ISTSS

In this episode of Trauma Talks, featuring Dr. Sarah Ullman (University of Illinois Chicago) and Dr. Katie Edwards (University of Michigan), experts explore the complexities of trauma disclosure: why survivors choose to share (or not share) their experiences, the impact of those decisions, and how responses from others can shape healing. Hosted by Zara Kenigsberg and Kayleigh Watters, the conversation highlights key research, real-world implications, and ways to create safer, more supportive environments for disclosure.

In this episode, former ISTSS President Professor Deborah Kaysen speaks with Dr. Anushka Patel about the new ISTSS Briefing Paper on improving access to evidence-based interventions for trauma-exposed adults in low- and middle-income countries. Together, they explore the global mental health burden, the treatment gap for trauma survivors, and why task-sharing and community-based models are essential for expanding access to high-quality care. They also discuss what the research shows about non-specialist-delivered interventions, the importance of sustainable training and supervision structures, and the policy implications for strengthening mental health systems worldwide. Based on the ISTSS Briefing Paper, available for free on the ISTSS website.

In this episode, Professor Rachel Hiller, Chair of the ISTSS Public Health & Policy Committee, speaks with Professors Elisa Pfeiffer, Tine Jensen, and Yo Jackson—co-authors of the new ISTSS Briefing Paper on improving access to evidence-based treatments for trauma-exposed children and youth. Together, they unpack common misconceptions in the child trauma field, discuss what research truly shows about treatment effectiveness (including for complex trauma and comorbidities), and highlight the vital roles clinicians, caregivers, and other trusted adults play in supporting recovery. The briefing paper, available free on the ISTSS website, offers clear recommendations for policy and practice aimed at ensuring that all young people can access high-quality, evidence-based care.

In this episode of Trauma Talks, hosts Dr. Melissa Zielinski and Zara Kenningsberg are joined by Dr. Priscilla Das Brailsford and Dr. Rich Tedeschi for a powerful conversation about post-traumatic growth and resilience. Together, they discuss the differences between these two concepts, how trauma can disrupt core beliefs, and the ways individuals and communities can adapt, heal, and even thrive in the aftermath of adversity. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, Dr. Das Brailsford and Dr. Tedeschi share insights into the role of belief systems, social support, and cultural context in shaping recovery. They also highlight practical strategies for fostering growth after trauma and consider how the field can evolve to better support diverse populations. Tune in to hear how resilience helps people “bounce back,” while post-traumatic growth can transform lives, creating deeper meaning, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Join Trauma Talks hosts Dr. Melissa Zielinski and Marley Fraley as they talk with Dr. Hsing-Fang Hsieh and Dr. Marc Zimmerman of the University of Michigan's Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. This final installment of April's Friday Fast Facts series highlights a discussion regarding the disparities regarding firearm injury and violence exposure resulting from racism and structural racism. 

This podcast focuses on the topic of systemic betrayal and explores the biopsychosocial-spiritual impact of systemic failures. Dr. Ford will serve as content expert on systemic betrayal and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and Dr. Stoycheva will serve as content expert on systemic betrayal and Moral Injury (MI). Dr. Khan, with a background in both MI and CPTSD, will serve as moderator. This discussion will provide a rich discussion of how traumatic events encountered within various systems (e.g., foster system, military) shape development, the phenomenological overlap of CPTSD and MI, the role of intersectionality, and some possible treatment implications for clinicians working with survivors of systemic betrayal.

New TraumaTalk podcast episode with ISTSS Global Climate Change and Trauma briefing paper coauthors Jura L. Augustinavicius, PhD (McGill University and Johns Hopkins University); Sarah R. Lowe, PhD (Yale University); and Alessandro Massazza, PhD (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine).   Click here for additional Climate Change and Trauma Friday Fast Facts Resources. 

In this installment of the ISTSS podcast Trauma Talk, co-hosts Dr. Melissa Zielinski and Dr. Anne Wagner talk to Dr. Denise Hien, Dr. Sonya Norman, Dr. Sudie Back, and Dr. Debra Kaysen. Their conversation covers Substance Use Disorder (SUD) as a co-morbidity with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This expert panel will discuss the rates of comorbidity as well as how to proceed with treatment.

What is Medical Trauma? Click here to find out more!

In this podcast, Dr. Kelly Maieritsch and Dr. Tara Galovski review some of the challenges clinicians face when providing trauma-focused treatments.  Included in their discussion are highlights of “roadblocks” or commonly recognized barriers to initiating and completing treatment, such as avoidance and clinical complexities.  

In this podcast episode, Dr. Melanie Harned talks to us about when and how to provide trauma-focused treatment to patients at high risk for suicide. She discusses readiness criteria for initiating trauma-focused PTSD treatment and strategies for how to address suicidality when it emerges during treatment.