Hope In Gaza
David’s presentation will describe the therapy offered to traumatised people in Gaza, in particular a modality developed for working with populations experiencing the ongoing trauma of living in a war zone.
Date: 28/02/2026 Time: 10:00 -12:00 GMT Venue: Online Price: Free
Event Details
Description
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Drawing on his experience of working with and developing the charity Palestine Trauma Centre UK, David will explore the context in which on-going traumas are collectively experienced and then show how Western approaches to trauma relief contrast with the practices of therapists on the ground in Gaza. He will go on to explore how a non-violent form of resistance is used in the therapy process to “rebalance” the traumatised individual. Finally, the concept of a “constructed environment” will demonstrate how conditions can be created for healing to take place. He will also show how the people in Gaza use the therapeutic input to maintain a sense of hope in spite of the ongoing trauma perpetuated by war. Following David’s talk there will be time for questions and discussion.
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about the speaker
David Harrold works in education including in special needs helping secondary school students who have dyslexia or are on the autistic spectrum. He has also worked in professional theatre. David is currently Chair of Trustees for the charity, Palestine Trauma Centre UK (PTC UK). Palestine Trauma Centre was established in Gaza in 2007 by Dr Mohamed Altawil, a psychologist whom David met while working at the University of Hertfordshire when Dr. Altawil was doing a PhD. David subsequently helped set up the charity that, in 2009, became Palestine Trauma Centre (UK) which took over financial responsibility for maintaining the Gaza therapy team of one psychiatrist, ten psychologists and ten animators for psych-social activities. David is in regular contact with the PTC UK relief team in Gaza and has been to Gaza three times including, in 2012, to deliver a course in drama therapy. He has also done work with an Israeli organisation called Windows for Peace.
*If you are a psychotherapist or counsellor residing in an active conflict zone, you are eligible to attend this event free of charge (regardless of whether you are a bpf member or not). Please email events@bpf-psychotherapy to enquire about a ticket.