The 2026 ISSTD Annual Conference is happening in Portland, Oregon, a city that embodies the spirit of the U.S. Pacific Northwest: outdoor green spaces, eclectic food, and down-home sensibilities. In line with our conference theme, Past Perspectives, Future Horizons: Navigating Changing Currents of Complex Trauma & Dissociation, this year’s presenters and presentations bridge the wise foundation of the field of complex trauma and dissociation, alongside cutting-edge trends of clinical work and research. While the main conference is not to be missed, what you may not realize is that there is additional opportunity for learning and connecting through the pre-conference ½ day and full day workshops on Thursday, March 26,and Friday, March 27, 2026.
There is plenty of variety in ISSTD’s pre-conference workshop selection. There’s opportunity to deepen understanding of sex positivity in trauma therapy and healing from sexual trauma. In one workshop, you can learn about both the learning and the teaching of dissociation, with a mind on hope for the future. We additionally have workshops that focus on aspects of assessment—from how dissociative symptoms can mimic other disorders to forensic evaluation of people experiencing forced migration. Within the workshops is also information on the evidence-base of multiple therapeutic modalities, including Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), and Trauma-Informed Yoga.
Not to be outdone, there are also a range of workshops that provide the opportunity for deepening therapeutic skills with different client populations, such as with trans clients and clients diagnosed with DID, as well theoretical orientations, including art therapy for “non-art therapists,” EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, and Finding Solid Ground. Finally, across multiple workshops is attention to the how: how do we do this work at all, and, importantly, with attention to our own wellbeing. Below is the full list of workshops:
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Full Day Workshop | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM US EST
The Introject Decathexis Protocol: Unbinding Perpetrator Introjects from Trauma with EMDR
Presenter: D. Michael Coy
Half Day Workshops | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM US EST
Contemporary Creative Approaches: Integrating Art in Trauma Treatment for All Clinicians
Presenters: Peggy L. Kolodny; Elizabeth Davis
Human Rights, Complex Trauma, & Dissociation: Forensic Documentation of Persecution
Presenter: Kim Baranowski
Let’s Talk About Sex
Presenter: Cassie Krajewski
Half Day Workshops | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM US EST
Healing Sexual Trauma in Dissociative Clients
Presenter: Lynette S. Danylchuk
Nurturing Multiple Selves: Embodied Care for Trauma Clinicians & Clients
Presenter: Lisa Danylchuk
Translucence, Transparency, & Transformation: Psychodynamic Therapy with Trans Clients
Presenter: HL Himes
Friday, March 27, 2026
Full Day Workshops | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM US EST
Absence: Shame, Dissociation and Psychotherapy with Attachment Trauma in non-DID & DID Clients
Presenter: Ken Benau & Rick A. Hohfeler
Building Stability, Fostering Safety: The Power of Finding Solid Ground
Presenter: Bethany Brand
Inviting Death to Tea: Trauma-Responsive Care for Assessing Suicidal Ideation & Behavior
Presenter: Tyson Bailey
Half Day Workshop | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM US EST
Hidden in Plain Sight: Dissociation Across Psychiatric Presentations
Presenter: Heather Hall
Half Day Workshop | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM US EST
Teaching & Learning About Dissociation: The Consequences of Not, the Challenges of Doing So, and Hope for the Future
Presenters: Emily Haas, Jacob MacDonald, Jasmine Kearse, & Judith L. Lewis
Please see the full schedule for more details.
As you’re planning your time at the 2026 ISSTD Annual Conference, do make space for the pre-conference, so you don’t miss out on the workshops of your choice that can help take your work to the next level! The early bird deadline for registration is January 15, 2026! Please email ISSTD staff at cfas@isst-d.org if you have any questions.
We are looking forward to you joining us in Portland!