In this lab, we explored the historical background of collective trauma and resilience in Lebanon, how collective and trans-generational trauma influences the construction of identity and the process of ‘othering’ as well as the development of cultural architecture, how our use of language reflects and reinforces the contemporary effects of these traumas, how collective and trans-generational traumas manifest themselves in times of crisis (e.g. economic crisis, Covid-19, climate crises) and the possibility of coherent we-spaces and the process of witnessing collective and trans-generational trauma leading to integration.
People interested in supporting the collective consciousness of Lebanon were welcome.<br /> <br />
We identified key traumatic events and periods and their reverberations into today, what it is that seems ‘normal’ to us, but is a trauma consequence, and the traumas that are in the foreground (e.g. regional occupations, civil war, conflicts with Israel, Syrian occupation, economic crisis, political crisis, etc.). In the second step, we examined which cultural self-understandings and tendencies in Lebanese society can be traced back to collective trauma layers and trans-generational trauma transmission, which is visible and tangible. In doing so, we sought to find a balance between expanding our perception and respecting our limitations and their protective functions. <br /> <br /> We started with a group of 21 participants and completed with 17 participants. 2 located in Australia dropped out due to the timing already in the beginning. We met for 14 group sessions from January - December 2024. <br />
The laboratory brought together Lebanese participants residing in Lebanon, Lebanese individuals living abroad, and people from other countries with a particular interest in Lebanon—either due to geographical proximity, a connection with neighboring communities, or a deep sensitivity to its history.
The facilitation team was composed of a German, an Afghan, and an Argentine. The diversity of participants, along with their different experiences concerning Lebanon—whether as locals or as members of the diaspora—combined with the diversity of the facilitation team, became an invaluable resource. This diversity fostered a collective recognition of our shared vulnerability, deepening the experience for everyone involved.
From the very beginning, our group exhibited a heightened state of alertness, including concerns related to safety and trust, due to ongoing events and the war unfolding in the Middle East.
When the conflict between Israel and Lebanon escalated, we became acutely aware that we were working within the very fabric of a live collective trauma.
In these moments, the internal work of the facilitation team was crucial in holding the group together. The guiding principle—"We will be here, no matter what"—became a source of protection and reassurance, allowing participants to share their experiences with a sense of safety.
As the situation intensified, the group strengthened its cohesion, and each session became profoundly significant—not only for those living the war firsthand but also for the rest of the participants. The team responded by offering additional sessions and one-on-one support, which became an essential lifeline during particularly difficult moments.
One key realization was that the predefined structure of the sessions was no longer necessary. Instead, our role was to hold space and follow the organic movement that emerged in each gathering.
It was essential to remain open and hold space for moments of anger, pain, sadness, and helplessness as the war unfolded.
I found myself deeply curious, having to dismantle several preconceived notions I held. Witnessing the resilience that emerged in the face of hardship gave me a newfound appreciation for the strength, dignity, love for their land and ancestors, and the courage with which participants confronted the war.
The family stories shared within the group, along with the recognition of the strength with which ancestors had faced difficult circumstances—such as migration—brought depth and substance to our collective experience. Honoring these ancestral lineages helped ground the process. Additionally, beginning our meetings with music and references to Lebanon’s sacred sites allowed us to connect with the cultural roots of the land in a deeply embodied way.
This was a space where events were unfolding in real-time—the war was not a distant reality but an active presence within the group. Holding the space with awareness was crucial, allowing emotions and feelings to surface organically. This intentional holding of space fostered clarity, openness, and trust, which grew stronger with each session. A remarkable dynamic of mutual support emerged—not only among those living in Lebanon but also between members of the diaspora and participants with no Lebanese heritage who bore witness to the unfolding events. A warm current of solidarity flowed throughout the sessions. The strength and resilience demonstrated by those directly affected by the trauma of war were truly extraordinary.
A profound process of integration and transformation took place for all participants, including the facilitation team. From the outbreak of conflict in our very first session, the group moved through a journey of sharing experiences and processing intense emotions. In the early stages, triads provided a safe space for intimacy and trust. However, as the conflict escalated, it became necessary for the entire group to come together—to share what was arising emotionally and to attune to the sensations held in the body.
One of the most significant learnings was recognizing that "hot" collective traumas, while deeply intertwined with historical and social traumas, have their own distinct dynamic. They tether us intensely to the present moment, to the imperative of survival, and to the need for mutual care. A deepening of the ethics of care emerged—an awareness that required us to remain fully present, to bear witness to both our bodies and our emotions. Holding space unconditionally, without attempting to control the process but with careful attention and clarity, became an essential element in building trust—both in the process itself and within the group.
"What drew me was a deep curiosity to explore parts of the history of my country that I have never stopped nor dared to fully look at or feel. I am taking part to honor this longing I am currently feeling to reconnect to the land of my ancestors and to listen to a grief and anger we have never made space for."
"As the labs progress I sense a shift in awareness of the structure of collective trauma impact and the ways to attend to them. Being with others in a shared intention is a main part, as all collective topics seem hidden, yet affect all. The excitement at the beginning has turned into presence with and face what shows up. This move I find in myself and see happening with others and in the group. This is a very valid way for substantial change in our ways of engagement."
"This has been informative in how Frank was conducting the whole thing. The first session was the most intense but the great thing that happened is that people learned more about the reality of what was happening. Being in Lebanon and subject to Israeli war during this lab took it to the next level but I am so grateful for the connections made. I truly felt seen, heard and felt by others. This lab was a resilience resource for me during this difficult time."
"In the past two years, I have gained a profound understanding of viewing trauma through a collective lens. Over the past year, specifically through co-facilitating, I’ve learned how to effectively lead groups alongside other facilitators. I also learned to manage my own anxiety as a co-facilitator.... Being part of the Lebanon Lab was particularly impactful, as it highlighted how providing a collective space can be a powerful tool for addressing collective traumas, such as war."
"I feel a responsibility as a global citizen to participate in what is happening in the world through my personal awareness and collective presencing. Often we feel disconnected, unable to make a difference. The International Lab gives me a sense of taking action by doing compassionate service. It also allows me to feel into other global perspectives, history and hardships, and honor our differences. It also opens me to my own shadows in a group of people who are deeply committed, as I am."
"When the heart is open, when there is a willingness to pause, listen and empathize, then all judgement disappears. Then we are all connected, compassionate and curious. It's just about that single moment in which we feel the same. Then we perceive others. Time stands still. A space opens up... Indescribable, indescribable…"
Crisis Trauma Relief
Trauma-Informed Practice
Collective Trauma Integration
Community of Practice
Raising Awareness
Overview
What we do
Who we are
Підпишіться на наші інформаційні листи. Допоможіть нам зцілювати колективну травму та зменшувати негативні ефекти для нашої глобальної культури.
Frank Behrens 
English