The 42nd Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) in Boston, Massachusetts, was an unforgettable experience. This year’s theme, From Invisible to Visible: Research, Clinical, and Cultural Evolutions in the Field of Complex Trauma and Dissociation, set the stage for deep discussions on advancing our understanding of trauma and dissociation.
Boston, with its rich history and deep academic culture, provided the perfect backdrop for this gathering of professionals dedicated to the field of trauma. Walking through the city, with its iconic universities and historic landmarks, reminded me of the long-standing tradition of intellectual exchange, a fitting setting for a conference committed to evolving research and clinical practice.
One of the most powerful sessions was Dr. Judith Herman’s plenary on Truth and Repair. Her talk addressed the critical need for collective responsibility in healing and emphasized that justice is an integral part of trauma recovery. Her insights into the societal implications of trauma and how systems can perpetuate or facilitate healing were thought-provoking, and led to a standing ovation by the audience.
Equally impactful were sessions by experts like Kathy Steele, Suzette Boon, Joanne Twombly, and Lynette Danylchuk, who shared rich strategies on identifying and managing dissociation. Their discussions reinforced the importance of nuance and patience in working with dissociative clients, providing practical techniques that I look forward to integrating into my work.
This conference was especially meaningful as it marked the first international public presentation of my PhD research. I had the honour of presenting my talk, Empowering the Healers: Managing Secondary Trauma among Trauma-Focused Psychotherapists, which explored how therapists use coping strategies to manage the impact of trauma work. As a practitioner and researcher based in India, it was both humbling and enriching to share my work on a global stage and learn from international perspectives.
In addition to presenting, I served as Conference Ambassador, Poster Judge and volunteer, roles that enriched my first in-person ISSTD experience, deepened my engagement with the community and provided invaluable networking opportunities. Judging the posters was a delight, as I witnessed some deeply insightful research.
The conference was also a reminder of the power of storytelling in breaking stigma and promoting resilience. At the reception hosted by McLean Trauma Continuum, Robert, a survivor of child abuse, was honoured for his advocacy in deconstructing stigma. His powerful words, “I have DID because I am a survivor of child abuse, and that’s not something to be embarrassed about,” stood as a testament to the courage of survivors and the importance of visibility in trauma recovery.
Beyond the academic and clinical depth of the conference, what truly stood out was the sense of community. From the PTP Faculty Meeting, where I connected with faculty members, to the various networking and social events, the conference provided numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations. Whether discussing trauma theory over coffee or exchanging insights in the Society Lounge, every interaction reaffirmed the importance of peer support in this work.
The ISSTD Annual Conference has left me energized, inspired, and deeply grateful. I look forward to continuing these conversations and integrating these learnings into my practice. If you haven’t yet attended an ISSTD conference, I highly recommend marking your calendar for next year, it is an experience not to be missed!