As a first-time attendee at the ISSTD Annual Conference, I walked in with questions I needed answered, people I hoped to meet, and an experience I had clearly mapped out in my mind. What I found was even more valuable. I left with more questions than answers, but also with new directions to explore and a deeper sense of purpose for my journey. And most importantly, I was now more certain than ever that this space is exactly where I need to be.
During breakfast of the first day of the main conference, I found myself sitting with a group of professionals who, from the moment I sat down, took me right under their wing. When I introduced myself as a student, they laughed and said they felt like students too—always hungry for more knowledge. They had met at another conference and bonded over their shared love for learning. As a bit of a nerd myself, always wanting to discuss my thoughts and theories on the work, it was so energizing to be filled with a room of people who felt so similarly, coupled by true passion and care they clearly have for the people they work with.
Shortly after, I moved to the auditorium to listen to the plenary speakers, Dr. Thema Bryant and Dr. Judith Herman, both of whom were remarkable in speaking about how justice and liberation psychology are essential in trauma work. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and respect, evident in the attentive hush that enveloped the crowd as they spoke. Having read their works in class—research articles, books, and engaged in classroom discussions—attending their talks was an incredible experience that deepened my appreciation for their insights and contributions to the field.
Beyond the plenaries, the conference was packed with compelling talks on adapting modalities like IFS, EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting, SMART, Psychodynamic, Creative Art Therapy and more for dissociative disorders and complex trauma. These sessions brought the theories I’d read about to life, offering a deeper, more practical understanding of how experts refine and apply these approaches in real-world practice. Being in the room made all the difference—it wasn’t just about absorbing information but engaging in the back-and-forth of nuanced, real-time conversations.
As I listened, I found myself reflecting on my own work as a Clinical Intern at Boston Medical Center’s Community Violence Response Team this year, considering how I could adapt my interventions for clients with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. The discussions challenged me to think more critically about the modalities I use and how to tailor them to better meet the needs of individuals with these experiences.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was connecting with other attendees. I had candid conversations about grad school, what people wished they had known earlier, and how they navigated the field after graduating. These exchanges felt both validating and eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the many paths ahead.
At the Students and Emerging Professionals’ Lunch, it was inspiring to hear about how other professionals reached their current positions. I connected with fellow emerging professionals and discussed the possibility of planning a peer consultation group, which was recommended by Dr. Lynette Danylchuk and Dr. Jennifer M. Gómez. The exhibitor booths sparked eye-opening conversations with individuals leading innovative programs, including representatives from Beauty After Bruises, whose work addressing the lack of access to specialized treatment for survivors of Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders resonated deeply with me, as it highlighted barriers I’ve seen and struggled with.
In reflecting on my first ISSTD Annual Conference, I’m excited to explore the new opportunities that lie ahead and to integrate the insights gained from this conference into my work moving forward. Although I’m still processing everything I learned and experienced, one thing is clear: it was an unforgettable experience that has ignited my passion and reshaped my career path as a social worker.