Danny Brom, the head of METIV, the Israel Psychotrauma Center in Jerusalem, is a name synonymous with trauma care in Israel. His journey from the Netherlands to Israel in 1988 marked the beginning of a transformative era in trauma psychology in the country. As a clinical psychologist, Brom's expertise and dedication have positioned him as one of Israel's most recognized experts in the field of trauma. His profound observations and innovative approaches have shaped the way trauma is perceived and treated in Israel, especially in the aftermath of the recent war.
A Journey Rooted in Expertise
Brom's career in trauma psychology began in the Netherlands, where he established a trauma center in the 1980s. "When I arrived in Israel, I thought I would do something different," Brom recalls. "Who needs a Dutch psychologist to tell Israelis what trauma is?" However, his initial experiences in Israel were eye-opening. Working in a community mental health center, he discovered a significant gap in the recognition of trauma. "People told me, 'We don't see trauma here.' And they were right. They were not seeing trauma because they were not asking."
This revelation led Brom to conduct research within the same clinic, ultimately finding that trauma was prevalent but unrecognized due to the lack of proper inquiry. This pivotal moment inspired him to establish METIV in 1989, a center dedicated to understanding and treating trauma in Israel.
The recent war has brought about a seismic shift in the landscape of mental health in Israel. Brom observed an influx of mental health professionals seeking guidance on trauma treatment. "After October 7th, some 3,000 mental health professionals turned to us, asking, 'Can you teach me how to treat trauma?' As if there was no trauma before," Brom notes. This sudden demand highlighted a long-standing issue—the need for more widespread and comprehensive trauma training.
Brom's dedication to addressing this need led METIV to provide training for thousands of professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma's impact on the body. "When you talk about trauma, you need to relate to the body; people are not realizing how important that is."
Innovative Approaches and Community Impact
Brom's approach to trauma treatment extends beyond traditional methods. He shares an anecdote that illustrates the creative ways METIV has supported trauma survivors. "We sent a very nice psychologist to one of the hotels near the Dead Sea, where he didn't find anything to do because people were walking around like zombies. They couldn't talk. His wife started swimming lessons for children and adults and that was a big hit. You move, you do something, you feel better."
This focus on physical activity as a means of trauma healing has been crucial, especially for children. However, Brom acknowledges that for adults, it often takes more time before they can process their situation. METIV continues to explore and implement various treatment methods, including MDMA-assisted therapy and somatic experiencing. Despite these efforts, Brom recognizes the challenges. "Forty to fifty percent are not being helped enough. So what do you do then?"
A Call for Community Support
Brom's insights extend to the broader societal implications of trauma. He is concerned about the overwhelming need for individual treatment and the unrealistic expectation that all Israelis require one-on-one therapy. "There will never be enough therapists for that, thank God. We have to start thinking differently about this whole thing," he emphasizes. Brom advocates for strengthening community bonds as a crucial part of the healing process. "We have to develop other methods to create community within us."
Brom highlights the unique cultural dynamics in Israel that influence trauma response and recovery. "In survival mode, you connect with each other. When you're really afraid, you draw together." This connection is particularly evident in combat teams, where the bond formed through shared experiences often surpasses personal relationships. "They very often say, 'I like my group more than I like my wife and my kids.' It's a bit strange, but there is no other word for this connection from the gut that you establish when you are in survival mode."
Brom's recent visit to the United States provided further insights into the Jewish community's response to trauma. He observed a deep existential fear and a strong sense of solidarity among Jewish communities worldwide. "A lot of people feel this as a sort of a wake-up call for, what is this Jewish people? What is this? And what is my role in this?" Brom sees this engagement as a positive force, contributing to a collective narrative that is crucial for moving forward.
Conclusion
Danny Brom's contributions to trauma psychology in Israel are monumental. His journey from the Netherlands, combined with his innovative approaches and deep understanding of trauma, has positioned him as a leading expert in the field. Brom's observations since the war underscore the urgent need for comprehensive trauma care and community support. As Israel continues to navigate the aftermath of the war, Brom's work with METIV will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the nation's healing process. His vision for a community-based approach to trauma care offers a hopeful path forward, emphasizing resilience, connection, and collective healing.