Tel-Hai Magazine 2022

An important training site The Research Center and the CAMH, Ziv, are important training sites, provid ing practicum training for Tel-Hai's un dergraduate and graduate students of psychology, social work, and nutrition. “Students are involved in both clinical work and research, gaining vital clinical experience and an understanding of the role of applied research in improving pa tient outcomes. We are not only helping the patients, but also training the next generation of clinicians and research In partnership with Dr. Omer Horovitz of the Tel-Hai Psychology department, the Research Center has also been study ing the impact of running, as a form of therapy, on the mental health of youth at the Inpatient Adolescent Department, and the Daycare Centers at the Ziv Med ical Center. 'Running Therapy' uses jogging as a therapeutic tool to facilitate the process ing of complex states of mental health. Jogging is considered to be helpful in coping with traumatic life events and cri ses. Jogging sessions are conducted over long distances, at a slow pace for at least 20 minutes with the therapist jogging alongside the patient. The goal is to help patients cope with a range of mental states and behavioral difficulties, includ ing depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and a tendency towards self-harm. Re search on 'Running Therapy' that has been conducted on adults has shown sig nificant improvement in depression and in symptoms of anxiety, a decrease in the need for psychiatric medication, and a significant reduction in dosages. We hope to see such positive effects on youth. A study of the benefits of treatment through mindfulness is also underway. The commitment of the center's clini cians and researchers to creating a robust data collection system will ensure that the Research Center remains a relevant source of knowledge and inspiration in ers,” says Dr. Shenaar-Golan. New research directions

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the field of child and adolescent mental health. Drs. Shenaar-Golan and Yatzkar continue to develop new ways in which the Research Center can contribute. “Through publication of our findings,” they say, “we hope to reach clinicians around the world, offering data-driven confirmation of the value of these treat ments. We wish to bring relief and hope to children and parents facing mental health challenges, as we continue to train and develop evidence-based treatment strategies for Israel’s northern periphery and throughout the country.” Tel-Hai nurtures initiative When she first arrived at Tel-Hai, Dr. Shenaar-Golan immediately sensed the college's dedication to turning ideas into a reality. Here, she met the supportive

staff and received the professional guid ance she needed to realize her vision. Shenaar-Golan acknowledges those who helped her on her way to establishing the Research Center: "Prof. Yossi Mekori, the former president, Prof. Jacob Vaya, head of the Tel-Hai Research Authority at the time, Prof. Snait Tamir,Vice Pres ident of Research and Development, and the current Director of the Research Authority, and Prof. Rachel Lev-Wiesel of the Department of Social Work, all of whom believed in and supported this vi sion," says Shenaar-Golan. "They un derstood the importance of what we hoped to accomplish in building the cen ter and the impact it would have on the wellbeing of families in the region, and nation-wide. "Tel-Hai is a place where dreams come true," Dr. Shenaar-Golan concludes.

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