North of Jerusalem, we are building an ASC- Anti-Stress Center, a rehabilitation center for children and veterans suffering from PTSD.
In this safe and secure setting, they will have access to a wide range of mental health and emotional health programs designed to facilitate healing and recovery.
Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron has a successful history of utilizing animal therapy in treating stress and PTSD. Their therapy farms in Kibbutz Urim and Sderot, near the Gaza strip, have successfully treated children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder since 2016.
Living in areas targeted by constant barrages of missile and rocket fire, many children suffer from trauma and stress, and over 1000 children per year have been successfully treated at Hatzalah’s animal therapy farms.
Using an innovative method of therapy called zootherapy, Hatzalah Yehuda and Shomron has created an effective method to treat children who live under constant stress from missile fire and the need to shelter in bunkers.
With worldwide proven efficacy, effects are noticeable from even the initial session, as the relationship between the child and the animal promotes emotional and physical wellbeing, and leads to physiological, psychomotor (lower heart rate, effect on tension) and psychological (stress reduction) benefits.
Hatzala’s therapy farms have provided tens of thousands of therapy sessions per year. Unfortunately, since October 7, 2023 our farms have been closed indefinitely, due to the areas being considered closed military zones.
Children from neighboring villages and kibbutzim who were enrolled in our animal therapy programs on our farms have also experienced the recent traumatic events of October 7th. Additionally, thousands of children have been moved from their homes to hotels and temporary homes throughout the country.
All therapists agree on the following: the sooner therapy is initiated, the more effective it will be on his/her re-engaging with the world, and the child’s ability to regain emotional stability.
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