At a recent reception hosted by McLean Hospital’s Trauma Continuum Programs (www.traumacontinuum.org), leaders, clinicians, researchers, and advocates came together to reaffirm their commitment to advancing trauma care, research, and advocacy. The event, held in conjunction with the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation’s (ISSTD) 42nd Annual Conference in Boston, underscored the urgent need for continued collaboration and innovation in the field.
Dr. Milissa Kaufman, Medical Director of the Trauma Continuum, opened the evening by expressing gratitude to the dedicated professionals and supporters who make this work possible. “The work we do—it matters,” she stated. “And we do not—cannot—do this work alone.” She also extended a warm welcome to ISSTD leadership, acknowledging their longstanding partnership with McLean in addressing the lasting effects of childhood trauma.
Expanding Clinical Services & Training the Next Generation
Dr. Matthew Robinson, Program Director of the Trauma Continuum, highlighted recent programmatic achievements. Over the past year, McLean’s Trauma Continuum has expanded its clinical services for individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), maintaining the hospital’s largest partial hospital census while continuing to enhance evidence-based outpatient care. A new, streamlined admissions process has reduced barriers to access, and an integrated staffing model has increased efficiency while promoting clinician development and work-life balance.
The team also remains at the forefront of evidence-based treatments for trauma-related dissociation. This year, McLean launched Finding Solid Ground, a stabilization program for individuals with complex trauma-related dissociation, including DID. In addition, they are preparing to implement Prism, an FDA-approved EEG neurofeedback intervention for PTSD.
Recognizing the growing need for trauma-informed providers, the Trauma Continuum has expanded its training initiatives. Led by Dr. Michaela Swee, Director of Clinical Training, these efforts span multiple disciplines, including psychology, nursing, and social work. McLean’s collaboration with ISSTD has further strengthened educational opportunities, with many ISSTD colleagues presenting at the hospital’s Perspectives on Trauma speaker series and inaugural Harvard CME Stronger Together: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Past, Present, Future conference drawing national and international participation.
Advancing Research & Public Advocacy
Scientific advancements remain a cornerstone of the Trauma Continuum’s mission. Dr. Lauren Lebois, Director of the Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Research Program, shared updates on groundbreaking research into dissociative brain pathways. Thanks to funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and philanthropic donors, their research team is uncovering neural mechanisms underlying dissociation and recovery, paving the way for novel treatments.
Beyond the lab, the Trauma Continuum is committed to advocacy and public engagement. Working alongside, Dr. Kim Baranowski, Director of Community Engagement, their Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) (www.traumacontinuum.org/LEAP) continues to develop resources that amplify survivor voices, including a recent co-authored publication in the American Journal of Psychotherapy. The Trauma Continuum is also poised to launch a Peer Specialist Program, integrating individuals with lived experience into clinical teams to provide unique and invaluable support to patients.
The evening concluded with a tribute to the late Dr. Robert Oxnam, a trailblazing advocate for DID awareness. In his honor, the Trauma Continuum is working alongside his family and ISSTD to develop a national public education and advocacy campaign for trauma survivors—a vision of Robert’s that continues to inspire the team.
Despite challenges in the healthcare landscape, including financial constraints and staffing changes, Kaufman emphasized the resilience of McLean’s team. “This community—our community—is strong. We have never defined ourselves by obstacles, but by how we rise,” she said, reaffirming the Trauma Continuum’s commitment to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care, training, research and advocacy.