The Eden Model
In a process that began in 2007, we established Eden Residential trauma care for girls as a feminist, female therapy space that helps girls grow, reconnect to powers and listen to their hearts and desires. The worldview was then skillfully translated, with ongoing learning and experiences, into dialectic feminist therapeutic approach for a trauma-oriented space.
Based on the daily experiences, failures and successes, a therapy concept has been developed which is backed by learning and theory. Most of the therapeutic models in the frameworks that treat traumatized population are based on psychological concepts of the individual or relationship-based concepts. only a few of the models are based on social concepts, and particularly on feminist ones that believe that post-traumatic disorders are not created in a vacuum, and that addressing the context in which they had occurred is critical to the therapeutic process.
The Eden model is a model through which hundreds of girls, victims of trauma (sexual abuse, abuse, neglect, poverty and more) have transformed into girls and young women who are capable of building full and meaningful lives for themselves.
The innovation and uniqueness of the model is in the integration of: research-based approaches for treating the consequences of trauma dialectic behavioral therapy – DBT; social concepts through which trauma is reframed as a social and not a personal problem; and a motivational therapy approach aimed at creating trauma-oriented-spaces that enable the patients to feel safe and progress toward the desired healing and change. Furthermore, organized practices for working with extreme behaviors in the trauma-oriented space make the model implementable in additional therapy spaces in Israel and around the world.
The model is recognized by the welfare authorities as effective in treating girls with a history of complex post-trauma which considered relatively resistant to therapy. The model is effective for treating the consequences of post-trauma, such as violence, self-harm, suicidal tendencies, drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, social isolation, anxiety and depression, difficulties in interpersonal relations, difficulties in functioning in learning and occupational frameworks, and low self-esteem.
The model is based on four main theories:
1. The Feminist Theory, which argues that "personal is political" and that critical thinking can slowly break the chains that were forced upon us and allow us a genuinely free choice.
2. The DBT (dialectic behavioral therapy) method – a method based on the Buddhist concept and behavioral principles, which emphasizes dialectic thinking and imparts skills in four core areas: Mindfulness, emotional regulation, tolerance for distress, and interpersonal effectiveness.
3. The Motivational Approach – which believes that there is ambivalence in each process of change, and that exploring the ambivalence will enable quicker and more effective movement toward change.
4. Relational Psychoanalysis – which regards a person and their development as closely and significantly interdependent.
worldview:
- The personal is political:
Understanding the connection between social perceptions and structuring, and phenomena like sexual abuse, poverty, marginality, etc. In particular, the connection between girls and young women in situations of distress and risk and the culture of rape, the patriarchal culture and additional social structuring lies the cornerstone of the Eden model.
- Each girl and woman want a better life for herself – one that is worthwhile living:
A essential premise from the world of DBT, that enables non-judgment towards other behavior, and a deep belief that every person strives for a good life (despite destructive behaviors). - Choice and empowerment:
Each girl and woman have the capacity to choose what is best for her, on her own. This is an inherent capacity that is made possible by guiding her to look inward at her choice.
- Dialectics, acceptance and validation:
Encouraging dialectic thinking and its development is a tool that mitigates suffering and improves the quality of life. Validating a thought, emotion and behavior is a cornerstone of the Eden model, and also a daily practice that one needs to exercise and internalize, with respect to themselves and with respect to others. Validation and radical acceptance are the foundation for motivation and change. - Relationships are the necessary for all healing processes:
Healing from trauma, and almost every change, occurs within a relationship. In the trauma-oriented framework, it is important to enable relationships that are built on respect, are aware of the built-in hierarchy in therapeutic relationships, and act to mitigate it. Consistent, non-violent, non-shaming and non-accusatory relationships are the foundation for healing and building hope.
The Eden model has been proven effective in achieving emotional stability, mitigating self-harm and harming behaviors, restoring a sense of self-worth, and increasing the motivation of girls and women to create the life they want for themselves.
All Eden's teams (those engaged in therapy, teaching and counseling) are trained to execute their professional roles, while developing the capacity for internal observation, a complex and dialectic social perspective, and a profound faith in women and in individuals within the community, and in their ability to drive and undergo change processes.