In Focus:

28th Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada, November 4-5, 2011

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) is an international, non-profit, professional association dedicated to serving the field of trauma and dissociation through its significant contributions to scientific research, professional education, and public advocacy initiatives. The ISST-D sponsors training programs and conferences for professionals, research grants for graduate students, and the Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. For over 27 years, the organization's initiatives focus on helping chronically traumatized individuals by (1) developing more refined diagnostic and assessment protocols; (2) testing best practices to develop evidence-based treatments; (3) supporting and engaging in research on the biopsychosocial effects of chronic traumatization, especially dissociation; and (4) educating professionals and the public about chronic traumatization and dissociation.

The organization's 27th Annual Conference was hosted this past year in Atlanta, Georgia. Professional pre-conference institutes of learning began on October 14-15, followed by the annual conference on October 16-18, 2010. The conference theme was "Clinical Consequences of Complex Psychological Trauma: Assessment, Treatment, and Recovery." The conference presentations highlighted the ISSTD's continued focus on (1) complex trauma, (2) the effects of complex trauma (including complex post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Dissociative Disorders), and (3) integrative healing during the therapeutic journey. (Integration has been described as a process, a mechanism, a series of mental and behavioral actions, and a goal of the therapeutic process. Integration has many contexts encompassing conceptual, neurobiological, developmental, somatic, cognitive, emotional, instinctual, spiritual, organizational, cultural, psychological, and social aspects).

Conference presentations are designed to address theory, clinical assessment, treatment innovations, and instructive case studies covering the spectrum of trauma-related disorders and their symptoms. Each conference's task is not only to continue integrating a broad base of knowledge within the field, but also to challenge ongoing personal, institutional, and social denial regarding the effects of trauma and dissociation, and to address public health problems related to chronic trauma. Further understanding of chronic trauma and dissociation must be applied to other areas of psychiatry and psychology, as well as to public health institutions, including child welfare, prisons, and primary health care.

ISSTD conferences are always noted for their friendliness, warmth, and their encouragement of dialogue and networking. For professionals working with trauma or dissociation—as a clinician, as a researcher, or as an academic—the 2011 conference program promises to be yet another of the ISSTD's contributions to excellence in the field. For more information about this year's conference in Montreal, Canada, "Complex Trauma and Dissociation Across the Life Span: Core Competencies in Training and Research,"; visit www.isst-d.org.

Embracing Technology With ISSTD Webinars

ISSTD WebinarsA webinar is an interactive, 90-minute professional education seminar conducted via audio teleconference and the Internet. It is hosted by the ISST-D and industry experts covering hot topics, best practices, and special interests. You have the opportunity to learn through on-screen presentations, conference call audio facilities and your computer speakers, all from the comfort of your office. During the webinar attendees can contribute via chat email to the discussion and participate in the Q&A sessions on the call. A moderator receives the questions and forwards them to speaker at the appropriate time during the discussion. Engage and benefit from topics like these:

  • The Use of Tompkins’ Innate Affect Theory and Nathanson’s Compass of Shame in Facilitating the Understanding and Treatment of DID and DDNOS
  • The Music Behind the Lyrics: Mastering the Dissociative Surface to Facilitate the Understanding and Treatment of DID and DDNOS
  • Try to See It My Way Squared: Identifying and Resolving Stalemates and Impasses in the Treatment of DID and DDNOS
  • Respice Finem: Beginning Treatment in a Way that Facilitates a Constructive Integration or Resolution as Therapy Proceeds
  • Mentalizing, Mindfulness and the Body in the Treatment of Chronic Trauma
  • From MindFlight to MindSight: Overcoming the Phobia of Inner Experience in Chronic Traumatization
  • Treating the Addicted Survivor of Trauma: A Somatic Perspective
  • An Office Mental Status Exam for Dissociative Disorders - Part 1
  • An Office Mental Status Exam for Dissociative Disorders - Part 2

No time? Access the archives and learn at your convenience. Visit www.isst-d.org for more information about this dynamic professional education format featuring industry experts in the field of trauma and dissociation.