Staying Grounded in Harrowing Times

When

February 24, 2024    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Since the horrors of October 7th, many of us have been grappling with how to process the tragic events that continue to unfold in Israel and Gaza while retaining our humanity and not falling into despair.  In this discussion series we will explore the brain science around individual trauma and intergenerational trauma, and whether meditative practices and Jewish texts might hold some answers; a conversation with Israeli and Palestinian grassroots activists working towards shared peace and security; and a dialogue with other faith communities around Delaware County to hear their perspectives and share what we’ve learned.

In this program, we will examine brain science and current research around individuals and inter-generational trauma: How does past trauma affect out ability to process events, to seek and offer support, and to communicate?

Brain science offers key insights about why some of us may, during tumultuous times, face a variety of challenges.  We will explore potential strategies for improving our sense of well-being, out ability to engage meaningfully with others, and to cope with disagreement and hostility.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE!

Need childcare? Please REGISTER FOR BABYSITTING HERE!

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Alisa Gutman, MD, Ph. D, the Founder and Medical Director of the Philadelphia Human Rights Clinic, an organization that works in collaboration with Physicians for Human Rights to provide pro bono psychiatric and physical evaluations for asylum seekers in support of their claims for immigration court. Dr. Gutman treats patients in the outpatient Behavioral Health clinic at Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia where she also serves as Outpatient Division Director.  Additionally, she teaches residents and medical students as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Dept. of Psychiatry at Penn and lectures nationally about refugee trauma and forensic evaluation of asylum seekers.