The ISSTD Webinar Committee attempts to present up-to-date clinical and research content of relevance to the field of trauma and dissociation, and which is accessible to all ISSTD members. It endeavors to create, in an ongoing way, a rich repository of material that is accessible both as live on-line presentations (into which the viewing audience can make comments or ask questions) and an up-to-date video library of recordings, available to those who were not able to log-in at the time of the live presentation and economically offered in bundles as video packages. The webinars represent an excellent and very accessible opportunity for colleagues to gain continuing professional development points. The webinars are a very tangible member benefit, and allow those who regularly register to get a good idea of the scope of interest of our field and to experience first-hand how colleagues tackle some challenging topics in informed ways.
I have always strongly emphasized my belief that membership in the ISSTD should be safe and career-enhancing. Accessing the Webinar program provides the opportunity for regular, real-time, interaction with experienced colleagues. Of course, in the post-COVID world, we are competing with a large array of online content coming from numerous sources, and hence the Webinar Committee very much welcomes suggestions from our membership regarding topics/presenters they would like to see on the program.
In 2024 there were a total of 12 webinars. In 2025, 14 webinars are planned, starting with Eli Somer, on January 17, 2025, on the topic of “Maladaptive Daydreaming.” The program for the year will then include webinars presented by: Colin Ross; Jennifer Gomez; Jill Hosey & Ana Gomez; Doris D’Hooghe; Martin Dorahy; Anne DePrince & Heather McCauley; Mary-Anne Kate; Adriano Schimmenti; Rachel Sage; Valerie Sinason, Emma Sunshaw, Faige Flakser & Susan Hykes; Patti Van Eys; Ben Israel, Sarah Wentling & Bri Snyder; and Paul Frewen & Christine Courtois. The current schedule and 2025 webinar passes are already available.
The work of the Webinar Committee is very much a collegiate activity, and the ongoing success of the Webinar program relies heavily on the commitment and generosity of many colleagues who involve themselves as presenters, organizers and moderators, as well as those who make very valuable suggestions about future content. I sincerely thank them all. I know that without the close involvement of ISSTD staff it would be impossible to mount the Webinar program. I recognize the major support staff has contributed to the growth of the Webinar program over the years. (I am old enough to somehow have been a member of the Webinar Committee since its inception…)
Wishing all ISSTD members the greetings of the season and all the best for 2025. I am sure that the webinar program for the coming year won’t disappoint.
Warwick Middleton, Chair, ISSTD Webinar Committee