Ortal is a doctoral student researching emotional work in therapy. Her doctoral research deals with the therapeutic techniques that EFT therapists apply in effective treatments for depression. The research examines a coding system for assessing the fidelity and competence of therapists in emotion-focused therapy.

Ortal is a psychotherapist, certified social worker, and instructor. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa. She is a certified therapist in EFT and CBT, and a graduate of Jungian analytical psychotherapy. She has clinical experience treating members of the security forces, and currently treats adolescents and adults in a private clinic.

Her research combines her clinical knowledge and experience with a research approach to advance understanding of effective therapeutic processes.