New Therapeutic Groups Provide Support for Bereaved Families and Autistic Youth in Southern Israel
The Ahva Academic College in southern Israel has launched new therapeutic groups aimed at supporting bereaved families, friends, and adolescents on the autism spectrum in the Yuval region. These groups seek to fill critical gaps in mental health services by offering accessible, professional care within the community, reducing feelings of isolation and providing a space for shared experiences.
Yael Galin, who helped establish the groups, explained that one group specifically supports adults who have lost a close friend or family member and lack emotional resources. She noted the significant emotional challenges these individuals face and emphasized the group's role as a vital support anchor. Other groups address grief and loss more broadly, helping participants cope with loneliness, alienation, and the difficulty of finding others who truly understand their experiences. Galin highlighted the recent rise in losses across Israel, especially in the south, over the past three years.
The therapeutic groups offer a unique dynamic beyond individual therapy by fostering real-time interpersonal connections. Participants gain a sense of belonging, receive feedback, and discover that their struggles are shared, which can lead to new coping strategies in a safe environment. Meeting others with similar challenges often brings relief, hope, and meaning that individual therapy alone may not provide.
Additionally, Ahva has created groups for adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum, who frequently experience loneliness, social rejection, and difficulty forming meaningful relationships. These groups provide a safe space for social experimentation and connection with peers facing similar challenges, helping them feel accepted and supported.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for community-based mental health services in peripheral regions of Israel, aiming to build natural support networks and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.
