It is with profound sadness that we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Edna Foa of Philadelphia, an Israeli-American psychologist whose groundbreaking work transformed the understanding and treatment of trauma and anxiety disorders worldwide.
Dr. Foa was a towering figure in the fields of psychology and psychotherapy. Through her pioneering research, particularly in exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, she helped shape modern approaches to treating conditions such as PTSD and severe anxiety. Her work at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety became a cornerstone for innovation, training, and compassionate care, influencing clinicians and researchers across the globe.
A longtime leader within the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Dr. Foa’s contributions were widely recognized, including receiving the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. Her influence extended far beyond awards—she mentored generations of professionals, shaping not only their careers but the future of trauma treatment itself.
Those who worked alongside her remember not only her brilliance, but her humanity. She was known for her sharp intellect, her candid honesty, and her deep commitment to helping others. Even in recent years, she remained active—teaching, consulting, and traveling between the United States and Israel, continuing to share her knowledge and passion. She believed strongly that effective treatments should belong to the world, helping as many people as possible find relief from suffering.
Dr. Foa also leaves behind a vast academic family—hundreds of students, colleagues, and collaborators who carry forward her work—as well as her children, friends, and loved ones who will cherish her memory.
Her passing is a tremendous loss, but her legacy endures in every life improved through the therapies she helped develop, in every clinician she trained, and in every breakthrough she inspired.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who were touched by her extraordinary life.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her work continue to guide and heal generations to come.
