Rus Jews Views: Destigmatizing psychotherapy is a research-based initiative aimed at addressing the prevalent stigmas associated with seeking mental health within the Russian-Jewish community. Due to these stigmas, people are unable to seek and obtain the kind of psychological help that is sorely needed.
I hope to offer insight into the many benefits therapy has to offer while dispelling myths associated with the field and generally destigmatize it among this population, which has an ingrained aversion to the concept. Given the tumultuous history of the Russian Jewish people, there are many issues common to the population that many find themselves grappling with. By means of a research survey conducted by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Anthony Tasso and myself, I hope to identify some of the issues most prevalent within the Russian Jewish community. Furthermore, I am looking to help gauge current attitudes towards psychotherapy, as well as determine coping measures utilized.
The impact my project will hopefully have on the community is to make psychotherapy an acceptable and often necessary component of general health and well-being. I hope to convey the notion that mental health applies to every individual just as much as physical health does. I will also offer references as to where such help can be found and what to look for in a mental health specialist.
I have a BA in psychology, an MA in clinical counseling, am board certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and hold an LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor). This has been my field of intense study for the past 8 years. I have experience with group and individual counseling through three internships and am pursuing further education in the field of psychology.
This project is made possible through a grant by the Fellowship of COJECO, funded by the UJA-Federation of New York and Genesis Philanthropy Group