2024 ISSTD Annual Conference

Pre-Conference: March 21-22, 2024 | Main Conference: March 23-25, 2024
Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star

We are excited to welcome you to the 41st Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), March 21-25, 2024! The theme of this conference is The Healing Power of Dignity in the Treatment and Research of Complex Trauma & Dissociation. The conference will be held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at the Star, in Frisco, Texas, USA.

A compassionate, therapeutic, well-bounded relationship is the one thing that is consistently shown to facilitate positive change. As dignity is considered an antidote to shame, a society that can support dignity will minimize shame for its citizens, and reduce inter-personal and inter-generational transmission of trauma. Children often experience shame because their behaviors are under constant observation. For them, dignity involves understanding their behaviors and helping them understand themselves. Dignity thus becomes an important factor in understanding and addressing complex trauma and dissociation. The conference aims to explore the healing power of dignity in the treatment and research of complex trauma and dissociation as the central theme.

Our program includes educational opportunities for students, clinicians, and researchers of various disciplines from around the world. Social events such as a meet-up for students and emerging professionals, special interest group meetings, fundraising events, receptions, and opportunities to connect or network are also part of the program. 

The ISSTD Annual Conference Committee and Staff have worked along with the Scientific Committee to design an educational program with many clinical and research-oriented presentations to offer new perspectives and deepen one’s knowledge and skills in the field of trauma and dissociation. The ISSTD Board of Directors and Special Interest Groups have rendered additional support to creating the program.

The Plenary Speakers this year are Heather Hall & Michael Salter; Emma Christensen, and Maggi Price. There are half- and full-day pre-conference workshops by invited presenters. The main conference has workshops, panel discussions, symposia, forum, papers, posters, and media presentations.

ISSTD has been welcoming professionals working with complex trauma and dissociation for four decades. The ISSTD Annual Conference offers a time and place to connect with fellow clinicians and researchers in the field from around the world, sharing knowledge and wisdom! Over the years, the conference has been held at various locations to increase accessibility to a variety of mental health professionals.

Participants at previous ISSTD Annual Conferences have expressed that they felt seen, heard, and supported by colleagues, and went home with a felt sense of connection and belonging. We welcome you to participate in the conference and have a rich experience, whether you are new to the field of trauma and dissociation or a long term member of ISSTD! For those who cannot attend in person, the conference is offering livestreaming and recording of certain content on the main conference days (Saturday-Monday). The fees are discounted for students and those from countries listed as Tier II to VI, with an intention to make it affordable to many. 

We look forward to seeing you in person at the conference or online!

Adithy and Liz Chalenburg
Co-Chairs, ISSTD Annual Conference Committee

Updated 10/10/23

ISSTD Annual Conference