When we talk about trauma, the focus is often on developing resilience and managing the symptoms. But what if recovery could be more than just getting by?
What if it could lead to real transformation?
This is the foundation of post-traumatic growth (PTG), a powerful concept that is reshaping how we understand healing. Now, NATAL – Israel’s leading trauma and resilience NGO – is using this science to change lives. Drawing on the groundbreaking work of Dr Richard Tedeschi and the Boulder Crest Institute for Post-Traumatic Growth, NATAL is offering new hope to trauma survivors across Israel.
What is Post-Traumatic Growth?
Post-traumatic growth is the idea that people can experience meaningful personal development following trauma. It does not ignore the pain or the impact. Instead, it acknowledges that trauma can lead to deeper strength, clarity, and appreciation for life.
The term was first introduced by Dr Richard Tedeschi and Dr Lawrence Calhoun in the 1990s. Today, Dr Tedeschi leads the Boulder Crest Institute, applying the PTG model to veterans, first responders, and others living with trauma. His work is now influencing trauma recovery programmes worldwide, including those run by NATAL in Israel.
Bringing PTG Science to NATAL’s Trauma Programmes
NATAL supports Israelis affected by war, terrorism, and intergenerational trauma. Through its helpline, clinical services, and community resilience initiatives, it has helped thousands cope with psychological distress. Now, the organisation is embracing the PTG framework to take its trauma recovery work even further.
Inspired by Boulder Crest’s success with military communities in the US, NATAL is beginning to integrate PTG principles into its services.
This includes:
- Training clinicians and therapists in PTG-informed care
- Adapting Boulder Crest’s Warrior PATHH model for use with Israeli first responders and emergency personnel
- Collaborating on research and outcome tracking, to ensure programmes are delivering measurable, long-term growth
- Creating tailored interventions that reflect Israeli culture and lived experience while staying rooted in PTG science
Why Post-Traumatic Growth Matters in Israel
Since October 7, the psychological impact of war and terror in Israel has intensified dramatically. Thousands of civilians, emergency workers, and families are navigating layers of trauma – some recent, some decades old. For many, traditional mental health approaches may not feel sufficient.
By embracing post-traumatic growth, NATAL offers something deeper than symptom management. It is giving people a path to reclaim meaning, connection, and personal strength.
What is the Boulder Crest Institute?
Based in Virginia, USA, the Boulder Crest Institute for Post-Traumatic Growth is a world leader in PTG research and application. Its flagship programme, Warrior PATHH, helps veterans and first responders not just recover from trauma, but grow from it.
Participants report significant improvements in mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life – often sustained long after the programme ends. These results are now informing the work of NATAL, helping bring the benefits of PTG programmes to an Israeli population facing ongoing threat and trauma.
A Model for Global Trauma Recovery
The partnership between NATAL and the Boulder Crest Institute reflects a global shift in how we approach trauma. Instead of asking, “How do we help people get back to normal?”, the question becomes, “How do we help people grow into something stronger?”
As this collaboration deepens, it holds the potential to shape a new standard for trauma recovery in Israel and beyond. Combining scientific evidence, clinical experience, and cultural relevance, it could become a model for other trauma-informed organisations around the world.