This November, leading organizations in trauma and mental health care including American Friends of NATAL, NATAL (Israel's Trauma and Resiliency Center) and the Israeli Center on Addiction (ICA), are coming together in New York City to host the Resilience Under Pressure Seminar, a first-of-its-kind event addressing trauma, problematic substance use, and integrated care. It will take place on November 6, 2025 at the World Trade Center in NYC.

Why This Seminar Matters

In today's climate of shared stress and uncertainty, mental health professionals face unprecedented challenges. Rising rates of trauma exposure, combined with problematic substance use, demand innovative responses that blend clinical expertise, cultural understanding, and systemic care models. This one-day seminar will create a forum for clinicians, researchers, and practitioners to explore how trauma and addiction intersect—and how resilience can be strengthened even in times of crisis.

A Global Exchange of Knowledge

Drawing on Israel's deep experience in trauma care and resilience, this seminar will showcase strategies that can be adapted to diverse settings, from communities impacted by terrorism and antisemitism to those grappling with natural disasters, violence, or public health crises.

Confirmed keynote speaker Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, Vice President for International Relations at Bar-Ilan University and a renowned expert in narrative approaches to trauma, will share insights into resilience, PTSD, post-traumatic growth, and collective trauma recovery. Her keynote will highlight practical frameworks mental health professionals can apply in their own work—whether in clinical practice, community care, or crisis response.

An Integrated Approach

Alongside trauma-specific models, the seminar will examine how problematic substance use often develops as a coping mechanism in the aftermath of trauma. By bringing together addiction specialists and trauma experts, NATAL and ICA aim to advance integrated care approaches that address both the root causes and the long-term consequences of trauma-related substance use.

A Space for Dialogue and Connection

Beyond lectures, the Resilience Under Pressure Seminar offers opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and professional networking. Attendees will leave with evidence-based insights, actionable tools, and renewed commitment to fostering resilience and healing across communities.

Registration Now Open

Pre-registration is now open (https://afnatal.networkforgood.com/events/91701-resilience-under-pressure), with a special rate available for early sign-ups. Clinicians, social workers, therapists, researchers, and other mental health professionals are encouraged to secure their spot and take part in this timely and vital exchange.

About NATAL

NATAL is an apolitical non-profit organization that offers psychological and emotional treatment and support to victims of trauma due to war and terror. Since its establishment in 1998, NATAL has provided psychological assistance to individuals in Israel from all sectors of society, irrespective of age, gender and ethnicity. NATAL offers a unique model of multidisciplinary psychological support, both direct and indirect, and has affected the lives of over 500,000 people through its innovative Helpline, Community Resiliency Unit, Clinical Unit, Trauma Studies Centre, and Career Development Unit. NATAL is a recognized expert in the field of psychological trauma and aims to advance the resiliency of Israeli society through prevention, preparedness, intervention, treatment, public awareness, and research.

About American Friends of NATAL

American Friends of NATAL (AFN) is committed to supporting NATAL's vital, life-changing work by providing essential resources to people healing from trauma—particularly those affected by terrorism and war. In the U.S. we focus on three key areas:

  • Building awareness about the ongoing need for trauma support and recovery
  • Creating meaningful partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our mission
  • Bringing together a community of compassionate supporters who believe in making a difference

Our ultimate goal is simple yet profound: to help ensure that Israel has the support needed to heal, thrive, and build a stronger future—not just today, but for the generations that follow. Through collaboration and sustained commitment, AFN helps NATAL to turn compassion into action, assisting those who have experienced unimaginable hardship find their path to resilience and hope. Registration is here: https://www.afnatal.org/resilience-under-pressure

About the Israeli Center for Addictions

A national center leading a systemic policy to reduce the phenomenon of addictions and its harm.

We lead the field of addictions in Israel: we promote policy, research, treatment, prevention and training according to the best scientific studies.