The Moment Therapy Turned Political | Psychologists & Founders Jessica Zmood & Shelly Steinwurtzel

In this episode of "Here I Am," host Shai Davidai sits down with Jessica Zmood and Shelly Steinwurtzel, co-founders of Gesher Campus Care. They discuss their personal journeys as Jewish therapists, the impact of October 7th on the Jewish community, and the rise of anti-Semitism and traumatic invalidation on college campuses. Jessica and Shelly share how their nonprofit connects Jewish students, faculty, and staff with safe, supportive, and culturally competent therapists. They explore the challenges of finding truly safe therapeutic spaces in a climate where "decolonizing therapy" can sometimes invalidate Jewish experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of Jewish pride, resilience, and community, and offers hope for a future where everyone can express their identity without fear.

Guest: Dr. Jessica Zmood and Dr. Shelly Steinwurzel

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00:00 - Introduction
00:57 - What kind of a Jew are you?
05:35 - How did being Jewish show up in therapy prior to Oct 7th?
09:41 - What was your experience on October 7th?
16:15 - Jessica what was your experience on October 7th?
24:32 - How has the world of therapy changed?
25:45 - What does the decolonization of therapy mean?
30:02 - How does the "decolonizing therapy" framework affect your practice?
34:52 - Where did the "decoloning therapy" framework come from?
37:23 - What is Gesher Campus Care?
41:12 - What does it mean to be a safe therapist for Jewish clients? And how do you train them?
48:15 - What is traumatic invalidation and why is it so difficult for people?
53:50 - Why did Shai react so strongly to the protests at Columbia?
55:35 - What are issues that Jewish faculty and staff have been experiencing on campuses?
57:22 - Ch: The camaraderie of the Jewish and gay communities
01:02:02 - Jessica's Jewish "in the closet" moment
01:05:12 - How can people join and benefit from your network of therapists?
01:08:09 - Lighting Round


Credits:
Producers: Shai Davidai, Abbie Sophia, Adamit Productions, Naomi Landis, Emma Law-Oppman, Ilana Kalach, Allison Fuller
Filmed @ The CAVE Soundstage in Hackensack and edited by Adamit Productions
Graphic by Shira Auman
For sponsorship opportunities, please email achi@adamitproductions.com