Is the lack of meaning in people’s lives fueling addiction? Are Internet and Drug/Alcohol addictions growing in the Jewish community? Can Viktor Frankl’s psychology help individuals find meaning in their lives?
On Sunday, Dec. 4, 9am-5pm, TorahPsychology.org, cosponsored by MASK and the Jewish Press, will offer a special full-day conference to address addiction in the Jewish community at Nachlas Zion, 2201 E. 23rd St., Brooklyn, NY. The conference will also offer an intensive Logotherapy training session based on the works of Dr Viktor Frankl, eminent psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and author of “Man’s Search for Meaning.”
The Rebbe wrote took particular interest in the writings of Dr. Frankl. As the Rebbe writes, “To my surprise, however, his approach has apparently not been appropriately disseminated and appreciated. Although one can find numerous reasons as to why his ideas are not widely accepted – including the fact that [such treatment] is related to the personal lifestyle exemplified by the treating doctor – nevertheless, the question [as to why it is not appreciated] still remains…”. TorahPsychology.org offers conferences and programs to educate the community and to disseminate information about the psychology of Frankl and Logotherapy.
At the conference, renowned speakers, including psychologists, addiction experts, and Rabbis will discuss finding more meaning in life and how to overcome Internet and Drug/Alcohol addictions. Speakers include: Rabbi Dr. Reuven Bulka – “The Psychology of Viktor Frankl and Man’s Search for Meaning” (Logotherapy Training), Rabbi Simon Jacobson – “Towards a Meaningful Life”, and Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT – “Torah Psychology”, Lewis Abrams, LCSW – “Recovering from Drug and Alcohol Addiction”, Simcha Feuerman, LCSW – “Internet Addiction Recovery Options: Musar, Psychotherapy, 12 Steps?”
Led by Rabbi Dr. Reuven Bulka, participants will experience an in-depth Logotherapy training on discovering meaning in their lives through actualizing their ability to create, love, experience the world and, if necessary, find meaning in suffering. Rabbi Bulka will share his personal stories of Viktor Frankl and discuss themes relating to Judaism and beliefs in one’s life. A panel of religious experts, will explore the Torah sources that can help strengthen people’s faith and trust in Hashem, which are the keys in overcoming many addictive behaviors.
MASK will offer a free Naloxone kit and training for all participants. There will also be video presentations about Dr. Viktor Frankl and the work of Guard Your Eyes.
According to Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, family therapist and founder and director of Torah Psychology, the conference is geared for the general public, askanim, and therapists. “I have treated many people who felt depressed or anxious or have developed various kinds of addiction because they were lacking a higher purpose. Victor Frankl’s writings and Logotherapy can provide that vital missing piece in their lives” says Schonbuch.
Ms. Ruchama Bistritzky-Clapman, founder and director of MASK, believes that the program offers therapists, individuals, and parents an opportunity to educate themselves about the issues facing the Jewish community. According to Clapman, “The most common source of illegally used prescription medications is often from the home medicine cabinet. These drugs are prescribed for good use yet when used inappropriately can be abused and dangerous. Naloxone (nasal spray) is a safe medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.” MASK is an approved NYC-DOHMH overdose prevention program.
To register for the conference or for more information, visit www.TorahPsychology.org or call Rabbi Schonbuch, LMFT at 646-428-4723.
In my experience with leaders in this community that attempt to grasp great philosophers is that there is a heavy gap between theorizing and discussing such life experiences and actually having the tools and practical ability to provide assistance and effective support. I commend leaders who attempt to grasp this topic. However I believe it is greater to also delve into the resources that seem lacking within the community to follow through and provide the level of expertise necessary to be an effective support. You can tell a man how to live. But when you give a man the resources… Read more »
The ppl I am aware of addicted to prescription drugs started after an injury or surgery , some then deteriorate to buying street drugs when they can’t get scripts. A very very important preventive measure is to support ppl at the beginning of their injury so they have other resources for pain relief such as exercise , biofeedback or whatever is appropriate for them. Popping a pill is too easy.
Is both for men and women.
This is very special help for our community
Hope we going to accomplish a lot from this day,
With ה’ help ,everyone that needs help,will Be
Well and happy and healthy,
addiction to gambling on the stock market. Families are suffering.
Is this event for men and women?