03/26/2026
Over the past few days, I’ve seen an outpouring of posts honoring the impact of Dr. Edna Foa— stories of mentorship, collaboration, and her deep investment in training others. It’s a powerful testament to the reach of her work and the countless clinicians and researchers she shaped along the way. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.
Her groundbreaking contributions transformed the treatment of trauma and anxiety, but their significance extends even further — offering a framework for understanding human resilience more broadly, and how people heal, adapt, and move forward.
Dr. Foa was a visionary, and someone who never lost sight of the individual journey of healing. To say that I draw on her work every day is not an understatement — and I know I’m far from alone in that.
Her legacy will continue to live on in the field she helped build and in the lives of so many who have found their way forward because of it.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Edna Foa, a true giant in the field of traumatic stress.
Dr. Foa’s groundbreaking work transformed the understanding and treatment of trauma-related disorders, leaving an enduring impact on clinicians, researchers, and countless individuals worldwide. ISTSS was honored to count her as a longtime member, former Board member, and wise leader and mentor. Dr. Foa played a vital role in shaping the mission and work of ISTSS. Her extraordinary contributions were recognized with the ISTSS Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and all who were touched by her work.
