The Strength of Relationships in the Face of Trauma From Terror

Abstract

The Project for Mothers, Infants, and Young Children was established for bereaved families. Looking from afar (Jerusalem, Israel), I hold in mind a vivid representation of the Project as concentric circles in which the bereaved mothers and children are positioned at the center, encircled by the support of the therapists in the Project, who are standing (figuratively) shoulder-to-shoulder and hand-in-hand for mutual and reciprocal support. At each level, interpersonal support is generated, diffuses, and permeates to others on the same rung and also across rungs. This commentary focuses primarily on the outer rung, the one that can be envisioned as therapists holding each other, encircling the families. I discuss the therapists' mutual support through linkage of emotions, common goals, and brain-to-brain connections. The therapists' reciprocal support is the foundation, essential character, and the strength of the Project, and it is passed to and reinforced by the trust of the families that are served.