The program can be studied on its own or as part of "Sipunim - a three-year modular program for studies Psychotherapy", which grants accreditation from a school of psychotherapy. Completion of the "Sipunim" program also requires studying a year of core studies for integration in psychotherapy before or after the Haofek studies.

For more details about the "Sipunim" program >>

Personality disorders in general and borderline personality disorder in particular constitute a challenge for the diagnostician, theorist and therapist. Characteristics of affective, behavioral, interpersonal and sometimes even cognitive and physiological instability are expressed, among other things, in mood fluctuations, impulsivity, fragile interpersonal relationships, lack of trust in self and others, identity confusion, risky behavior, concentration problems, somatic problems and difficulties with sleeping and eating. Emotional intensity, in its various aspects, constitutes a significant focus of difficulty for therapists. Indeed, psychodynamic therapeutic approaches as well as classical cognitive-behavioral approaches have not been found to be sufficiently effective in working with this population.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), developed by American psychologist Prof. Marcia Linehan, has been tested in numerous controlled studies in the United States and Europe and has been proven effective in treating adults and adolescents suffering from borderline personality disorder, suicidal behavior, and self-harm. In addition, it has also been found effective in treating eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance addictions. The approach offers holism and synthesis, and includes the use of elements from various therapeutic approaches: the cognitive-behavioral, supportive, and psychodynamic approaches (especially the self-approach and the intersubjective approach). The approach also connects to elements from Zen Buddhism. The main elements that define dialectical behavioral therapy are

The vision of the program

• The 'Horizon' program aims to establish a center for in-depth, thorough, and evidence-based professional learning and training in the field of dialectical behavioral therapy and to create a professional community of DBT expert therapists who will be able to offer professional, effective, humane, tailored, and evidence-based treatment to those dealing with emotional regulation problems and suicidal behavior.

• The program will establish the knowledge and willingness of professionals to treat severe and complex personality disorders in the public and private systems. The program also aims to promote a community of DBT expert professionals who will be able to expand the circle of learning and application of the approach in health, welfare and education systems, and develop therapeutic leadership in the field of DBT that will lead to the assimilation of the approach in the public and private treatment system in Israel.

• The program also aims to reduce the rate of suicidal behavior and hospitalizations among young people suffering from personality disorders and complex trauma, and to develop personal and professional mental resilience among therapists working in this field.

Program goals

• Deepening theoretical knowledge regarding emotional dysregulation in general and borderline personality disorder in particular. Understanding and changing the perception and reluctance to treat people suffering from borderline personality disorder.

• Acquire extensive knowledge of the DBT approach from an integrative perspective. Understand the rationale and principles.

• Training in the therapeutic approach: what and how to work on in individual therapy. Study and practice of therapeutic strategies. Ongoing training on cases in the language of DBT.

• Expanding knowledge and ability to treat patients who exhibit suicidal behavior, including self-harm.

• Learning DBT skills - theory and practice. Didactic experience in small groups.

• Building resilience for the therapist - strengthening skills for self-protection, strengthening the sense of competence, and effective self-management.

• Connecting and strengthening the professional community specializing in DBT.

Program structure and scope of studies

Duration, scope and format of learning:

The scope of learning in the program

Core plan

• Theoretical basic courses and advanced courses (104 hours)

• Didactic experience in digital literacy skills (52 hours)

• Experiential workshops (24 hours)

Group training

Focus courses

Elective courses from the variety of elective courses at the Interpretation Institute

Academic directors

Dr. Yifat Cohen and Ms. Dana Spector

Faculty

Dr. Yifat Cohen, Ms. Dana Spector, Dr. Anat Degani-Ratzi, Dr. Nadav Levy, Ms. Yuli Kerem Hanoch, Ms. Dana Ziv,

Ms. Einat Gabay, Ms. Naama Schwartz, Ms. Nurit Shahar (Ofek Institute teaching staff).

Program Coordinator

Ms.

​

Application submission and registration for the upcoming academic year 2017 has begun.