The seminars were geared for mentors and coaches from Bnei Brak, Elad, Modi'in Illit and Jerusalem, and hosted several esteemed speakers, who gave of their professional expertise to this assembly free of charge.

The first day opened with warm greetings from Chananya Chollak, International Chairman of Ezer Mizion, who praised the important work being done through the program by the coaches.

Ezer Mizion's Mental Health Rehab professional staff of psychologist and social workers each delivered a talk on matters pertaining to psychopathology. The subjects included a comprehensive survey of emotional illnesses, associated behaviors, treatment, and relevant statistics. The focus was placed on the emotional disturbances most commonly present in the people the audience works with: schizophrenia, anxieties, and compulsive disorders.

An enlightening lecture by one of the senior social workers gave the participants a broad overview of the history of care for the emotionally ill - up until the current development of the rehabilitative and restorative approach.

An important angle on the subject was covered by the next lecture, delivered by the coordinator of the Mental Health Rehab rehabilitative resources, who spoke about options for rehabilitating the emotionally ill in the chareidi sector. The talk afforded an opportunity for the mentors and coaches to engage the Mental Health Rehab Department representative in an open discussion on the subject of the rehabilitative approach as a whole, and the mentor/coach approach  in particular.

Dr. Tali Vichne, of the Sheba Mental Health Clinic at the Ma'ayanei Ha'yeshuah Hospital, delivered a fascinating talk on the topic of psychiatric treatment for the chareidi sector. Feedback from the lecture was extremely positive.

At the conclusion of the packed first day of the seminar, the audience split into two groups, the first group addressed by Mr. Yehudah Silver, who is a mental health counselor at Ezer Mizion, while the second group heard a talk on the subject of cognitive-behavioral treatment given by Ms. Rivka Zuckerman, who has led support groups for the mothers of emotionally ill children.

The mentors and coaches eagerly returned for the second day of professional lectures, at which four talks were given:

• Dr. Michael Bonzal, Director of the Sheba Mental Health Clinic on the subject of medication treatment for the mentally ill.
• Ms. Ruti Frischer, director of the Rehabilitation Department of the National Insurance Institute, who discussed her department's involvement in rehabilitation of the mentally ill.
• Ms. Orly Oren, professional director of the "She'kulo Tov" Organization, which provides employment services for the mentally ill in the community, on the important topic of occupational rehabilitation.

The last talk, and perhaps the one with the strongest impact, was delivered by Mr. David Harris, a gentleman who himself experienced bouts with mental illness, underwent rehabilitation, and who presently provides rehabilitative services as a coach under the auspices of Ezer Mizion's Mental Health Rehabilitation Services.

Mr. Harris candidly shared his experience, speaking about the surrounding challenges that come with the appearance of psychotic behavior: the friends who suddenly kept their distance, the stigma attached, the difficulties with shidduchim for his children (though his illness was definitely not hereditary). He described how extremely meticulous he must be in his workplace, since he is constantly under pressure to prove his normalcy. At the same time, he stressed how important it was for rehabilitated individuals to keep up their recommended medication regimen, in order to retain their progress.

Mr. Harris's words left a profound impression and gave those present a tremendous amount of encouragement. The men in the audience spontaneously came forward to shake his hand and express their acceptance of him and their appreciation for his words.

As an additional sidelight to the seminar, the refreshments for the day were proudly arranged by the girls from Ezer Mizion's rehabilitative kitchen, who tastefully set the tables, made the sandwiches, prepared lunch and served the food.

The feedback from the seminars was extremely positive, and provided the coaches/mentors with new direction, increased motivation and up-to-date information to strengthen them in their important work.