Identifying and Working with Antisemitism in Clinical Settings
Antisemitism, or discrimination and hate towards Jewish people, is considered one of the world’s oldest forms of hatred. The insidious nature of antisemitism, as with many forms of discrimination and hatred, can be difficult to identify, understand, and combat, resulting in an adverse impact on the mental health of Jewish patients in clinical settings. Yet, many clinicians report a lack of knowledge and an accompanying discomfort in addressing issues around antisemitism with Jewish clients.
The purpose of this course is to provide participants with a thorough background and understanding of antisemitism, what it can look like, and provide trauma-informed guidelines for addressing antisemitism that may arise in professional work.
Level: Beginning
Educational Objectives
This course will teach the participant to
- Identify the myriad ways antisemitism can manifest in society, media, and politics.
- Analyze the impacts of antisemitism on mental health, particularly through the lens of community and generational trauma.
- Identify effective responses and tools to address antisemitism in professional and clinical contexts.
Syllabus
- Orienting: Quick Facts on Jews and Judaism
- Defining Judaism
- Who is a Jew?
- General Beliefs
- Defining Antisemitism
- Anti-Semitism vs antisemitism
- IHRA and Working Definitions
- Common Antisemitic Tropes
- Manifestations of Antisemitism
- Antisemitism in Media
- Antisemitism in News and Politics
- Right-Wing Antisemitism
- Left-Wing Antisemitism
- Antisemitism in the Middle East
- Is anti-Zionism antisemitism?
- Impacts of Antisemitism
- Research on General Impacts of Discrimination
- Antisemitism as a Community and Generational Trauma
- Antisemitism and Mental Health
- Implications
- Ethical Implications as Clinicians
- Clinical Implications for Clients
- Being an Ally
- A Social Justice Approach to Supporting Jews
- Helping Jewish Clients Feel Safe and Affirmed in Therapy
- Action Items