Reclaiming the Sanctuary: Dr. Shelly Steinwurtzel on the Politicization of Therapy
When you walk into a therapy session, you expect a sanctuary—a safe, politically neutral space to process trauma, anxiety, and personal grief. But in the wake of October 7th, that safe space was shattered for many Jewish patients and clinicians.
In a recent episode of Can Jew Believe?, host Brad Pomerance sits down with Gesher Community Care co-founder Dr. Shelly Steinwurtzel, Psy.D., to address the growing shift toward "decolonizing therapy" and the anti-Zionist politicization of the mental health field. Together, they confront hard-hitting questions about the current state of psychoanalysis, the ostracization of Jewish clinicians, and the urgent need to restore safety and integrity to therapeutic spaces.
Key Conversation Highlights
Therapy Before & After October 7th: How therapy shifted from a sacred, neutral haven to an ideologically charged space where Jewish clients face traumatic invalidation.
Decolonizing Therapy & Intersectionality: Unpacking how popular therapeutic trends reframe Jewish identity, erase historical trauma, and exclude Jewish and LGBTQ+ voices.
The Mission of Gesher Community Care: How Gesher is stepping up to protect clinicians, advocate within the APA, and match clients with culturally competent, Jewish-affirming therapists.
Navigating Politicized Therapy: Practical, actionable advice on what to do if your current therapeutic environment feels compromised.
Watch the Full Episode
Watch the complete conversation below to learn more about the state of Jewish mental health and how we can work together to rebuild safe, dignified spaces for healing:
Need a Safe Space to Heal?
If your therapy space has felt compromised or you are looking for a trusted, Jewish-affirming mental health professional, you don't have to navigate it alone.
Contact Gesher Community Care today to get matched with a therapist or to support our mission of safeguarding mental healthcare for our community.
