Episode 106. Dr. Orli Peter Trauma response and PTSD in the Middle East

One Thing with Dr. Adam Rinde

In this episode of the One Thing podcast, Dr. Peter discusses the profound impact of her father's experiences as a Holocaust survivor on her life and career as a trauma psychologist.

The conversation delves into the effects of generational trauma, the physiological and psychological responses to significant traumatic events, and the steps taken to aid survivors of the recent October 7th attacks in Israel. Dr. Peter highlights her work with the Israel Healing Initiative, emphasizing the importance of neurostimulation in trauma treatment and her ongoing efforts to provide support across affected communities, including Jewish, Palestinian, Bedouin, and Druze populations. The discussion includes poignant survivor stories and touches upon the broader implications of trauma within a global context. The conversation highlights, stories of heroism during October 7, the importance of social support, the difference between real trauma and perceived trauma, and the need for practical solutions to promote post-traumatic growth. The episode provides invaluable knowledge on trauma response, the use of vagal nerve stimulation, neurostimulation, and ways to support continued efforts in mitigating trauma's impact on both Israeli and Palestinian communities.

Here are some of the topics we cover:

• Father's Journey and Influence
• 9/11 and Global Reactions
• Understanding Trauma and PTSD
• October 7th Events and Initial Reactions
• Personal Stories of Survival
• Neurostimulation and Trauma Treatment
• Scaling Up Nonprofit Efforts
• Treating Trauma with Vagus Nerve Stimulators
• Personal Stories of Trauma and Healing
• Understanding the Physical Impact of Trauma
• The Role of Neurostimulation in Post-Traumatic Growth
• Supporting the Israel Healing Initiative

About Dr. Peter:

As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Dr. Peter has devoted her three-decade career to providing specialized treatment to survivors worldwide. Her experience spans diverse communities, including Iranian refugees, residents of the Qalandia refugee camp, and individuals from Arab, Druze, and Jewish Israeli backgrounds in the aftermath of the war. She has also provided support to witnesses of the 9/11 attacks.

Previously holding the role of associate professor of psychology at Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles, Dr. Peter oversaw the Psychology Graduate Programs and served as acting Chair of the Psychology Department.

Dr. Peter’s academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley, followed by three postdoctoral fellowships in clinical psychology, social psychology, and neuropsychology. Her dedication led to diplomate status in Clinical Psychology from the American Board of Psychological Specialties. Her expertise is deepened by her studies with pioneers in the field of Interpersonal Neurobiology, such as UCLA professors Allan Schore and Dan Siegel. This expertise allows her to effectively apply these principles in helping traumatized individuals regulate their emotions.

Her certification in Homeland Security by the American Board of Psychological Specialties speaks to her expertise in trauma-related research and treatment. Her consultancy with the RAND Corporation on terrorism research demonstrates her commitment to understanding and addressing the psychological impact of traumatic events.

Dr. Peter is the Vice President of Free Hearts Free Minds, an organization that provides trauma counseling and support to free-thinking ex-Muslims who have faced or are at risk of persecution from their families or communities.

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