Clinical Credentials & Professional Impact



SECTION I


Executive Summary: The Mechanics of Integration


Dr. Rivka Edery specializes in the operational synthesis of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). By identifying the specific mediators of change within complex trauma recovery, she developed The U-Model™ - a proprietary framework that provides a precise, visual protocol for transitioning clients from trauma-mediated shutdown to psychological flexibility.


Her work is defined by a data-driven approach to clinician resilience and patient outcomes, moving beyond traditional "patchwork" therapy toward a unified, process-based methodology.


Key Performance & Clinical Metrics


Clinical Scope: 16+ years of specialized practice; 500+ clients served with a 70–85% documented improvement in trauma-related symptoms.


Professional Education: Developed and delivered accredited CE curricula to 780+ licensed professionals with a 95% satisfaction rating.


Scholarly Influence: Research and publications cited in 172 peer-reviewed works, focusing on attachment theory, disorganized attachment styles, and process-based integration.


Institutional Recognition: 2025 honors from the ACBS (Excellence in Social Work) and A Home Within (Outstanding Service in Trauma Training).



The U-Model™: Structural Framework


The U-Model™ serves as a technical bridge between the non-pathologizing inquiry of IFS and the functional-behavioral mechanics of ACT. It is engineered to target specific clinical markers:


  1. Internal Systems Navigation: Structured exploration of parts-work and Self-leadership.
  2. Behavioral Flexibility: Applied processes of acceptance, defusion, and values-based committed action.
  3. Empirical Alignment: Anchored in the "Death Star Project" meta-analysis (Hayes et al., 2020) to ensure interventions align with verified mediators of psychological change.



Curriculum Vitae (Abridged)


Academic Foundations


Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) | California Southern University (2022)

Focus: Clinical Psychology & Attachment Theory (Summa Cum Laude)

Honors: Inductee, Golden Key International Honour Society (Top 15% of graduates)


Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) | Fordham University (2009)

Specialization: Research Methodology


Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | Thomas Edison State University (2006)

Major: Social Science / History

Honors: Arnold Fletcher Award for Exceptional Achievement



Licensure & Certifications


  1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.): New York, Virginia, Florida.
  2. Qualified LCSW Supervisor: Florida (2025–Present).
  3. IFS Level 1 Trained: Internal Family Systems Institute.
  4. M-RAS: Master-Level Relapse Prevention Specialist.



Professional Appointments & Leadership


2026 NASW National Conference:  Appointed as a Technical Abstract Reviewer, evaluating scholarly submissions to ensure clinical rigor and alignment with the conference's trauma-informed objectives.


Military Command (OCONUS/CONUS):  Provide high-level briefings on clinical excellence and service delivery models.


ACBS Foundation:  Grant Reviewer, assessing research proposals for scientific merit and alignment with contextual behavioral science.


A Home Within: Lead Continuing Education Instructor responsible for the architectural design and delivery of accredited trauma-responsive curricula for licensed professionals, with a consistent instructional presence and scheduled programming.


IFS Institute (2025–Present):  Program Assistant, facilitating clinical training and ethical application for Level 1 trainees.



SECTION II


Academic Service & Peer Review


Grant Reviewer | Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) Foundation (2024–Present)


In my role as a Grant Reviewer, I evaluate research proposals at the intersection of Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) and real-world clinical application. Rather than just checking boxes, I provide detailed, actionable feedback that pushes the boundaries of mental health research. My focus is on helping scholars refine their methodology to ensure their findings can be translated into effective, evidence-based tools for the clinicians actually doing the work.




Conference Planning & Scientific Contribution


I serve as a recurring member of the international and national review committees for the field’s most influential gatherings. In this capacity, I curate the research agenda by evaluating oral and poster presentations, ensuring that selected scholarship maintains the highest standards of clinical rigor and process-based innovation.


  • 2026 NASW National Conference (Washington, D.C.): Appointed as a Technical Abstract Reviewer, evaluating nationwide scholarly submissions to ensure clinical rigor and alignment with the national conference’s trauma-informed objectives.


  • 2026 ACBS World Conference (Lyon, France): Technical Reviewer for the International Scientific Committee, evaluating research submissions for the upcoming global gathering.


  • 2025 ACBS World Conference (New Orleans, USA): Scientific Reviewer for the World Conference program.


  • 2024 ACBS World Conference (Buenos Aires, Argentina): Peer Reviewer for global CBS research and clinical abstracts.


  • 2023 ACBS World Conference (Nicosia, Cyprus): Ad Hoc Reviewer for specialized clinical presentations.



International Thesis & Journal Peer Review


I am frequently invited to provide technical oversight for scholarly publications and advanced research degrees, ensuring that emerging data meet the rigorous standards of our field.


Macquarie University (Australia): Invited Reviewer for a Master of Research thesis (Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences) exploring the mediating role of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in childhood trauma and psychosis.


University of Swansea (UK): Clinical Consultant and Reviewer for an ACT-based mobile health application tailored for military veterans navigating PTSD and gambling disorders.


Journal Peer Review: Journal of Mental Health and Well-Being (Academia.edu) and Journal of Education, Society, and Behavioral Science.



Military Leadership & Advocacy


Military in ACBS Special Interest Group (SIG): Served as Member at Large (2023), advocating for veteran-specific CBS initiatives and expanding the reach of military-focused mental health support globally.



Primary Publications


  1.  Between Self and Parts: A 30-Day Journey with The U-Model™  (Edery House Press, 2025).
  2. Trauma and Transformation: A 12-Step Guide  (2013).
  3. "Disorganized Attachment Style," EC Psychology and Psychiatry (2023).



Professional Affiliations


  1. American Psychological Association (APA)
  2. Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) – Military SIG
  3. British Psychological Society (BPS)
  4. Inaugural Member, IFS Consultation Collective


Clinical Contact & Resources


To access the U-Model™ Certification Cohort waitlist, sign up here:  https://forms.gle/vj1yvMZvNLogTWC4A 


For general inquiries, visit:  www.rivkaedery.com, or email:  redery@rivkaedery.com