The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) proudly celebrated its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, March 15, 2025, during the organization’s 42nd Annual Conference. This event is an important moment each year to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions of researchers, clinicians, educators, and advocates who advance our understanding and treatment of trauma and dissociative disorders. This year’s awards ceremony recognized numerous exceptional nominees whose innovative and dedicated work continues to enrich and transform our field. Additionally, the ISSTD was excited to announce the introduction of a new awards category for next year, specifically dedicated to honoring courage among individuals and institutions involved in our field.
Richard P. Kluft Best Article Award
This award honors the best article published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation each year. Awarded to Rebecca Campbell, Jasmine Engleton, Katie Gregory, Rachael Goodman-Williams, and McKenzie Javorka for their impactful article on institutional betrayal related to untested sexual assault kits. This article significantly contributes to understanding trauma-related impacts within justice systems. Special mentions were given to Jennifer M. Gómez, Robyn L. Gobin, Erika Sigurdsson, and Etzel Cardeña for notable contributions that highlight intersectional experiences and phenomenological insights into dissociation.
2025 ISSTD Fellows
Fellow status recognizes long-standing ISSTD members who have made outstanding contributions in clinical work, teaching, research, service, administration, or public education regarding dissociation. Dawn Hinton and Holly Maddy received ISSTD Fellow status, recognized for their exceptional clinical work, teaching, research, and contributions to ISSTD activities. Both awardees have dedicated their careers to advancing knowledge, advocacy, and best practices within the field of trauma and dissociation.
Media Award: Audio-Visual
This award recognizes outstanding audiovisual media that addresses trauma and/or dissociation. Lisa Danylchuk received this award for her influential “How We Can Heal” podcast, advancing understanding of trauma-informed therapeutic practices. Her podcast uniquely bridges professional and public communities, enhancing accessibility to trauma knowledge and healing methods.
Cornelia B. Wilbur Award
This award honors outstanding clinical contributions to the assessment and/or treatment of dissociative disorders. Suzette Boon was honored for significant clinical contributions, including articles, books, and trainings on the assessment and treatment of trauma-related dissociation. Spanning three decades, her contributions have substantially influenced both clinical practice and research methodology internationally.
Therese O. Clemens Advocacy Award
This award is presented to a lay individual or organization outside of psychiatry or psychotherapy who advances ISSTD’s mission and vision. Presented to SAMVAD (Support, Advocacy & Mental health interventions for children in Vulnerable circumstances And Distress), recognized for its extensive child advocacy and mental health interventions in India. SAMVAD’s multidisciplinary and integrative approaches have significantly improved protective and mental health outcomes for vulnerable children.
Sandor Ferenczi Award
This award is given for the best psychoanalytically informed work on trauma and dissociation published in the last 24 months. Warwick Middleton and Martin Dorahy received the award for their book “Contemporary Perspectives on Freud’s Seduction Theory and Psychotherapy.” Their work revisits and critically examines foundational theories of trauma, offering fresh perspectives valuable for modern therapeutic practices.
Pierre Janet Award
This award recognizes the best clinical, theoretical, or research paper in trauma and dissociation published in the last year. Awarded to Charles A. Benincasa, Seini O’Connor, Nicholas Pierorazio, Sarah Wentling, Bethany Brand, Benjamin Israel, and Hygge J. Schielke for their research outcomes paper on specialized inpatient treatment for complex trauma and dissociative disorders. This research significantly enhances understanding of effective stabilization and treatment strategies within inpatient settings, advancing knowledge in a major area of clinical and public health need.
Outstanding Student Award
This award honors a student or trainee for exceptional service, innovation, or contribution to the field of dissociative disorders. Presented to Xi Pan and Nicholas A. Pierorazio for their contributions and research advancements in the fields of dissociation and trauma. Both recipients have demonstrated remarkable dedication, innovation, and productivity, significantly contributing to our knowledge and enhancing care early in their careers
David Caul Award
This award is given for the best paper, thesis, or presentation by a resident or trainee in the field of dissociative and/or complex posttraumatic disorders. Audrey Zatopek was recognized for her impactful work and ongoing contributions in counselor education and trauma-focused clinical practice. Her leadership roles and advocacy in training counselors have markedly influenced professional standards and education quality.
Frank W. Putnam Award
This award recognizes an outstanding book that significantly advances knowledge in trauma and dissociation. Awarded to Joanne Twombley for her pivotal book, “Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems.” This publication significantly advances clinical understanding of complex trauma and dissociative disorders, integrating the Internal Family Systems therapeutic model effectively.
Distinguished Achievement Award
This award honors individuals who have made substantial contributions to clinical, academic, or educational work in the field or to ISSTD’s mission. Farnsworth Lobenstine and Sheldon Itzkowitz were honored for their substantial educational, clinical, and organizational contributions. Both have significantly impacted the dissemination and practical application of trauma-informed practices through long and exemplary track records of teaching, mentoring, and clinical practice – among many other activities.
President’s Award
This award is presented by the ISSTD President to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Society. Brad Foote was recognized by ISSTD President D. Michael Coy for his extensive and dedicated financial stewardship for the Society. His long-term contributions have provided stability and growth opportunities crucial to the Society’s ongoing success.
Staff Spotlight Award
This award recognizes staff or volunteers whose behind-the-scenes contributions significantly support ISSTD’s mission. Krista Behrens, Jennifer Madere, and Fern Banner received this recognition for significant behind-the-scenes contributions to ISSTD’s programs and education initiatives. Their dedicated volunteerism and leadership have notably enhanced the quality and reach of ISSTD’s educational and professional activities.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This is the highest honor, awarded to individuals who have contributed substantially to the field and ISSTD over 15 or more years. Laura S. Brown, Christine Courtois, and Joyanna Silberg were celebrated for decades of pioneering contributions to trauma psychology, treatment methodologies, and advocacy in the complex trauma and dissociation field. Their careers have profoundly shaped clinical practices, academic research, and policy developments on a global scale.
Congratulations again to all our 2025 Annual Award recipients! For next year’s awards, it’s never too early to start your short list of prospective nominees you’d like to see recognized. Please check out our list of Annual Awards for more details!