A part of ISSTD’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan is to develop strategic partnerships with other agencies, organizations and societies engaged in trauma studies, training and research. In that vein, and through an introduction by ISSTD Board member Ben Israel, meetings have begun with Dr. Jessica Punzo, the President-Elect of Division 56, the Division of Trauma Psychology, of the American Psychological Association (APA). Division 56 is a professional organization of psychologists involved with the psychological effects of trauma, comprised of researchers, clinicians, educators and public policy experts. APA Division 56 provides a forum for scientific research, professional and public education, and the exchange of collegial support for professional activities. As you can see, Division 56 carries on similar programs as ISSTD’s, and as such, we are talking about ways to collaborate that will enhance member’s benefits and experiences for both societies.
It is important to know that you do not have to be an APA member to join Division 56. If you go to https://www.apa.org/about/division/join, then click on Division 56, you can create an APA account and join the Division for $50 USD. As a member of Division 56 you will receive: their journal, Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy; Trauma Psychology Newsletter; and all information about their educational courses and workshops. We hope to partner in the future on collaborative workshops, training programs, webinars and programs that can provide more information about trauma.
Peter Maves