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 […]
Publications of Interest
Trauma, Autism and ADHD
Publications of Interest is our quarterly column where we present a summary of recent articles on a topic of interest to our members. This quarter we have a new volunteer coordinator of this column, Charlotte Creasey. We welcome Charlotte (pictured below). Charlotte is a student member, and when asked to introduce herself had the following […]
Special Interest Groups
SIG Update: the Vicarious Trauma and Resilience SIG Update
The Vicarious Trauma and Resilience SIG’s (VTR-SIG) purpose and role is to support each other as healers’ and caregivers with the impacts on us of our client’s trauma, and recognize, prevent and mitigate the effects of the vicarious trauma that is a part of our work as trauma therapists. The VTR-SIG focuses on the therapist […]