The central reason for the existence of any organization is its membership. The questions facing any organization include – how do we most effectively connect with those who would be motivated to join those who are already working within the organization to further collective goals? In our case, how do we, as a group of […]
Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight
Join the Virtual and Regional Conference Committee
This month’s Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight shines on an incredible opportunity to become more involved with ISSTD News as a member of the Virtual and Regional Conference Committee! Do you enjoy planning events? The Virtual and Regional Conference Committee (VRCC) is seeking committee members, and we would love for you to join! The VRCC works together […]
Clinical Reflections
Shame, energy, and holding contrasts: Moving from “Do it!” to “We can do it”
Introduction When considering shame as a consequence of relational trauma (Schore, 2001), therapists often think in terms of beliefs, implicit and/or explicit, about self in relation to others. These might include such beliefs as “I am… inferior, defective, damaged, worthless, unwanted, unlovable, etc.” Traumatic, shame states, or shame states for short (Benau, 2022; Herman, 2006, […]
Committee Update
ISSTD’s Fridley Fund and Ask the Expert Series
The Fridley Fund was created to defray the cost of one training activity offered through ISSTD for students who would otherwise be unable to obtain appropriate instruction in the treatment of complex trauma and dissociation. ISSTD will have its first call for applications for this Fund in 2024. More details about the application period and […]
Donate to ISSTD
Thank You to Our 2023 Donors
The ISSTD is an international, non-profit, professional society who seeks to advance clinical, scientific, and societal understanding about the prevalence and consequences of chronic trauma and dissociation. We do this by creating educational materials and providing opportunities for clinicians, researchers and students to learn from one another within the field of complex trauma and dissociation. […]
Creative Space
Poet’s Corner
Lost and Found through GriefBy George Halasz I reassured myself, if I prepare well enoughI reassured myself, if I rehearse my reactionsI reassured myself, I might lessen the anticipated piercing painthe moment which will catch my breath, my mother’s death. For many weeks before I lived my life on probationhovering beween privation I learnt to […]
Letter From The President
2023 Holiday Message
Michael Salter – 2023 ISSTD PresidentWe’ve reached the close of 2024 and, as always, I’m struck by the tireless work of our members who are serving survivors of abuse, trauma and violence. This year, like all years, has been rife with interpersonal and political conflict that will draw on huge reservoirs of care and support […]
News You Can Use
News You Can Use – December, 2023
A ‘Must Have’ Guide to the Assessment of Dissociation ISSTD Fellow Dr Bethany Brand has written an essential guide to the assessment of trauma related dissociation, The Concise Guide to the Assessment and Treatment of Trauma-Related Dissociation. This book provides an overview of trauma-related dissociation, issues around misdiagnosis, methods for assessment, and guidance on treatment […]
In Memoriam
Honoring Those Who Have Passed.
ISSTD is a warm and caring professional community, a community where members come together through a shared clinical interest, but often find friendship and a professional ‘family’ among each other. So it is with great sadness that we acknowledge three wonderful members who passed away this year. They were all women who were actively involved […]
Annual Conference
Plenteously from the Plenaries: Get to know the 2024 ISSTD Annual Conference Plenary Speakers!
The 2024 ISSTD Annual Conference, “The Healing Power of Dignity in the Treatment of Complex Trauma & Dissociation,” is featuring a diverse group of plenary speakers you won’t want to miss out on. Continue reading to get to know this years plenary speakers and why you don’t want to pass up on the opportunity to […]