The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) recently held its annual awards ceremony at the Annual Conference in Louisville, KY. While not all of the recipients were able to attend in person, the virtual stream made it possible for people to watch from the comfort of their homes as they were honored. This year’s awards ceremony was especially notable, as there were numerous exceptional nominees. A huge thank you to the awards committee who had the difficult task of selecting the winners from among the nominees. With a wealth of articles and books submitted for consideration, the awards committee had their work cut out for them in choosing the most deserving recipients and reading all the books and articles for consideration
Richard P. Kluft Best Article Award
In 2014 the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation publisher, Taylor and Francis established the Richard P. Kluft Award for Best Article. Thank you to the review committee for their work to determine the winner of this year’s award.
This year’s winners are Daphne Simeon and Frank W. Putnam for their article Pathological Dissociation in The National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R): Prevalence, Morbidity, Comorbidity, and Childhood Maltreatment.
This paper was repeatedly nominated because the field of dissociative disorders (DD) needs more research about the prevalence of those disorders utilizing data from well-known and respectable databases such as the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Their results (of 4.1%) indicate that the prevalence of DD is considerable and that the clinical profile of those individuals suggest marked impairment. Additionally, the finding of a robust relationship between childhood maltreatment and DD in a national sample is clearly a confirmation that DD are intimately related to traumatic stress.
2023 ISSTD Fellows
To be considered for Fellow status, a person must have been a member for at least five years of ISSTD and must present evidence of outstanding contributions to the field of dissociation in two or more of the following categories:
- Outstanding clinical work, teaching or research regarding dissociation and dissociative disorders, demonstrated by scientific publications, presentations, consultative work, or wide recognition by peers;
- Outstanding contributions to the ISSTD or its component groups, through serving as officers, on committees or task forces, organizing programs or meetings, contribution to newsletters, or similar activities;
- Outstanding administrative contributions evidenced by developing programs for treatment of dissociative disorders or for teaching or research concerning dissociation;
- Outstanding accomplishments in informing the public at large concerning dissociation and dissociative disorders through contributions in the media, publication, political advocacy, or membership on advisory panels.
Theresa Albini
Theresa Albini joined ISSTD in 1984 and has been an active member of the organization throughout its multiple iterations of name changes and the evolution of knowledge in the field of dissociative disorders and complex trauma. Her long-standing dedication to the advocacy, and training of mental health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of dissociative disorders in children, adolescents and adults is reflected in an array of clinical practice settings and community mental health programs under her directorship.
Over her 38 years as an ISSTD member, Theresa has served on numerous ISSTD committees and has been a regular presenter at professional conferences, including ISSTD. She has publications in Dissociation and Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. Theresa has conducted workshops and training seminars in a variety of community mental health treatment settings, over the course of her career, and currently has a private practice in Chicago. She has presented on topics related to differential diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with dissociative disorders and trauma-related disorders. As clinical director of both outpatient services and emergency services for a comprehensive community mental health center, she has supervised multidisciplinary staff.
Kathleen Martin
Kathleen Martin is a Social Worker in private practice in Rochester, NY, who has been working with complex trauma and dissociative disorders for over 20 years, specifically with clients living with DID. Kathy, who trained in EMDR Therapy in 1995, recognized a massive gap regarding the use of EMDR therapy with persons with histories of complex trauma and dissociation. As a result, she began adapting the standard EMDR protocol and developed a process called “Oblique Time Orientation” to support and help clients ground into present time and space, prior to engaging in any memory reprocessing work. Kathy then moved forward to develop trainings for new trained EMDR therapists, to help them understand structural dissociation, the ways in which EMDR therapy must be adapted when working with persons with histories of complex trauma and dissociation, and then teaching her Oblique Time Orientation technique. These trainings are offered in both the US and Canada, and alongside Roger Solomon internationally. Kathy offers extensive consultation on dissociation to EMDR and non-EMDR training therapists and is widely recognized as a “go-to” expert regarding cautions for use of EMDR therapy with dissociative folks.
Her publications include How to Use Fraser’s Dissociative Table Technique to Access and Work with Emotional Parts of the Personality in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research in 2012 and the chapter Structural Dissociation in the Treatment of Trauma and Eating Disorders in the book Trauma-Informed Approaches to Eating Disorders published in 2018. She has two publications in press: EMDR Therapy for Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and The Art of Time Orientation. Congratulations, Kathleen!
Keri Roberts
Keri Roberts, PhD is a licensed psychologist, practicing in Bethesda, Maryland with specialization in the treatment of complex trauma and dissociation in adolescents and adults. Dr. Roberts’ interest in trauma goes back to her Dissertation “Trauma Recovery in Military Veterans with PTSD: An Emphasis on the Problem of Guilt” and her Postdoctoral internship at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. This was followed by years of clinical experience at Chestnut Lodge Hospital and then The Center: Post-traumatic Disorders at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington.
She has been a member of ISSTD’s Professional Training Program Faculty since 2014. She has participated ISSTD’s Master Seminar led by Dr. Joan Turkus for a number of years, showcasing her commitment to ongoing education.
Outstanding Student Award
The Student Award is presented to a trainee (ie undergraduate, graduate, pre-graduate intern or post-graduate resident) for: (a) outstanding service to the Society; (b) an exceptional contribution to or innovation in clinical or service delivery in the field of dissociative disorders; (c) complex post traumatic syndromes; or (d) an exceptional contribution to or innovation in training in the field of dissociative disorders.
Rebecca Moran
Rebecca Moran is a PhD student at the School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales.
Rebecca is studying the experiences of adult survivors of child sexual abuse who testified to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Rebecca has focused on the study and treatment of trauma for many years. Her work has involved engagement with youth, domestic violence services, mental health services, criminology research, art-based approaches to healing from trauma, and training. She served as a trainer and consultant on issues related to complex trauma for numerous organizations in Australia and the United Kingdom, including government agencies and the Blue Knot Foundation.
In her study on the Royal Commission’s investigation, Rebecca is doing important work to clarify how survivors chose to testify, and how providing testimony impacts their lives. Rebecca is completing her PhD focused on ‘survivor missions’ and the public testimony of adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Her thesis title is Meaning-making, social action, and politicised victimhood: Personal and political dialogues on child sexual abuse. Congratulations again Rebecca!
Shae Nester
Shae Nester is a graduate student pursuing their Ph. in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. They received their master’s degree from Towson University, where they worked in the Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders lab for four years. Shae spent one year working in the Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Research program at McLean Hospital and several years providing crisis response services to human trafficking survivors. Shae is a student representative on the ISSTD Scientific Committee, and has presented their research at several ISSTD Annual Conferences. Shae’s research has focused on enhancing the treatment of patients with dissociative disorders, and Shae’s first-author publications uniquely contribute to the clinical literature clarifying the role of self-injurious behaviors among people with dissociative disorders. Shae is a budding scholar and clinician who is bound to make many contributions to the study and treatment of trauma and dissociation.
The Media Award: Audio-Visual
The Media Award is given to an individual or organization for the best-written media (eg books, newspapers) and best audiovisual media (eg films, television, videos) that deal with dissociation and/or trauma. The audio-visual/written piece must have been published or produced in the last 24 months, and can be received once every five years.
Camille Bianchi
Camille Bianchi is an independent journalist and producer based in Sydney. She has worked in broadcast television news for more than a decade, with forays into radio and print.
In 2020 and 2021, she independently published her investigative podcast series The Nurse, which follows the story of a nurse James Griffin in Launceston Hospital, Tasmania, who sexually abused children on the ward for many years. Griffin was eventually charged but killed himself before trial. Tasmanian police and hospital authorities then basically dropped the case and did not inquire further into his employment. Although most media outlets would not publish Camille’s stories, through her focus of working with survivors, The Nurse podcast triggered a Commission of Inquiry into the issues she uncovered in Tasmania. Her findings on the podcast were so alarming that they triggered the establishment of the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry, which is continuing to this day. The Inquiry has documented major problems in child protection in Tasmania, including clear evidence of networking between child abusers and a lack of effective mental health care and welfare services. The series won Best True Crime Podcast 2021 at the Australian Podcast Awards and was a finalist for the Walkley and Kennedy Awards. The Inquiry would not exist without Camille’s extraordinary perseverance, skillfull journalism and strong partnerships with victims and survivors.
Therese O Clemens Advocacy Award
This award is given in honor of and dedicated to Therese O Clemens who served as the ISSTD Executive Director for nine years, helping to stabilize the organization after financial challenging times and ensure the future of the organization. This award is presented to the lay individual or organization outside of the field of psychiatry or psychotherapy who, through their continuing efforts and dedication, has advanced the Mission and Vision of the ISSTD.
Blue Knot Foundation – National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma
The Blue Knot Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Cathy Kezelman, was founded in 1995 as a self-help organization called ASCA (Advocated for Survivors of Child Abuse)and has been Australia’s premier not-for-profit organization providing information and support for anyone affected by complex trauma. Blue Knot provides extensive evidence-informed resources including guidelines, videos and fact sheets, as well as assisting with counseling support.
It was developed by survivors, for survivors, but over its 28-year history has combined the composite voice and passion of survivors with that of academics, clinicians and researchers. It has driven socio-political change advocating for recognition of the needs of complex trauma survivors, primarily the survivors of adverse childhood experiences. It took a leading role in advocating for an Australian Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse.
The Blue Knot Foundation’s 2012 Practice Guidelines for Treatment of Complex Trauma and Trauma Informed Care and Service Delivery were a global first. These represented the first time ever that the ISSTD had formally endorsed a set of guidelines that had not been created within the ISSTD.
In 2019, the Blue Knot Foundation launched new clinical guidelines for the treatment of complex trauma. Written by ISSTD members, Drs. Cathy Kezelman and Pam Stavropoulos, these clinical guidelines updated the original ground-breaking and internationally acclaimed clinical guidelines. The 2019 Guidelines were endorsed by the ISSTD and many other leaders in the field. Dr Cathy Kezelman, has for many years, worked full-time in an unpaid capacity, directing the growth of the Blue Knot Foundation. Her work has been honored by her being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), on Australia Day 2015.
In October 2021 it was announced by the Australian Federal Government that the Blue Knot Foundation, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, and the Australian Childhood Foundation were selected to establish and drive the new National Centre for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. The Commonwealth Government committed $22.5 million over the following five years to fund the operations of the National Center. The Blue Knot Foundation – Australia’s National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma works to empower the recovery of the more than 5 million Australian adults living with the impacts of complex trauma. Congratulations to Cathy and the entire Blue Knot Foundation.
RAHI Foundation
The RAHI Foundation is a centre for women survivors of incest/child sexual abuse in India. It was founded by Anuja Gupta and Ashwini Ailawadi in 1996. RAHI is India’s first incest/CSA response organisation and the only one focusing exclusively on women survivors. RAHI is a feminist, survivor-led and trauma informed non-profit. RAHI’s pioneering work includes support through its distinctive Model of Healing, comprising individual therapy, group therapy and survivor social action, as well as education, advocacy, training, research and communication. RAHI has been tirelessly working and powerful voice has mainstreamed the discussions to prevent and address the issue of incest and CSA in a community does not acknowledge the impact of these, for more than 25 years. Through awareness and education of both those who are impacted and the service providers, research and capacity building, the organization has been able to create slow but steady ripple effects in India, and can be a model for other organizations tackling these issues to learn from. Through their efforts, RAHI played a major role in drafting and lobbying for India’s law on CSA passed in 2012.
RAHI’s latest project, The Firebird, focuses on survivor leadership and movement building. A mix of activism, training and healing, it is rooted in a deep understanding of how incest and Child Sexual Abuse happens in India and hopes to bring changes in the management of this issue in the country.
This organization, outside of the field of psychiatry and psychotherapy, through their continuing efforts and dedication has advanced the mission and vision of ISSTD by advancing the societal understanding to address the prevalence and consequences of complex trauma.
Sandor Ferenczi Award
The Sandor Ferenczi Award is given for the best published work in the realm of psychoanalysis related to trauma and dissociation in adults and/or children. The published work must have been published in the last 24 months.
Maximum number of times this award can be received by a single recipient: the lead writer can receive once every five years
Johanna Dobrich
Johanna Dobrich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychoanalyst with a private practice in New York City that specializes in the treatment of dissociative disorders, among other conditions. Johanna has a Master’s degree in Political Science from Rutgers University and an MSW from New York University. Johanna teaches courses in relational psychoanalysis and its intersection with traumatology, and supervises post-graduate psychoanalytic candidates-in-training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center. Johanna enjoys writing, supervising, engaging and coming together with those who share an interest in understanding the complexities, joys and pains of human connection and expression.
Johanna is receiving this award for her book, Working With Survivor Siblings in Psychoanalysis: Ability and Disability in Clinical Process, which is the first book to address the topic of relational trauma within the families of a child with severe disabilities. For this book Johanna interviewed 15 psychoanalysts who met the criteria for her research, and she weaves their stories and experiences into her exploration of trauma informed self-development. Johanna has a firm grasp on the concept of dissociation, outlines the role of dissociation in adaptation to trauma, and explores the impact of an “unexperienced experience” on a child’s sense of themselves and their bodies. She acknowledges the contributions of Sandor Ferenczi throughout the book, and links him theoretically with current relational psychoanalytic theory to what she refers to as the “lateral dimension” (i.e. sibling to sibling) in psychoanalysis. Her writing is beautiful and easy to read, while her grasp on the intersection of relational psychoanalysis and trauma theory is profound.
Pierre Janet Award
Given to an individual for the best clinical, theoretical or research paper in the field of dissociative and/or trauma within the past year. The paper must have been published in the last 24 months. Maximum number of times this award can be received by a single recipient: lead writer can receive once every five years
Dr Heather Hall
Heather Hall for her article “Dissociation and misdiagnosis of schizophrenia in populations experiencing chronic discrimination and social defeat”
Dr. Hall is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA., completed medical training at Drexel University, and her psychiatric training at The Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital. She combines expertise in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient. Before establishing her private practice, Dr. Hall was an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at UCSF and UC Davis. Dr. Hall specializes in the psychiatric treatment of complex trauma. In addition, she has published several papers on the social determinants of Dissociative Disorders. A member of the ISSTD since 2012, she is currently co-chair of the ISSTD’s Public Health Committee, the Annual Conference Committee chair, and has served two terms on the ISSTD’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Hall’s paper is seminal in its theoretical understanding of what many describe as an incurable mental illness, but in all likelihood the side effects of profound inter-personal and inter-socal harm, abuse and defeat. It is an article that should be read in every single abnormal psychology class and every by every single psychiatric resident. Dr. Hall has clearly shown the correlation between trauma, disorganized attachment and social defeat/harm as the contributing factor in individuals who are classified as schizophrenic. This is a brilliant collection of research and indicators that can help those who suffer so very much.
This article not only highly deserves this award for its academic merit, but it is important for those who have traditionally not had a voice – those who are deemed mentally ill and from a very marginalized, abused population – to gain more exposure, so their voice and perspective is heard and known. Dr. Hall has brought a very important issue into the light.
David Caul Award
The David Caul Memorial Award is given for the best published or non-published paper, thesis, or conference presentation written by a resident or trainee in the field of dissociative and/or complex post-traumatic disorders. The article must have been written, published or presented in the last 24 months. This award may received once in a recipient’s lifetime.
Andrew Gilmoor
Andrew Gilmoor has been a researcher in the field of global health since 2014. He has a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with specializations in Infectious Diseases and International Public Health. His research areas of focus include cross-cultural psychiatry, and sexual and reproductive health, with a special interest in lower and middle-income country settings. Over his career, Andrew has spent extended periods of time abroad, including Tanzania, The Gambia, South Africa, and India for various global health related projects. As part of his PhD pursuit, Andrew explored the topic of trauma, its causes and impact amongst a population of homeless persons with severe mental illness in Tamil Nadu, India. Andrew is also a passionate teacher, with 5+ years experience lecturing in Master programs in the Netherlands and India. He currently works in industry, as a researcher applying mixed research methods to inform business strategy at a Tech Organization.
As part of his PhD pursuit, Andrew explored the topic of trauma, its causes and impact amongst a population of homeless persons with severe mental illness in Tamil Nadu, India. This research culminated in a thesis titled An academic discourse to understanding and addressing trauma in a population of homeless persons with severe mental illness in India, for which he is receiving this award.
The set of studies included in his thesis include a review of cross-cultural validity of PTSD in India, several qualitative studies on the conceptualizations of trauma and their treatment from the perspectives of both people from vulnerable populations and mental health providers, and a study adapting the Trauma History Questionnaire into a linguistically and culturally appropriate measure. This research also explores how to make an institution trauma-informed. Andrew’s research has implications for understanding and addressing trauma in lower and middle income countries and homeless populations. In the context of India, with a large population of traumatized and vulnerable individuals, this research is a beacon of hope.
Cornelia B Wilbur Award
The Cornelia B Wilbur Award is given to an individual for outstanding clinical contributions to the assessment and/or treatment of dissociative disorders. Examples are (a) furthering the availability of diagnosis and treatment of dissociative disorders, (b) clinical research in diagnostic or treatment outcomes, (c) advances in diagnostic instruments or diagnostic criteria, or (d) epidemiologic studies in various populations.
Francis (Frank) M. Corrigan
Frank Corrigan has been practicing psychiatry since 1977 after qualifying in medicine in 1976. Dr. Corrigan was a consultant for the NHS in Scotland from 1985 to 2018 specializing in trauma psychotherapy. From 2006 until 2022 Dr. Corrigan was an accredited consultant with the EMDR Association of UK & Ireland, and was made an ISSTD Fellow in 2016.
Dr. Corrigan is nominated for this award for his outstanding clinical contributions to the treatment of dissociative disorders, specifically regarding his creation of Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR). Since 2018 Dr. Corrigan has been providing treatment, training, and consultation in Deep Brain Reorienting, a trauma therapy modality that he has developed to reduce the risk of overwhelm and dissociation during memory processing. Online DBR is currently undergoing a clinical and neuroimaging study in the department of Professor Ruth Lanius, University of Western Ontario. Dr. Corrigans work in Deep Brain Reorienting has led to facilitating training across Canada, the US, Australia, Greece, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, and Germany, with reports of positive feedback from around the world. DBR is a bottom-up trauma specific modality, and aims to access the core of the traumatic experience in a way which tracks the original physiological sequence in the brainstem via the superior colliculus (which orients to danger). DBR developed over time, directly out of neurobiological understandings, both established and theoretical, derived from the existing literature and Dr. Corrigan’s own practice experience.
Frank W Putnam Award
This award is given in honor of Frank W Putnam, a gentle and seminal giant in our field, clinician, research scientist, mentor and prolific writer. This award is given for an outstanding book that significantly contributes to our knowledge and understanding in the field of trauma and dissociation. The book must have been published in the last 24 months.
The authors of “Finding Solid Ground: Overcoming Obstacles in Trauma Treatment”
Dr. Bethany Brand, Dr. Hugo J. Schielke, Dr. Francesca Schiavone, and Dr. Ruth A. Lanius.
Dr. Bethany Brand, Ph.D. is a Psychology Professor at Towson University. She has over 30 years of clinical and research experience, including training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, George Washington University Hospital, and at Sheppard Pratt Health System’s Trauma Disorders program. Dr. Brand has over 100 published papers focusing on treatment of dissociative individuals (i.e., the TOP DD studies); assessment methods for distinguishing dissociative disorders from other conditions including malingering; and the adequacy of textbooks’ coverage of trauma, among other topics. She has delivered clinical and research presentations around the world. In addition to assessing and treating patients, Dr. Brand serves as a forensic expert in trauma-related cases including state, federal and capital (i.e., death penalty) cases. Her book on the assessment of dissociation will be published in 2023.
Hugo Schielke, Ph.D. is the Trauma Services Development Lead for Homewood Health Centre and the Centre’s Traumatic Stress Injury & Concurrent Program in Guelph, Ontario. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of trauma-related disorders, and his work is informed by his post-doctoral fellowship at The Trauma Disorders Program at Sheppard Pratt Health System and his involvement with the California Department of State Hospitals’ Trauma-Informed Care Project. His research is focused on the treatment of trauma-related disorders, psychotherapy process, and the relational components of psychotherapy.
Dr. Schiavone, MD, FRCPC, is a staff psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in the Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic, and the Women’s Trauma Program. She is also a Lecturer at the University of Toronto. Her work includes providing diagnostic assessment and treatment of a range of trauma-related disorders as well as teaching and supervision of postgraduate trainees.
Ruth A. Lanius, M.D., Ph.D. is a Psychiatry Professor and Harris-Woodman Chair at Western University of Canada, where she is the director of the Clinical Research Program for PTSD. Ruth has over 25 years of clinical and research experience with trauma-related disorders. She established the Traumatic Stress Service at London Health Sciences Center, a program that specializes in the treatment of psychological trauma. Ruth has received numerous research and teaching awards, including the Banting Award for Military Health Research. She has published over 150 research articles and book chapters focusing on brain adaptations to psychological trauma and novel adjunct treatments for PTSD. Ruth regularly lectures on the topic of psychological trauma both nationally and internationally, and has co-authored two books: The Effects of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease: The Hidden Epidemic and Healing the Traumatized Self: Consciousness, Neuroscience, Treatment.
Finding Solid Ground: Overcoming Obstacles in Trauma Treatment outlines the Finding Solid Ground program–a novel research-driven treatment program for trauma and dissociation. This book, alongside its accompanying workbook, offers powerful help for clients who dissociate by providing practical and generalizable tools for assessing dissociation and addressing common obstacles that may arise during trauma treatment. Guidance is provided for using the program in both individual and group contexts. The Finding Solid Ground program is based on the foundational Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorder studies, and is written by a team of clinicians and researchers specializing in trauma and dissociation.
Distinguished Achievement Award
The Distinguished Achievement Award is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves through substantial contributions to (1) clinical, academic/research, and/or educational work in the dissociative and/or complex post-traumatic stress disorder field or to (2) ISSTD’s mission and vision. (ISSTD Mission & Vision) Recipients of this award may only receive this once in their lifetime.
Dr. Briana Snyder
Briana Snyder has been an assistant professor in the Department of Nursing at Towson University since 2016, where she teaches psychiatric-mental health nursing at the graduate and undergraduate level. She is the graduate program director for the Master of Science in Nursing program at Towson University. She maintains clinical practice on the inpatient Trauma Disorders Unit at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Towson, Maryland, where she has worked as a board-certified psychiatric-mental health registered nurse since 2009. Dr. Snyder earned her PhD in Nursing from the University of Missouri in 2017, where she received the ISSTD David Caul Research Grant to fund her dissertation work on the experiences of women diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder who experienced intimate partner violence. Dr. Snyder has published and presented her research on the nursing care of individuals diagnosed with dissociative disorders both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Snyder has published and presented her research on the nursing care of individuals diagnosed with dissociative disorders both nationally and internationally. She is one of the only researchers in the nursing field to specialize in dissociative disorders. Over her career, she has shown dedication to the treatment of trauma and dissociation. Her passion for educating others about dissociative disorders is exemplified in her curriculum and discussions with students. Dr. Snyder has produced five publications and six presentations about individuals with dissociative disorders. Dr. Snyder has been a trailblazer in the nursing field working towards offering education and high quality mental health services for individuals who dissociate.
Tally Tripp
Tally Tripp is a registered, board-certified art therapist, licensed clinical social worker and certified trauma therapist working extensively with complex trauma and dissociation.She is certified in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR, and Intensive Trauma Therapy. Tally has served on ISSTD’s Board of Directors since 2019 and is the Director of Training for Common Threads Project, a US based nonprofit working globally with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence to bring effective psychotherapy practices to people across the globe who struggle to heal from trauma and dissociation. She consults with the Global Alliance Therapeutic Arts Program, based in East Africa) and the Nigerian IDP Diaspora Support Group providing training in the creative arts therapies in each of these contexts.
Renowned in the international creative arts therapy community, Tally specializes in approaches that do not rely on words because trauma affects cognition, so studying and teaching art therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy has been one of her many passions. She has trained countless students including graduate students at George Washington University, where she is founder and former director the Art Therapy Clinic, professionals, and other trainers through a myriad of institutions and organizations. She stays current on modalities and research, integrating art therapy, psychotherapy, EMDR, Sensorimotor and other modalities responsibly and with commitment to her clients, trainees, and students. Tally has written numerous professional journal articles and chapters about art therapy, trauma, group therapy, grief, and loss.
Tally is an ISSTD fellow, was co-chair of the International Task Force and Co-Founder and Chair of the Creative Arts Therapy Special Interest Group. She is a frequent presenter and trainer at national and international conferences and has written numerous book chapters and professional publications on the topic of art therapy and trauma. Tally contributed a section on the role of the creative arts therapies for the Adult Treatment Guidelines for ISSTD.
President’s Award
Presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to ISSTD.
Jill Hosey, MSW RSW
Jill Hosey is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist in Toronto Canada, providing trauma therapy to persons across the lifespan with histories of complex trauma and dissociation where she integrates a variety of trauma, attachment and dissociation focused theories and modalities. She is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and EMDR Trainer, a facilitator with the AGATE Institute and Faculty with the ISSTD’s Professional Training and EMDR Therapy Training Programs. Jill has presented extensively on integrating the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) into EMDR and sits on the Clinical Advisory Board at Unyte. Jill is the lead author of the Clinical Guidelines and Considerations for Integrating the Safe and Sound Protocol into EMDR Therapy, a chapter on Therapeutic presence and the therapeutic relationship as both trigger and container to healing in Emily Christensen’s , Perspectives of Dissociative Identity Response: Ethical, Historical, and Cultural Issues, and the co-editor and contributing author for the Handbook for Child Complex Trauma and Dissociation: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications (Routledge, In Press). She is the winner of the 2022 ISSTD Distinguished Achievement Award and is a Fellow of the ISSTD.
Jill’s President’s Award recognises her enthusiastic commitment to the Society in recent years. She has filled many roles across important committees including Member Engagement, the Toronto Regional Conference, the PTP and the Board of Directors. Jill exemplifies the dedication and commitment that keeps our Society growing and moving forward.
Dr. Heather Hall
Heather Hall has since 2017 served as the chair of the Annual Conference Committee where she has dedicated many hours to develop conference themes, choose plenary speakers, coordinate the proposal review process with the Scientific Committee, and develop a robust and well-rounded conference schedule annually. She was instrumental in helping ISSTD transition the 2020 Annual Conference to a virtual format during COVID-19. Following this year’s conference, Heather will step down from her position as Chair of this committee and we want to thank her for her years of service as Chair.
In 2018, Heather and Michael Salter co-founded what was then the Public Health Subcommittee, which is now a fully grown Committee of the ISSTD. The Subcommittee arose out of shared interest and concern in the role of social inequality in the epidemiology of complex trauma and dissociation. Heather brought to the Committee her scientific and clinical expertise and insights, particularly in relation to the role of racism, discrimination and social defeat in mental health and diagnosis. She continues to be instrumental in expanding the Society’s focus on the social determinants of mental wellbeing and improving trauma care for low-income and marginalized communities.
Ben Israel
Dr. Ben Israel is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. He works at clinical sites focused on HIV psychiatry, addictions psychiatry, and emergency psychiatry. Excitingly, since joining the faculty, he’s had the opportunity to open a trauma disorders clinic within a large community addictions treatment center. Dr. Israel also sees private patients for long-term treatment. He teaches and supervises psychiatry and psychotherapy trainees at all levels. Dr. Israel has presented to professional audiences locally, nationally, and internationally on the diagnosis and treatment of complex posttraumatic syndromes. Previously, Dr. Israel worked at the Trauma Disorders Program at Sheppard Pratt Hospital, where he functioned as a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and Service Chief.
Jon Cleveland
Jon serves on the board of directors for ISSTD, is the chair of the research SIG, and actively contributes on a number of committees. He manages a growing group practice where has developed a clinical training program that teaches doctoral students and psychology residents how to effectively work with complex trauma and dissociation. Jon is clinical assistant professor at Wright State University’s School of Professional Psychology and is former editor-in-chief of Trauma Psychology News. He has published research on the relationship between hypnosis and dissociation, and his current research investigates the role of trauma in the development of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. In his leisure time, Jon finds himself cooking, reading, and tinkering with synthesizers. He also enjoys playing golf and traveling to new places to ski & scuba dive with friends.
Ben and Jon took over as co-chairs of the Annual Awards committee in early 2022. During their time as co-chairs, they have led the updating of award descriptions and criteria, grown the membership of the committee, and led the development of a new process for review of audio-visual media, articles and book nominations.
Staff Spotlight Award
New in 2023 – this award is given to those who staff recognize make significant contributions to the society, and may often be in the “shadows”. This award is meant to shine a spotlight on their contributions to ISSTD and the many programs and volunteer efforts we run.
Cynthia Closs, DSW, LCSW
Cynthia Closs (she/they) is a clinical social worker who practices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For approximately 18 years, Cynthia has been working with queer, trans, and gender diverse survivors of complex trauma and dissociative adaptations. After circling the ISSTD for many years, Cynthia became a member in 2020. The ISSTD became a lifeline in decreasing clinical isolation and Cynthia wanted to pursue other ways to broaden and enhance collegial connection and community. Subsequently, she initiated the development of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Online Community in 2021, has been the secretary of the trans/non-binary SIG for over two years, and joined the Virtual & Regional Conference Planning in July 2022. Cynthia has been a standout volunteer and leader in our ever growing and evolving Special Interest Groups and Regional Online Communities for ISSTD. She has been a constant source of support for new groups, assisting in training, idea sharing, and helping get new executive teams started with their many groups. Cynthia is frequently connecting new members with ISSTD leadership and staff, and encouraging members to get involved by connecting them with the right opportunities. Congratulations, Cynthia!
Kate McMaugh
Kate McMaugh is a psychologist focusing on clients with post-traumatic dissociative disorders, pregnancy/birth trauma, neurodiversity, intellectual disability, and communication impairment. She provides assessment and treatment to clients with complex trauma and dissociative disorders, as well as training and case consultation to other professionals. Kate has published articles on the history of the false memory movement, trauma and disability, DID, and childbirth trauma. She has recently completed research into therapists’ experiences of working with clients who have experienced incestuous abuse continuing into adulthood. Kate is a Fellow of ISSTD and serves on the Communications and Marketing, Public Health and Australia-New Zealand Conference Committees. She is also the Editor of ISSTD News; current Chair of the Australia-New Zealand Regional Online Community; and Secretary of the Transitional Aged Adults Special Interest Group. Kate is a constant source of enthusiasm for all things ISSTD and shares the mission of ISSTD with all those in the field who she meets, working to continuously connect new members with the organization.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest recognition given to an individual or individuals who have contributed substantially to the field of dissociative disorders, complex post traumatic syndromes, and the ISSTD, for a duration of 15 years or greater. Contributions may include clinical, academic/research, and/or educational work. Nominees must be a current or past member of ISSTD. Recipients of this award may only receive this one time.
The Lifetime Achievement Award winner for this year is Martin Dorahy. Please watch this video to hear from some individuals who can speak to Martin’s impressive list of achievements.
Thank you to all of our 2023 Annual Award recipients! If you are interested in learning more about the Annual Awards or joining the Annual Awards committee, please email membership@isst-d.org.