Two short-term therapy groups help high school seniors prepare for their transition to Israel.
A great many 12th graders are currently feeling the mixed bag of emotions that come with the reality of graduation and closing their high school chapter. Happiness, sadness, excitement, fear or all of the above, even at the same time, are common feelings that may come up for some.
When it comes to the choice of what to do after high school, some choose to go to college, others try to find a job or learn a trade, and for many Orthodox Jews, this is the time to take a gap year and study abroad, most commonly in Israel.
Going to Israel is considered to be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a time to ask questions, learn about yourself and your heritage, make new friends, and experience independence. While the anticipation of this experience is exciting, it can also be pretty anxiety-provoking. In recognition of these challenges, psychotherapy groups tailored specifically for these young women and men offer invaluable support and guidance.
It is completely normal to feel unsure of how to navigate certain aspects of going to Israel, even the ones that people may not have even thought about yet. Questions like, “Who am I going to spend Shabbos with? I don’t have any relatives in Israel!”; “I have gone to summer camp before and I have been fine, but why am I feeling so nervous about going away for the year?”; “I am going to miss my parents … and my Amazon account!”; “I don’t know people who are going to my seminary/yeshiva, what if I don’t make any friends?”; “I’ve never had a roommate before! I need to go to sleep early! What if my roommate likes to be up all night?!”
These are some of the topics that will be discussed in Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy’s upcoming virtual therapy groups for high school seniors going to seminary and yeshiva. Through open dialogue, guidance, and the support of their peers, these groups will offer practical advice on maintaining healthy boundaries, resolving conflicts, and persevering through social anxiety. Participants will learn strategies for staying organized, implementing healthy study habits, and managing their time effectively—a crucial foundation for success in both spiritual and personal realms.
By equipping participants with practical skills, fostering social connections, and promoting emotional well-being, these groups can help pave the way for a successful and fulfilling experience abroad—one characterized by growth, resilience, and meaningful connections.
Ahuvah Fried, LCSW, and Max Kirshblum, LSW, are the personable and professional therapists of Collaborative Minds Psychotherapy LLC who will be facilitating these exciting groups for high school seniors going to Israel next year. Both Ahuvah and Max specialize in adolescent mental health and are especially passionate about helping teens navigate the ups and downs of this life-changing experience. For more information about these groups, email [email protected] or visit www.collaborativeminds.net.
