REICHMAN UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES THE PEARL-ELLEN GORDON RESILIENCE CENTER

Dr. Pearl-Ellen Gordon

In the wake of the traumatic events of October 7th, 2023, Israel faces an unprecedented mental health crisis. The need for accessible, effective mental health care has never been greater, with public systems struggling to meet the demands of those grappling with anxiety, PTSD, and depression. In response, within the Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic at the School of Psychology, Reichman University is establishing the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center, a transformative initiative designed to address these urgent challenges.

The center honors the legacy of Dr. Pearl-Ellen Gordon (1943–2023), a compassionate and brilliant psychologist and psychoanalyst whose life’s work embodied the values of care, mentorship, and resilience.

HONORING DR. PEARL-ELLEN GORDON

Dr. Gordon was a leader in her field, known for her deep compassion, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to her patients and students. For her, psychoanalysis was not just a profession but a calling. She maintained a thriving private practice for decades, touching countless lives with her insightful and empathetic care.

A passionate teacher and mentor, Dr. Gordon founded and led the Child and Adolescent Treatment Center at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP). Under her leadership, the ICP advanced its mission to train therapists and provide accessible, affordable care. In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Gordon was a devoted mother, grandmother, sibling and friend.

Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, she graduated summa cum laude from Wellesley College and earned her PhD from New York University, ultimately becoming a proud lifelong New Yorker. Her unwavering Zionism and dedication to advancing mental health care now find a permanent home in the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center at Reichman University.

The center’s founding contribution comes from The Allan S. Gordon Foundation, ensuring Dr. Gordon’s legacy lives on through the advancement of trauma care, mental health training, and resilience research in Israel.

A Model For Care And Training

The Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center builds upon Reichman University’s successful emergency response initiative–led through its Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic and School of Psychology–which has fielded over 2,500 calls and provided more than 1,000 critical interventions following the events of October 7th. It will implement a stratified care model, combining evidence-based interventions with advanced training for mental health professionals.

Key features of the center’s operation:

• Undergraduate psychology students will provide initial supportive interventions supervised by experienced faculty.

• Graduate students and clinical interns will deliver specialized interventions, including advanced therapy and group counseling.

• Clinical supervisors and professionals will ensure quality care, supported by a consulting psychiatrist, administrative staff, and IT specialists.

This multi-tiered approach allows the center to deliver comprehensive care while equipping the next generation of mental health professionals with practical experience.

Comprehensive Training And Community Impact

The center’s training program emphasizes Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The curriculum includes:

• Basic training for undergraduate students: Foundational skills in emotional regulation, communication, and decision-making during crises.

• Advanced training for graduate students and interns: Intensive practicum in IPT and CBT, supplemented with specialized instruction in suicide prevention and group therapy facilitation.

• Community training programs: Targeting teachers, religious leaders, and military reserve officers, these programs will equip community figures with basic mental health support skills, fostering a more resilient society.

Research And Sustainability

The Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center, as part of the Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic, will prioritize implementation science, focusing on validating its care model, optimizing treatment protocols, and analyzing cost-effectiveness. Insights gained will inform best practices for other institutions worldwide.

To ensure financial sustainability, the center will diversify its funding through grants, training programs, and research collaborations, building on The Allan S. Gordon Foundation’s initial contribution. Ongoing contributions from philanthropic partners, organizations, and individuals will be essential to expanding the center’s programs and maintaining its transformative impact on mental health care in Israel.

A Lasting Legacy

Through its innovative care model, dedication to training, and commitment to research, the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center aims to transform mental health care in Israel. Honoring Dr. Gordon’s legacy, the center integrates her professional values with her deep Zionist convictions, leaving a lasting impact on the mental health field and the broader community.

According to Dr. Rony Pshedetzky, Director of the Center and the Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic, “The Center, made possible by this generous donation, comes at a critical time as Israel faces immense challenges since October 7th. By combining clinical expertise with innovative outreach programs, we’re creating a model that can help communities build psychological resilience in times of crisis and beyond. This visionary gift enables us to develop comprehensive mental health support systems when our society needs them most.”

Prof. Anat Brunstein-Klomek, Dean of the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, stated, “At the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Center, we are bringing our vision of fostering psychological resilience in Israel to life. The support of The Allan S. Gordon Foundation enables us to implement innovative programs that build emotional and interpersonal strength during and after the Iron Swords War.”

This initiative reflects Reichman University’s commitment to healing and resilience. It provides hope and support to those who need it most while shaping the next generation of mental health professionals.