Intimate Judaism podcast and is co-author of I Am For My Beloved. Talli has published extensively on sexuality, trauma, and Jewish intimacy, and serves as associate editor of Sexual Medicine Reviews. She maintains a private practice and is academic advisor for Yahel: The Center for Jewish Intimacy.)

11:15 AM to 12:15 PM EST

OCD-Scrupulosity: Ins and Outs, and What to Do

(Trainer - Perella Perlstein, PsyD is a NY State Licensed Psychologist. She earned her doctorate in 2010 from Hofstra University. Dr. Perlstein utilizes CBT, DBT, and ACT modalities for the treatment of anxiety-based and impulse-control disorders. Dr. Perlstein divides her time between clinical practice, clinical supervision, and training.)

01:00 PM to 02:00 PM EST

Psychology in Schools: The Distinct and Collaborative Roles of School Counselors and Outside Therapists

This presentation explores the complementary yet distinct roles of school counselors and outside therapists in supporting student well-being and academic success. School counselors, embedded within the educational system, provide short-term, solution-focused interventions, academic guidance, and crisis management. Their accessibility makes them a primary resource for addressing students' social-emotional needs, handling peer conflicts, and supporting academic planning. However, due to time constraints and large caseloads, school counselors often refer students with more complex mental health needs to outside therapists. These external mental health professionals deliver long-term, specialized care using evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused therapy, addressing conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The presentation also highlights the importance of collaboration between school counselors and outside therapists to promote holistic student support. Effective communication and coordination allow for consistent intervention strategies, improved student outcomes, and more comprehensive care. Research findings on the impact of school-based mental health services, including reduced behavioral issues, increased academic performance, and enhanced emotional resilience, will be discussed. By examining real-world case studies, this presentation emphasizes the need for seamless collaboration between school-based and external mental health providers to foster student well-being and success.

(Trainer - Evan Kroll, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Teaneck, NJ. He is also a professor of psychology at Touro University where he teaches classes in child development, learning, addictions, and psychology of motivation. During the summer, Dr. Kroll works at Camp HASC as a support psychologist to staff members. He is a sought-after presenter to schools, camps, podcasts, and organizations on a wide range of topics.)

02:15 PM to 03:45 PM EST

Now What? Charting A Path Forward For Young People Who Have Left School

While not popularly advertised, it is estimated that up to 1000 young people drop out of the yeshiva system each year. These young people find themselves completely turned off from academic learning, which is the core of our educational system and avoid school in various ways. This workshop will explore this phenomena, and discuss approaches that can be taken to help mitigate the suffering of these young people. We will explore various risk factors that are commonly associated with kids dropping out of school, and how we can flag kids at risk before it is too late.

We will then discuss concrete approaches that can be taken to help these young people both while they are in school, as well as after they drop out. We will discuss best practices of alternative schools that successfully give these young people a path towards self-fulfillment, and how these practices can be implemented in our schools. Finally, we will discuss the experience of dropping out and how to best support those who have chosen to leave the system.

(Trainer - Rabbi Mintz has been an educator and educational leader for the past 20 years as well as serving as a member of school guidance staff. Rabbi Mintz currently focuses on alternative education and serves as an educational advocate for Work At It, helping young people who have not found success in conventional educational settings. Mrs. Wedeck is a social worker in private practice in Nutley, NJ. She is the co-founder of Work At It, an organization dedicated to supporting young people in the Jewish community who have not found success in conventional schooling. She is specially trained in supporting young people through strength discovery, and is dedicated to making they are able find their path to success.)

04:00 PM to 05:30 PM EST

Ignite Talks.