You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist 134. Antisemitism and Mental Health with Malka Shaw, LCSW
Has modern therapy become a hostile environment towards Jewish people? I sit down with Malka Shaw, a licensed clinical social worker and trauma therapist, to delve into the pressing issue of anti-Semitism and its psychological implications. Malka shares her experiences as a therapist and the challenges Jewish clients face in therapy, particularly in light of recent events that have heightened anti-Semitic sentiments. We discuss the inappropriate remarks some therapists make, which can invalidate the experiences of their Jewish clients, and how this reflects a broader trend of misunderstanding and bias within the mental health field.
Malka also introduces her organization, Kesher Shalom, which aims to provide education and support for Jewish communities while addressing the cultural accommodations needed in mental health practices. We explore the concept of anti-Semitism as a form of racism, the historical context of Jews as scapegoats, and the psychological mechanisms that allow such biases to persist. Malka clarifies the true meaning of Zionism and why the rise of anti-Zionist sentiments concern her. Throughout our conversation, we question why anti-Semitism is often overlooked and how it serves as a warning sign for societal health.
Malka Shaw, LCSW (licensed in NJ, NY, and Florida), is a psychotherapist and trauma expert with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Specializing in trauma recovery using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), she has built a private practice focusing on women’s wellness, relationship dynamics, and maternal health. Malka also provides clinical supervision, and consultation, develops continuing education courses on trauma and antisemitism; and often presents at professional events. Drawing on her experience with large-scale trauma, Malka founded Kesher Shalom Projects following the devastating events of October 7th. KSP's mission is to provide education and professional development on mental health and antisemitism, critical for building resilience within Jewish communities. By helping others understand the psychology behind antisemitic propaganda and its impact on society, Kesher Shalom offers valuable insights for combating antisemitism and supporting those affected.
Malka’s next training for therapists, coming up December 2, 2024: Navigating Trauma: GUARD System Techniques for Addressing Symptoms from Antisemitism and Prolonged Stress
Books mentioned in this episode are listed below.
- "The Madness of Crowds" by Douglas Murray: https://amzn.to/40uFjlA
View my complete list of book recommendations, including those written by authors who have been guests on this show, at https://sometherapist.com/bookshop.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links from my show notes or website. Thank you for purchases that support the show!
00:00 Start
[00:01:21] Psychology of antisemitism and impact.
[00:03:44] Mental health education gaps.
[00:09:08] Anti-Semitism in healthcare settings.
[00:11:18] Therapist validation of Jewish concerns.
[00:17:36] Multi-ethnic identity of Jews.
[00:19:56] Targeted hate crimes statistics.
[00:24:16] Defining anti-Semitism and its nuances.
[00:27:07] Jews as universal scapegoat.
[00:30:22] Jewish identity and resilience.
[00:33:44] Responsibilities of the chosen people.
[00:37:34] Moral disengagement and accountability.
[00:41:27] Moral disengagement and gaslighting.
[00:48:22] Defining Zionism and its implications.
[00:51:14] Right to live in our land.
[00:56:00] Peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.
[00:57:41] The meaning of Zionism.
[01:01:49] Importance of diverse opinions.
[01:06:08] Jewish culture and moral compass.
[01:09:51] Cultural competency and anti-Semitism.
[01:11:35] Gender crisis and care.
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