התערבות קבוצתית עם ניצולים זקנים ממתקפת הטרור בשבעה באוקטובר: [מתוך המדור: חוכמת המעשה]

Background: The Hamas attack on Israel that took place on October 7, 2023, has led to devastating outcomes for its survivors and for all Israeli society. As a result, many therapists must face previously unknown challenges, attempting to adapt newer therapeutic strategies alongside traditional ones,when helping survivors of the attack. Documenting and disseminating such uniquely tailored interventions among colleagues is highly important in the current reality in Israel. Aims: To briefly describe a group intervention, facilitated by the authors over the past months online (via Zoom), for older adults from one community, survivors of the October 7 attack who had to evacuate from their homes. Methods: The paper reviews the group format, online intervention with older adults in an intensive, often-changing reality, and its challenges. The central themes and responses of the participants are described, considering the many challenges and losses they have faced following the attack. The work of the facilitators, based on flexibility and an integrative approach tailored to the needs of the participants, is also described. Conclusions: The paper presents a unique group intervention taking place during a chaotic time of war and ongoing losses. The group is a place for expressions of pain and hardship, and it assists participants in coping with loss and grief. New-found coping resources, that anchor life-long resilience and the ability to grow and evolve without negating the hardships of traumatic grief, are also underscored.