About us
A team from Gaza, working for the people of Gaza since 2005
CMBM Gaza is the Palestine office of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, the non-profit founded in Washington, D.C. by psychiatrist Dr. James S. Gordon.
Our story
How we began
Our work in Gaza began at the invitation of mental-health professionals overwhelmed by trauma. Since 2005 we have trained 1,500 clinicians, educators, women’s group leaders and community leaders in our model of self-care and group support, and they have brought mind-body skills to more than 280,000 children and adults.
Today the work is led by a local team of about 70 facilitators, supervisors and staff, under Country Director Dr. Jamil Abdel Atti and Clinical Manager Dr. Ramadan Helou, from our office in Deir al-Balah. Since October 2023 we have worked in shelters across the north, centre and south of the Strip.
Our work
What guides us
Our mission
That children and adults in Gaza have practical skills to care for themselves and for each other, learned in safe spaces and used in daily life.
Our vision
A more balanced and resilient community, where anyone who needs support finds someone nearby ready to offer it.
Our partners
We work with local and international partners
We work with the Ministries of Health, Education and Social Welfare, UNRWA, and about 200 local and international organisations.
Among our current partners
- Nuseirat Rehabilitation and Social Training Association
- Wefaq Society for Women and Child Care
- Family Development Association
- Al-Awda Community Health Association
- Taawon
- UK-Med
Our work is funded by Islamic Relief USA, UNICEF, Direct Relief, Lifting Hands International, Americares and individual donors.
The evidence
An approach backed by research
Studies published in peer-reviewed journals found that the Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s model can reduce by 80% or more the number of children, adolescents and adults who meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Our Country Director, Dr. Jamil Abdel Atti, co-authored two of them, published in 2011 and 2016.
Frequently asked questions
What are mind-body skills?
Simple practices that help calm the body, clear the mind and understand our feelings, such as soft belly breathing, meditation, guided imagery, movement, drawing and writing. Anyone can learn them and use them on their own, at any time.
Who can take part?
Everyone: children, women and men, and staff of humanitarian and health organisations. All our groups and workshops are open and free, and no previous experience is needed.
Is this psychotherapy?
Our groups are a space to learn and practise self-care skills with others, led by trained facilitators under clinical supervision. They do not replace specialist medical or psychological care for those who need it.
See what we offer
Workshops and groups for everyone, care for service providers, and facilitator training.