Dearest ISSTD Community,
As our international community confronts the widespread impacts for war, I hope that you and yours are safe and well. While conflict at this level is sure to rouse fear and concern, I encourage you at the same time to look to this growing community of helpers to ground and support you.
One of my favorite American television series as a kid was Mr. Rogers, whom many of you know well. One of Fred Rogers’ most widely shared quotes is as follows,
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’.” ~ Fred Rogers
This is a community of helpers. As much as you witness the violence happening in the world, I encourage you to also connect with each other here. In a few short weeks we will gather in person and online for our annual conference. Whether you join virtually or in Seattle in person, know that you are a valued member of this community of helpers.
At the conference we will host opportunities to learn, to connect, and to focus on how people recover and heal from the most profound impacts of trauma. While we may not be able to prevent all harms from being done, we can continue to be a part of a healthy response to atrocities, and to care for one another.
Thank you for your ongoing contributions to the fields of trauma and dissociation. Thank you for being a helper, and for all you do to support health and healing and in your surrounding communities.
Wishing you and yours peace and well-being,
Lisa Danylchuk, M.Ed. LMFT
ISSTD 2022 President