Recently, psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk has found himself at the center of controversy after leading a workshop at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. His inflammatory remarks comparing Israelis to “Nazis” and disparaging Orthodox Jews have drawn sharp criticism across various communities, particularly within Jewish circles and the field of healthcare. The backlash has prompted the Omega Institute to issue an apology to participants for what they labeled “inappropriate and antisemitic comments.” In a notable twist, van der Kolk later threatened legal action against the Institute for this characterization, showing a troubling refusal to accept accountability.
This situation is not merely an isolated incident of academic misstep; it serves as a sobering reminder of how ideologically charged narratives can infiltrate even the most revered realms of psychological practice. Van der Kolk, well-known for his bestselling book, “The Body Keeps the Score,” has long been seen as a crucial figure in trauma research, spanning various forms of traumatic experiences. His history includes the experiences of Jews during World War II, providing him with a unique understanding of trauma, particularly Jewish trauma. Yet, during his recent workshop, he seemed to betray that knowledge.
According to attendees, van der Kolk’s comments were not just negligent but also deeply harmful. He reportedly stated, “What Israel is doing in Gaza is what the Nazis did,” a connection that is both offensive and misleading. Alysa Portnoy, a trauma recovery coach who attended the workshop, articulated her outrage, pointing out that van der Kolk also asserted that Orthodox Jews prioritize their “tribe” over “truth.” These remarks, made in a therapeutic context, indicate a profound misunderstanding of the complexities surrounding Jewish identity and suffering.
As the uproar grew, the Omega Institute publicly severed ties with van der Kolk, indicating they would not invite him to teach future workshops due to the severity of his comments. The fallout underscored how critical it is for professionals in mental health to acknowledge the unique struggles of various communities, particularly those historically marginalized. Unfortunately, van der Kolk’s recent statements illustrate a disturbing trend in the trauma field, where ideological biases can overshadow the very principles of compassion and healing.
In the weeks following the incident, van der Kolk’s response revealed a troubling defiance. After initially apologizing for his remarks, he subsequently sought to downplay their impact. Shared emails indicate he was eager to reclaim authority on the narrative surrounding his comments rather than reflect on the pain they caused. His insistence that he would entertain legal options against the Omega Institute for labeling his remarks “antisemitic” further demonstrates a dismissive stance toward accountability.
This incident speaks volumes about the politicization of trauma and the significant risk of biases infecting treatment. Many in the field have become increasingly vocal against antisemitism within mental health and trauma care, exemplified by open letters from organizations like Psychologists Against Antisemitism. Their calls for recognition of bias highlight the ethical implications tied to professional conduct and the healing process.
Prominent figures in trauma care have been scrutinized for perpetuating narratives that echo a dangerous trend of ignoring Jewish suffering. For example, Gabor Maté, another leading voice in trauma treatment, faced backlash for denying the systematic sexual violence committed during the Oct. 7 attacks, further complicating the dialogue on trauma experienced by different groups. This pattern of bias not only harms those who have experienced trauma but also undermines the integrity of the psychological community itself.
The broader implications of van der Kolk’s comments extend beyond personal opinion; they reveal a disconcerting shift in how trauma is addressed. When suffering becomes a bargaining chip in ideological debates, it risks trivializing the very experiences that professionals seek to mend. If van der Kolk had made parallel statements about other communities—claiming, for instance, that Black patients were more concerned about their tribe than the truth—there would have been an immediate outcry. Yet when similar rhetoric is directed at Jewish individuals, it is often met with a troubling silence.
To see a leader directly impacting how future generations understand and approach trauma struggle with this level of insensitivity is disheartening. Van der Kolk’s failure to acknowledge the depth of his comments is not merely a personal failing but a failure of a profession that ought to prioritize healing. The narrative he presented not only diminishes Jewish trauma but also embodies an ideological blindness that those in his position should strive to avoid.
The words of Judy Leventhal, a psychotherapist and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, encapsulate this sentiment perfectly. After attending van der Kolk’s workshop, she remarked, “My body kept the score.” This phrase signifies not just an individual’s ongoing trauma but also the collective memory of a community that continues to suffer in silence. The effects of distorted narratives within trauma treatment can reverberate widely, making this incident a crucial focal point for reevaluating how trauma is approached professionally.
In summary, the tumult surrounding Bessel van der Kolk’s remarks is a critical reminder of the necessity for sensitivity and clarity in mental health. As professionals strive to treat trauma, they must also acknowledge the histories and identities of those they serve. The story sheds light on a pressing need for vigilance against biases that may undermine the healing process, particularly in a world increasingly divided by ideology. The healing community must reject narratives that dehumanize any group and reaffirm the importance of a nuanced understanding of trauma that respects all experiences. Only then can true healing take place.
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