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Yael Ben-Yosef, MSc, LMFT

Yael Ben-Yosef is an internationally respected relationship therapist, conflict resolution strategist, and licensed marriage & family therapist with more than 18 years of clinical and academic experience. She specializes in evidence-based interventions for couples experiencing chronic conflict, emotional disconnection, and communication breakdown. Yael’s work integrates cognitive-behavioral frameworks, attachment-based therapy, conflict negotiation models, and intercultural communication research, offering comprehensive support for couples and families worldwide. Her publications, large-scale studies, and global educational initiatives have positioned her as a leading authority in relationship conflict prevention and healthy communication.

Specialization

  • Conflict Resolution in Relationships
  • Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Communication Strategies for Couples
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Intercultural and Cross-Cultural Conflict Patterns
  • Trauma-Informed Relationship Counseling

Education

  • 2002–2006: BA in Sociology & Behavioral Sciences, Tel Aviv University
  • 2006–2008: MSc in Marriage and Family Therapy, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • 2011–2012: Advanced Certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)

Professional Experience

  • 2008–2013: Couples Therapist, Jerusalem Family Counseling Center
  • 2013–2018: Senior Conflict Resolution Specialist, Middle East Relationship Research Institute
  • 2018–Present: Director of Clinical Research & Relationship Education, Global Partnership for Healthy Communication
  • Consultant for UNESCO, WHO, and private organizations on relationship conflict mitigation

Selected Scientific Publications

  • Ben-Yosef, Y. (2021). “De-Escalation Models for High-Conflict Couples: A Longitudinal Study of 512 Relationships.” Journal of Couple & Family Psychology, 28(3), 245–271.
  • Ben-Yosef, Y. (2019). “Conflict Patterns Across Cultures: Communication Barriers and Resolution Frameworks.” International Review of Relationship Science, 14(2), 99–130.
  • Ben-Yosef, Y., & Clarke, M. (2017). “Attachment-Based Mediation Techniques for Couples with Trauma Histories.” Global Journal of Family Therapy, 6(1), 51–78.

Research Case Studies & Results

  • Case Study 1: “High-Conflict Couples Intervention Program” (2018–2020)
    After implementing a structured 12-week communication and negotiation protocol among 142 couples with chronic conflict, results showed:
    • 61% reduction in emotional escalation during disagreements
    • 47% increase in perceived relationship satisfaction
    • 33% reduction in conflict recurrence within 6 months
  • Case Study 2: “Cross-Cultural Conflict Perception Study” (2015–2017)
    A comparative study involving couples from Israel, Canada, and South Korea identified three universal predictors of relationship conflict:
    • Communication avoidance
    • Mismatched emotional expression styles
    • Unresolved micro-resentments
  • Case Study 3: “Digital Mediation Tools for Couples” (2020–2023)
    Developed and evaluated an AI-assisted communication feedback tool:
    • 82% of participants reported improved clarity during conflict discussions
    • 74% reduction in “communication stagnation” events

Key Quotes from Yael Ben-Yosef

“Conflict isn’t the problem — emotional disconnection is. When partners learn to speak the same emotional language, conflict becomes a bridge, not a wall.”
“Resolution begins when both partners stop defending their wounds and start understanding their partner’s fears.”

Professional Memberships

  • International Association for Relationship Research (IARR)
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
  • European Family Therapy Association (EFTA)
  • International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)

Participation in International Projects

  • Lead Researcher, UNESCO “Global Conflict Resolution Education Initiative” (2019–2022)
  • Program Director, WHO “Healthy Relationships for Young Couples” (2018–2021)
  • Consulting Therapist, EU “Intercultural Relationship Stability Project” (2016–2018)

Educational Program Development

  • Creator of the “CALM Framework” for conflict de-escalation (used in 11 countries)
  • Developer of the “Couples Communication Mastery” global online program (over 38,000 participants)
  • Integrator of trauma-informed conflict prevention modules into pre-marital education curricula

Interviews, Lectures & Podcasts

  • Speaker at TEDxTelAviv: “The Science of Staying Connected During Conflict” (2021)
  • Guest expert on “The Relationship Lab Podcast”
  • Interviewed by BBC World News on conflict prevention strategies for couples
  • Lecturer at international conferences in Berlin, Toronto, and New York

Unique Values & Experience

Yael brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, research-driven insights, and intercultural relationship experience. Having worked with couples from over 40 countries, she deeply understands the cultural nuances that shape conflict dynamics. Her evidence-based interventions prioritize empathy, emotional literacy, and long-term relational resilience.

Articles by Yael Ben-Yosef

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