ISSTD News

Letter From The President

A Holiday Message From Our Presidents

Lisa Danylchuk – 2022 ISSTD President
As 2022 comes to a close I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the ISSTD President this year, and am wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful 2023.

This year has been full of challenges, right alongside opportunities for connection and growth. I find myself in awe of the time, energy and support so many people offer this important organization, and would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, volunteer leaders, members, and to each & every supporter of ISSTD. The ISSTD staff have gone above and beyond this year, and have played an instrumental role in this organization’s successes. Each of these generous souls contribute their time, energy, and skills to create the thriving community we all benefit from.

In addition to contributing to the ISSTD, this community supports people throughout the world in coping with the impacts of personal, interpersonal and societal trauma. I am deeply honored to be a part of this group of compassionate, wise, and intelligent people, and to have had the opportunity to serve in this leadership role. Thanks to each of you for all you do for the ISSTD and your communities – every contribution towards healing matters, and makes a difference.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!


Rosita Cortizo – 2022 ISSTD Immediate Past President
Much gratitude to the ISSTD members who continue to participate in meaningful clinical discussions, share their novel work and are determined to assist those in need, often in remote parts of the world. May 2023 continue to offer us the opportunity to spread our educational seeds with renewed energy and creativity. 

Thank you Lisa for all your work and leadership. Thanks to the Executive Committee, the Board and the Staff -it has been an honor and a joy to work with every one of you. 

I am excited for our future together and best wishes to Michael throughout 2023, and Peter in 2024. 

Wishing you and yours much peace, abundance and health!


Michael Salter – 2022 ISSTD President Elect
A big thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers whose hard work and generosity keeps the ISSTD flourishing, and thank you to all our members for your efforts to improve the lives of people living with complex trauma and dissociation.

The importance of our organisation could not be clearer. Our numbers continue to grow and demand for our training and education is at an all-time high. I’m particularly excited by the launch of our Australian and New Zealand Regional Online Community, our first ROC outside of North America.

It’s been a great pleasure to work with our outgoing president Lisa, who has been a thoughtful and dedicated leader as we shifted from the throes of the pandemic to the unpredictable terrain of the “new normal”.

Wishing you all peace and happiness as one year closes and another begins