Coping with Demons of War: A Novel about Combat PTSD - Tapa blanda

Based on actual events during Israel’s wars, Dr. Ari DeLevie’s novel describes in vivid detail twelve group therapy sessions with eight war veterans. Each of these young men—some single, others married, some already fathers—has his own unique story, and they all suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their symptoms span the entire range, including avoidance behaviors, startle reactions to noises, nightmares, flashbacks, and irritability. Some are unable to make friends or any social connections whatsoever. All agree that they are no longer who they used to be.

Get to know Ron, Sergei, Avi, Uri, Ido, Yariv, Yossi, and Gil. Your heart will go out to them, as they express their struggles and experiences. And you’ll root for their recovery during the therapeutic methods they undergo that are designed to alleviate their suffering. Though it is set in Israel, their stories and circumstances apply to soldiers and their loved ones in any country touched by war.

“The treatment of PTSD is complex and difficult,” writes Dr. Ofir Levi, lieutenant colonel and director of the Israel Defense Forces’ Unit for Combat Reactions. “This book, based on the rich experience of the author...offers a unique and substantial contribution.”

Dr. Ari DeLevie is a clinical psychologist with forty years of experience treating children, couples, families, and trauma patients, both individually and in groups. He was born and raised in Israel, earned a degree in occupational therapy from Hadassah in Jerusalem, and has helped rehabilitate soldiers and civilians injured in war. He has also worked with Israeli and US veterans suffering combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After moving to the United States, he earned a doctorate in psychology from Columbia University. He is past president of the Westchester County Psychological Association and recipient of the Distinguished Psychologist Award. He has published widely, lectured worldwide, and taught at New York University—all in the field of psychology.

Dr. DeLevie enjoys writing, oil painting, sketching, and sculpting. Other hobbies include designing and building furniture, children’s toys, and other household items. He is fluent in English, Hebrew, and German.