In a testament to its ongoing collaboration with German institutions, the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at Tareq Ahmad Al-Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences – Bethlehem University took part in a specialized workshop on Mood and Affective Disorders, held in Amman, Jordan, from May 19 to 21, 2025. The workshop was organized by Zentrum ÜBERLEBEN, in cooperation with the Society for Sustainable Change for Development (SCD), and brought together professionals from across the region for three days of intensive training and exchange.
Representing Bethlehem University, Mr. Anan Ghabbash, Chairperson of the Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy participated in the workshop, which provided a comprehensive overview of mood disorders, including their classification, prevalence, and diagnostic approaches. Particular focus was given to depressive disorders and contemporary psychiatric evaluation methods.
One of the workshop’s core components was training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with sessions covering behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training. Special emphasis was placed on managing complex and difficult cases during therapeutic sessions, offering participants practical strategies to apply in clinical settings.
The workshop also served as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing participants from varied professional backgrounds to exchange insights, share experiences, and build connections. Mr. Ghabbash noted the value of this interaction, describing the workshop as both scientifically enriching and practically empowering.
“This experience has significantly deepened my understanding of mood and affective disorders, while also enhancing my clinical and therapeutic skills,” Mr. Ghabbash remarked. “It was a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts and colleagues from across the region.”
This initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to professional development and international collaboration, and marks another step in Bethlehem University’s broader mission to promote high-quality education and holistic health care services across Palestine.
