“Some days are easier than others; these are days that the symptoms are better controlled. People with this disorder can one day be fun, light-hearted, loving and adventurous, while the next day be depressing, morose, sad and suicidal.”
Posts from Professionals
Vice President at Refuat Hanefesh
Avi J. Gordon, PsyD, grew up Toronto, Canada and is currently a pre-Doctoral Intern at Faulk Center For Counseling in Boca Rio, Florida. He is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate at Loyola University of Maryland and obtained his M.A. in Psychology from Columbia University. Avi’s clinical experiences at college clinics and outpatient mental health centers include anxiety, depressive, and personality disorders, as well as complicated grief, relationships, and various identity and developmental factors. His research interests include emerging-adult religious and spiritual identity. He is passionate about the mission of Refuat Hanefesh and spreading mental health education and awareness in an effort to ensure access to care for those who may need it. When he’s not working, he can be found rollerblading, playing music or ice hockey. Avi can be reached at avigordon@refuathanefesh.org
Latest posts by Avi Gordon, PsyD (see all)
- Thanksgiving: How To Say Thank You (When You Just Don’t Feel You Have Anything to Say Thank You For)? - November 20, 2018
- Chayei Sara: Positive Speech, Positive Mind - November 9, 2017
- The Who, What and Why of Personality Disorders - May 10, 2017
This week’s Torah portion (Chayei Sara) begins with “And this was the life of Sara, she lived…” and continues to explore some relevant details of Sara’s life. Commentators explain that this introduction to the new section of the Torah immediately follows Avraham’s attempt to sacrifice Yitzchak discussed in the previous Torah portion. Sara died Read More …
A sobering look at the life-changing effects parents can have on their children’s success even in the most hopeless situations.
Be cognizant that somebody acting out may be impacted by childhood trauma. We must not shy away from encouraging them to get the needed help in order to improve their lives.
Children with depression may not always seem sad; however, when asked directly, they are sometimes able to express that they feel sad or unhappy.
It’s the season of guilt for past misdeeds with the day of atonement quickly approaching. But, is this actually helpful for repentance?
Marriage Advisor at Refuat Hanefesh
Rabbi Dani Bauer, originally from Brooklyn, NY, earned a Bachelor’s of Talmudic Law at Yeshivat Sha'alvim in Israel and a Bachelor's in Psychology at Lander College for Men. He obtained Semicha at Yeshiva University and received an M.S. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli School of Education. He graduated from Council for Relationships with a postgraduate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Rabbi Bauer recently joined Bala Child and Family Associates, where he works in private practice and specializes in couples, families, and teens. In addition to private practice, Rabbi Bauer is also a full-time high school Rebbe at Kohelet Yeshiva High School in Philadelphia, where he has been teaching Gemara, Halacha, and Tanach since 2013. Along his journey, Rabbi Bauer also served as a rabbinic intern and youth director at the Roslyn Synagogue in Roslyn, New York.
Latest posts by Dani Bauer (see all)
- Communicating During Covid: a Look at How Covid Affects Our Relationships - January 31, 2021
- Yom HaZikaron (Rosh Hashana) – The Day of Remembrance: How Our Past Affects Our Future - September 28, 2019
- Freedom and Owning Our Insecurities - March 28, 2018
The Puffer Fish: A Study in Self-Preservation I recently saw a puffer fish at the aquarium. Famously, when a puffer fish senses danger, it puffs out to protect itself with its sharp thorn-like bristles. The fish can now protect itself and defend itself from predators. Possibly the most natural instinct is self-preservation. This innate proclivity Read More …
Dr. Ariel Mintz grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After spending two years learning in Israel, at Derech Eitz Chaim and Shaalivm, he earned his BA in Psychology at Yeshiva Univesity in New York. He went on to obtain his MD at Oakland University William Beaumont School of medicine and trained in adult psychiatry at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. He completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic and is a practicing psychiatrist in Cleveland, Ohio. He has received awards for his research, academic performance, and service to the Jewish community. He has a supportive and talented wife and three wonderful children. He is very passionate about destigmatizing mental illness and bringing comfort to those who are suffering.
Latest posts by Ariel Mintz, MD (see all)
- Mental Health in The Parsha: The Blessing of an Inflamed Nerve - December 3, 2020
- Mental Health in The Parsha: When Less is More - November 27, 2020
- Mind Games - February 24, 2019
This week’s Torah portion (Ki Teitzei), encourages us to not turn a blind eye towards the loss or destruction of another person’s possessions, even if that person is not a friend. Rather, one should act assertively to help save or recover those valuables. The Talmud extends this principle further to include saving one’s life. Read More …
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: bringing insights from organizing superstar Marie Kondo to the repentance season