We are delighted to bring you this edition of the Board Briefs column in ISSTD News, which provides our members with important updates from the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.
The ISSTD Board of Directors focuses its efforts throughout the year on advancing the Society’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. With dedicated working groups focused on each strategic goal, this plan serves as the Board’s roadmap for growth, innovation, and member engagement. From enhancing education and training programs to strengthening organizational operations, the Strategic Plan keeps us on track to achieve our shared vision.
While we can’t cover all the incredible work being done, here are just a few key highlights:
- More organizational members than ever before have joined ISSTD, including our first Gold Organizational Member, Silver Hill Hospital, and our first university member, Boston University School of Social Work.
- Launched in 2024, the Member Sponsorship Program is a collaborative effort between the Finance and Membership Committees, ISSTD staff, and generous member donors. It successfully matched 33 individuals with sponsorships, increasing access to ISSTD’s membership benefits and resources. Learn more, apply, or contribute here.
- Efforts are underway to expand ISSTD’s educational offerings, including exploring the viability of certification programs, increasing training for psychiatry, and developing innovative opportunities to strengthen ISSTD’s leadership in trauma and dissociation education.
- Work continues on a draft IDEA statement and the development of a lived experience framework to collaborate with community members and integrate their perspectives into ISSTD materials, such as fact sheets and the upcoming revised treatment guidelines.
- This year included a comprehensive review and update of ISSTD’s policies and procedures, ensuring smoother operations and alignment with organizational values. Work was also done to improve employee benefits, redesign the website, and launch a new marketing platform to enhance outreach and engagement.
2025 Annual Conference Preparations
Excitement is building for our 2025 Annual Conference in Boston. Registration numbers are already exceeding expectations, with over 80 attendees registered in the first six weeks—a 63% increase compared to last year. Our Level 1 Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) training is fully booked, and we’ve started a waitlist for cancellations. A stellar lineup of plenary speakers, including Judith Herman, Thema Bryant, and David Spiegel, alongside innovative pre-conference workshops, promises an enriching experience for all attendees.
The Board has been actively involved in supporting conference preparations, including organizing social events and assisting with marketing efforts. A preliminary schedule is now available on the conference website, and we are expecting an impressive number of poster presentations this year.
Word of mouth remains our strongest marketing tool, and we encourage any members who wish to assist with outreach to contact a Board member for marketing materials. Be sure to register early and reserve your hotel room before the room block sells out. For more details, visit the 2025 Annual Conference Website. Early bird registration for the conference ends on January 15, 2025 at 11:59pm US Eastern Time!
Closing Thoughts
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, we extend our deepest gratitude to ISSTD’s incredible staff—Mary Pat Hanlin, Casey Richman, and Jasmine Butler—whose countless hours of hard work, passion, and expertise have been instrumental in moving the Society forward. As the team returns from some well-deserved time off during the holidays, we appreciate your patience as they work to address all member needs in the coming weeks.
We are equally grateful to the many volunteers who generously contribute their time, skills, and enthusiasm to the Society. From our committees, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and Regional Online Communities (ROCs), your efforts are the backbone of ISSTD’s success, and we couldn’t do this work without you.
The Board is committed to staying connected with ISSTD members and keeping you informed about our ongoing work. We know how important it is to listen to your feedback, understand what matters most to you, and share updates on the initiatives shaping the Society. If there’s something you’d like us to know or if you have questions about our work, we encourage you to reach out to the ISSTD President or any Board member. Your input helps ensure we continue to grow in ways that support and reflect our community.
A special thank you to Peter Maves for his thoughtful and steady leadership throughout the year. We also extend a warm welcome to our new and returning Board members stepping into leadership roles. Your vision, energy, and commitment will carry ISSTD into an exciting 2025.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. We wish you a peaceful close to the year and look forward to all we will achieve together in the year ahead.
Warm regards,
The ISSTD Board of Directors