Posted on 01/18/25
| News Source: JPost
In just a few hours, the first three hostages will return to Israel, on Sunday, and be transferred to the designated "Returnees Wing" at the hospital. There, they will reunite with their families and begin a prolonged process of medical evaluations, recovery, and rehabilitation—closely accompanied by psychological support.
Dr. Einat Yehene, a clinical neuropsychologist and rehabilitation psychologist leading the rehabilitation team at the Hostage Families Headquarters, has supported numerous families over the past year.
“These hostages come from a reality of extreme violence, constant fear, and dire conditions—exposure to violent scenes, nutritional deprivation, sleep deprivation, and threats,” Yehene explained.
“These circumstances leave significant imprints on both the mind and brain. The experiences, combined with the loss of control and identity, lead to severe symptoms such as psychomotor paralysis, disorientation in time and space, and serious physiological effects. The hostages are likely to face neurological and cognitive challenges, including memory disruptions and an inability to connect their experiences in captivity to their new reality. The rehabilitation process will be long and complex, extending far beyond the initial days after release. It will require comprehensive, systemic treatment—including motor and cognitive rehabilitation as well as prolonged emotional support."
“The first days are critical,” Yehene emphasizes. “The focus is on creating a safe, neutral environment that prevents exposure to triggers that might retraumatize them. Gentle, sensitive guidance is crucial—without overwhelming them with questions or demands.
"Our role is to restore the hostages’ sense of control. Even everyday actions, like offering food, must be done with respect and their choice in mind. Communication should be simple and stress-free, focusing on their most basic needs: safety, nourishment, and warm human connection. It’s a process of emotional balancing, almost like a ‘rebirth’ after a traumatic experience.”
Beyond initial stabilization, the hostages will need extended rehabilitation to address cognitive and emotional challenges. “Some may require speech therapy to regain communication abilities after months of silence,” Yehene said. “The treatment will also include rebuilding basic life skills, developing organizational strategies, and adapting to their new daily routine. Each hostage will receive a tailored treatment plan, including long-term family support. It’s crucial to view the hostages and their families as a whole system in need of comprehensive and ongoing support.”
“During the initial moments of release, there’s immense euphoria, but it’s accompanied by fear and anxiety,” Yehene noted. “Families don’t know how to cope with their loved ones’ complex needs—nightmares, moments of alienation, or unexpected behaviors.
"Moreover, the families themselves have endured prolonged trauma during the captivity period and require psychological support as much as the hostages. They must be guided on how to support their loved ones without adding pressure and helped to navigate the emotional and physical challenges ahead.”
Upon arrival at the hospital, hostages will enter a specialized unit designed to convey calm and security. Private rooms, resembling hotel suites, include extra beds for family members who will stay with them from the start to provide vital emotional support. In addition to extensive medical examinations, hostages will undergo initial psychological assessments to identify urgent and long-term needs.
The early stages of emotional care will focus on listening, gradually restoring control over their lives, and providing requested information at a manageable pace. Small choices, such as deciding between water or cola or whether to shower now or later, will help them regain a sense of autonomy.
Initially, hostages are expected to struggle with sensory overload—bright lights, touch, loud noises, or people speaking Arabic. Therapists are trained to ask, “Is it okay if I touch you?” or “Is it okay if we sit next to you?” Sensitivity is key, ensuring no sense or emotion is overwhelmed. Only once their bodies begin to recover can the psychological processing of the traumatic experience begin.
Processing trauma: Confronting complex emotions
Long-term therapy will focus on processing the trauma of captivity and dealing with feelings of guilt, fear, and anger. Experienced therapists will use techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to carefully address traumatic memories. Art and movement therapy will also be incorporated to facilitate additional emotional expression.
Reintegrating into daily life is a significant challenge. Hostages will need to navigate changes that occurred in their absence and may struggle to reconnect with their communities or families due to time and reality gaps. Therapy will provide tools to rebuild self-worth and enable a return to a balanced, healthy routine.
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