Nehemiah Israel Ben – Zev

My approach to tackling life’s difficult moments is via the interface of classical Judaeo-spiritual teachings and the psychological approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (CBT). The cognitive behavioral approach to psychotherapy teaches that ideation determines the way one feels and acts. Changing the way one thinks triggers a change in the way one feels. I also use “a strengths perspective” focusing on the client’s stengths which serve to compensate for one’s weaknesses. The interface of these three approaches is transformative, and life changing serving to help a client return to his or her innate and authentic self. A client felt embarrassed about his thoughts, and decided not to attend Yom Kippur services. I whispered to him: “have you forgotten the verse, “Who dwells with them in the midst of their impurities.” My client decided that he would renezvous with the One who hears silent prayers of the contrite and lowly in spirit. Walking to the synagogue, wearing a new silk caftan,