Empowering the Next Generation of Trauma Specialists

Dr. Rivka Edery, Psy.D., L.C.S.W.

Creator of The U-Model™ Specializing in Complex Trauma, Military Psychology, and Clinician Resilience

From the Therapy Room to the Training Room

For more than 16 years I have worked at the deepest edges of human suffering - combat veterans with moral injury, survivors of childhood betrayal, and "impossible" cases that other therapists referred out.

What became undeniable: lasting healing rarely comes from one model alone. It emerges when Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) are woven together intentionally, predictably, and teachably.

That synthesis is The U-Model™ -  a clear, visual, session-by-session roadmap I developed so therapists no longer have to choose between depth and practicality, or between client transformation and their own well-being.

My new mission: Equip the next generation of trauma specialists with this map before burnout forces them out of the work they love.

Why The U-Model™ Changes Everything

Most IFS + ACT integration attempts remain conceptual. The U-Model™ is different:

• A single, cohesive framework that shows exactly when to use parts language and when to pivot to values/clarity work.
• Built-in safeguards that protect the therapist’s nervous system in high-intensity trauma work.
• Proven to move even the most dissociative or "stuck" clients into genuine post-traumatic growth.

Documented Impact (2023–2025)

• Trained 780+ Licensed Clinicians: Delivered trauma-informed training to 430+ social workers at the NASW-NC Conference and 350+ clinicians via A Home Within.

• IFS Institute Program Assistant: Providing direct mentorship and support to clinicians undertaking official Level 1 trainings.

• 2025 Recognition of Excellence: Awarded by the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) for significant contributions to the advancement of ACT in social work and the development of the U-Model™.

• 2025 Outstanding Service Award: Honored by A Home Within for developing high-quality, trauma-responsive Continuing Education (CE) curricula for volunteer therapists.

• Abstract Reviewer (Selected) | 2026 NASW National Conference Theme: Beyond the Breaking Point: Connection Through Purpose and Power Washington, D.C. (or Virtual) | Nov 2025 – Present

• Accredited Course Creator: Author of "Building Flexibility with ACT" (2025), an accredited online video course (APA, NBCC, ASWB) designed to help clinicians master ACT core processes. Available for purchase at PDR (Professional Development Resources).



• Scholarly Influence: Author of Trauma and Transformation: A 12-Step Guide and peer-reviewed articles cited in 172 scholarly papers.

How I Can Support Your Growth

1. Clinical Supervision & Consultation

• Credentials: Florida-approved Qualified Supervisor (LCSW).
• Format: Individual | Dyadic | Small-group.
• Specialized Focus: Complex PTSD, dissociation, moral injury, secondary trauma, and therapist self-leadership.

2. Continuing Education That Actually Changes Practice

• The U-Model™ Master Class: 6–12 CE hours (Live + On-Demand).
• IFS + ACT Integration Intensive: 12–18 CE hours.
• Custom Training: Agency and university workshops tailored to your team's needs.

3. The U-Model™ Certification Pathway (Limited Seats) A mentored, cohort-based program that transforms competent therapists into masterful trauma integrators.

• Recorded demonstrations.
• Live practice triads.
• Direct case review and feedback from me.

Is The U-Model™ Right For You?

If you are tired of...

• Piecing together models in your head mid-session.
• Feeling drained after every trauma case.
• Watching clients cycle through insight without real behavioral change.

...then The U-Model™ was built for you.

The map already exists. It’s clear. It’s teachable. It works. Let me put it in your hands.

→ Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation: rivkaedery.com → Join the waitlist for the next Certification Cohort: https://forms.gle/vj1yvMZvNLogTWC4A   → Explore courses and free resources: rivkaedery.com

Your clients deserve the best version of you. Let’s build that version - together.