THE VIKTOR FRANKL INSTITUTE OF LOGOTHERAPY IN ISRAEL
The Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy in Israel is one of many logotherapy training institutes worldwide. The VFIL in Israel is registered with the VFI of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis in Vienna.
Logotherapy, created by Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) - psychiatrist, neurologist and Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning is a way to help people deal with life’s problems in a healthy and successful way. Besides being a theory of psychology, logotherapy is a perception of self and a philosophy of life. Rather than working in the area of thoughts, emotions or behaviors, logotherapy helps create a shift in perspective. It is not what we experience that determines our quality of life but our attitude towards our experience that makes the main difference.
Logotherapy is applicable for a wide range of life challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, illness, addictions, phobias and relationship issues.
What makes logotherapy unique is its perception of what it means to be human and its philosophy of life. The way we see ourselves and the attitude we choose towards life strongly impacts how we treat ourselves and others.
Logotherapy is based on the assumption that we do not live merely to survive but we want our lives to have meaning and purpose. Furthermore, logotherapy posits that there is always meaning to be found. By relating to whatever happens with dignity, courage and compassion, we discover that no matter what happens, despite war and social unrest, regrets about the past and uncertainty about the future, there is always meaning to our existence. Moreover, we do not need to strive for happiness or “positive thinking.” Happiness is the natural and authentic outcome of living a life that is aligned with our values. At the heart of logotherapy is not self-actualization but self-transcendence. By having a “what for” beyond ourselves to live for, we live a rich and meaningful life.
We are here for a reason, and we are questioned by life. Each individual is unique and irreplaceable. Every moment in life is a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to fully experience life. We have unique tasks to perform, and we are responsible for shaping our own lives.
Therefore, the benefit of the logotherapeutic approach is that it helps us to see that we do and can make a difference in the world. Logotherapy helps us to learn to accept that there are things we cannot change, so that we put our energy and focus into what we can change. Furthermore, we have not been determined by our past. We look to the past for lessons to learn that orient us towards a better future. Logotherapy empowers us with response-ability, i.e. the ability to respond to our inner voice of wisdom and to the values that call us and not merely react emotionally. Logotherapy helps us to find a strong enough reason to make the necessary sacrifice and put in the effort required to achieve our meaningful goals. Logotherapy teaches us to transcend our ego wants for the sake of people we love and values that make life worth living.
The program includes three levels, Introductory, Advanced and Diplomate. The Introductory level (6 weeks) is geared towards personal enrichment, and is designed for professionals and non-professionals alike, focusing on the application of Logotherapy in to day-to-day life.
The Advanced training (6 months) is an intensive training in the application of Logotherapy in professional settings. It includes case supervision, and it incorporates tools and techniques to enhance counseling skills. The course is designed to advance the helping professional in his or her field, including education, psychotherapy, pastoral counseling, coaching, conventional and holistic health or any of the allied helping professions.
The Diplomate level (1 – 2 years) involves independent research and further intensive study designed to deepen skills and contribute to the field of Logotherapy.
Classes take place online in small groups of 5 – 10 participants, to assure maximum interactive discussion.
Students have participated from: UK, South Africa, Slovakia, Canada, US, India, Germany, Hong Kong, Philippines, Greece, Netherlands, Venezuela, Egypt, Nigeria, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Romania, Portugal, Zimbabwe, Finland, Croatia, Mauritius, Switzerland, Singapore, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Jordan, Luxemburg.
Some points about what makes my Logotherapy course unique, based mostly on feedback from students:
"Batya is a very passionate and compassionate teacher and human being. Batya consistently conveys a sense of caring about her students and about the material. Batya gives a lot of personal attention, and gives of her time freely to answer questions and give supervision. Every question is answered fully, until Batya is sure that it is understood. She “walks her talk.” She gives generously of her time offline and this gives students the feeling that they are part of a family or community of sorts."
"Batya is extremely approachable and very insightful. She is very patient and encouraging and meets students where they are, speaking to each person at their level of understanding. She has a keen eye for details and is always open to new ideas."
"Batya gives very helpful summaries. For example, when students were struggling to understand a particular book, she summarized the whole book for them."
"Batya creates an atmosphere in which students feel comfortable expressing themselves and feel free to share and learn from each other."
Students love the global experience and being able to meet and learn from the different perspectives and insights of people from a great variety of cultures and backgrounds.
Long-time therapists feel that no matter which approach they are using, taking Batya’s course has enriched their professional life. They feel that Logotherapy is the one thing that has been missing from their therapy training, because it addresses and strengthens the spiritual part of the person.
Batya helps people reflect on their lives more deeply, so that they feel better equipped to deal with every situation. The course helps people to develop deeper understanding of human nature, gives them better listening skills and empathy and is conveyed in a way that they can easily apply the ideas as a practical tool to live life meaningfully.
Students who complete the course are transformed. They say something like “I used to feel bad when someone said no to me but now I realize that whatever happens in life is happening for a reason and I can accept it and realize something is meant to be that way and I don’t have to react.”
The following four dates are different options for an Open House to try out the Introductory course before committing yourself. A group that wishes to continue will then continue from that date for the next consecutive five weeks. Registration is by sending an email to [email protected]
Each of these options is free of charge for the first meeting and if you wish to continue the cost is $350.
January 25 from 6-8 PM Israel time
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
January 26, from 3-5 PM Israel time
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
January 26, from 5-7 PM Israel time
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
January 30 from 4-6 PM Israel time
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Batya Yaniger, PsyD; LSW
Logotherapy training, counseling, enrichment
https://www.themeaningseeker.org/
https://logotherapy.org.il/
Call us : 02-993-3336 054-454-1481
