Hadassah (Johanna) Hazan, MSW

I love and utilise both Narrative Therapy and IFS, as well as tools from Somatic experiencing, CBT and DBT, however I believe the most powerful interventions come from authentic human connection and approach treatment to each of my clients individually.

I regularly integrate creative appraches including drawing, collaging, role play, journalling, and other 'non verbal' ways to connect to emotions and expertiences. I always include these with permission, and if someone is not comfortable trying them, I do not push, however I suggest these methods when I think they could help an individual to go yet deeper into something.

My background in Life Coaching (prior to becoming a licensed clinical social worker) colours my approach, which is very interactive and takes the form of a dynamic conversation a lot of the time. I appreciate that for many people, having a therapist who only listens can feel challenging, as can too many questions. I aim to strike the balance between holding space for my clients' processes, whilst also facilitating and guiding the session and helping them to access and explore different parts of themselves, ideas, memories and emotions. 

Sometimes I give homework, it might be just to think about things between sessions, it may be to journal or to try out a newly identified preferrable behavior or responce. 

It is important for me that my clients feel included in their process of therapy, and I am happy to explain how and why we are doing certain things, so that the therapy doesn't feel mysterious and confusing. 

Sessions can be profoundly moving, increadibly sad, lead to deep contemplation, and also be inspiring, uplifting, empowering and even fun! 

Additionally I am certified in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and work through a Misrad Ha Briut approved clinic in Jerusalem City Center.

I specialise in working with attachment and relational issues, disrupted attachment in childhood, sexual trauma (both from a long time ago and more recent), and the plethora of reasons people can struggle with self-love, self-acceptance and connecting to others.

I have worked for nearly a decade in the field of eating disorders and body image difficulties and consider this area a specialism of mine. I take a very trauma-informed and emotionally aware approach to treating food and body struggles; meaning that I don't treat them as the issues in and unto themselves, I see them as the symptoms of broader, deeper things going on within an individual and work to help people heal those fundamental wounds, alongside addressing the problematic behaviors and thoughts that they want to overcome. 

I also with people struggling with aspects of their identity such as sexuality, religious or spiritual shifts and major life transitions. I am open-minded, tolerant and non-judgemental and intend to create a safe environment for my clients to discuss an array of issues that can feel intimate, intimidating, embarressing or shameful to bring up. 

I put together this resource for parents of adolescents with binge eating disorder, it can be viewed here.

My role as a therapost can shift and change over time. Initially I may feel like 'yet another professional I need to tell my story to..' or 'a total stranger who I really hope can help me...'

Then perhaps I start to become a trusted witness, a confident, a helper in the journey of life.

Maybe for some I am their 'safe person', 'someone who gets me', a holder of their process...

Whatever I am to those who I work with, I feel I am a facilitator to their work. I guide and I hold, but they are the ones who truly lead. I keep the path safe and I help clear the way as they endavor to keep going through whatever comes up for them on their joueney of self discovery and healing.  

I have previously worked as a therapist at Milam, working with family systems affected by serious mental illness; and as Assistant Director of Mental Health at Jewessence, a residential program for young women from Ultra Orthodox Jewish homes who are overcoming emotional and mental health challenges. I am a founding board member of the AZ House - residential recovery facility in Jerusalem.  I’m open minded, approachable and creative in my practice and I enjoy working with diverse populations, though I mainly work with women. I have worked with clients ranging in age from 15 to 71, from a variety of backgrounds.

 Aside from my private practice, I also work with therapists and other mental health professionals, providing training and consultation to help clinicians feel more confident and competent working with issues pertaining to food and body. More information about courses run through Get Help Israel can be found further down this page. I am also available to run trainings for educators and educational institutions.

Additionally, I provide assessments and evaluation for individuals and institutions seeking to clarify the status and severity of eating disorder issues. I offer guidance and advice on treatment options and support for both the individual as well as their family or other support system, when appropriate and relevant. 

I am certified in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and work through a Misrad Ha Briut approved clinic in Jerusalem City Center (www.keterhealth.com). KAP is an evidence based protocol that can help with trauma and symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, low self esteem, emotional disregulation, and complsive/ behavioral disorders (subtance and eating related).