Genocide in Gaza: An Ethical Challenge for Systemic Therapists

Abstract

In this paper we explore how a particular event—a genocidal war on Gaza—constitutes a rupture point, creating profound perturbations at many levels; for professional communities, as well as for citizens of the world. We argue that it requires systemic therapists to hold up to scrutiny some core conceptual frameworks and to rethink therapeutic responses. We address the question of how systemic frameworks can be utilised to analyse this unfolding catastrophe and the processes driving it, but we also argue that some are inadequate or evasive in grappling with the ethical questions which confront us. Given the scale of suffering, we raise questions about how to extend the parameters of our understandings of trauma and we explore what therapeutic approaches might possibly be of use. We share the ways in which colleagues in Gaza—through ongoing practices of psychological survival—continue to inform and enrich us. We explore the question of what responsibilities systemic therapists should assume and we give an example of work with a team in Gaza which includes witnessing, narrative and liberation psychology practices. We allude to how the war on Gaza impacts upon relationships with professional colleagues and within our agencies.