From Trauma to Triumph

Israeli clinical psychologist Yotam Dagan has spent much of his career specializing in trauma. However, rather than focusing solely on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he has turned his attention to the nature of post-traumatic growth. The shift in focus reflects his belief that, while trauma undeniably leaves lasting scars, it can also be an opportunity for profound personal growth.

He has observed that people often take one of two distinct paths following traumatic experiences. Whether it’s a car accident, rape, or the horrors of war, some individuals allow their trauma to dominate their identity.

Others, however, consciously decide, “I will not let this dictate who I am.” Such individuals refuse to be defined by their trauma, choosing instead a path of resilience and growth.

The Power of Choice

Dagan's approach to trauma recovery is rooted in the philosophy that while we may not choose our circumstances, we have the power to choose our response. Such a mindset, he finds, is crucial in transforming trauma from a debilitating force into a catalyst for personal growth.

Dagan is deeply empathetic to the pain that trauma inflicts. He often describes trauma as a "transparent wound"—invisible to the naked eye, yet profoundly real in the suffering it causes. For him, the critical question is not whether trauma will impact someone’s life, but rather how they choose to respond to it.

Over the years, Dagan has embraced the philosophy of existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre, who argued that while we may not choose our circumstances, we have the power to choose our response to them. As Dagan puts it, “A person can think, ‘OK, game over, I’m going to be a victim,’ or ‘OK, what can I learn from this, how can I grow from this?’”

He doesn’t explicitly align himself with any one philosophy, but his approach echoes the Buddhist idea that "attitude is everything."

From Soldier to Civilian in 25 Minutes

Dagan’s insights are rooted in personal experience. In 2002, he was part of a reserve unit of the Israeli Defense Forces involved in hostage negotiations during Operation Defensive Shield. After hours of heavy fire and a tense standoff, his team was extracted by an Israeli armored personnel carrier (APC).

The APC transported him from the area of active shooting on the West Bank to the territory of Israel. From where the APC deposited him to his home was a 25 minutes drive.

The abrupt transition from life-threatening situation to everyday realities of civilian life was a pivotal moment for him. Unlike American soldiers who’ve been under fire and who often spend weeks or even months with counseling before returning to their homes, Dagan had to make th transition in mere minutes. He had to confront his trauma head-on, without the luxury of time to process his experiences gradually.

Choosing Growth Over Despair

As a psychotherapist helping others navigate the aftermath of traumatic experiences, Dagan often reflects on his own rapid transition from soldier to civilian. His experiences have heightened his awareness of the immediacy of trauma and the importance of finding a way to move forward. For Dagan, it’s not just about surviving trauma; it’s about choosing to thrive despite it.

Dagan’s philosophy is clear: While trauma can shape one’s identity, it doesn’t have to define it. He encourages his patients to find strength in their darkest moments, using their experiences as a catalyst for positive change.