Our Members in their Own Words: Why ISTSS

Question: What inspired you to become a member of ISTSS?

Brian Smith, PhD: “I attended my first ISTSS meeting 16 years ago, and I had the sense pretty quickly that this was going to be my new professional home. I was so inspired by the work I was hearing about, and excited by the opportunity to connect with leading professionals in the traumatic stress field around the world – to learn from them and ultimately to establish and build collaborations to advance research.”

Question: How has your involvement with ISTSS impacted your professional or personal growth? 

Brian Smith, PhD: “My involvement with ISTSS has had such a positive impact on my career and personal growth. To have had the opportunity to be involved in the leading global society in our field has been a true privilege. Through ISTSS, I have had the great fortune of collaborating on work that I find incredibly meaningful, and I’ve connected with so many wonderful colleagues around the world that I likely would not have had the opportunity to meet and work with otherwise. These collaborations have also brought opportunities to visit new parts of the world, and to share our latest PTSD-related research on military veteran populations with audiences abroad, while learning from and being inspired by their work.​”

Question: What message or story would you like to share with others about the importance of traumatic stress studies and the work of ISTSS? 

Brian Smith, PhD: “When I reflect on the work of ISTSS, I am ever reminded that trauma is a global issue, and that we are fortunate to have such a highly engaged community of professionals, collectively contributing to a shared mission of advancing and disseminating knowledge about traumatic stress.”

Question: What inspired you to become a member of ISTSS?

Dawid Haracz: “Becoming a member of ISTSS was a natural step for me. The Society represents the standard I was seeking: a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to trauma that integrates scientific research, clinical practice, and ethical sensitivity to the complexity of traumatic experiences. Access to current research, international dialogue, and a wide range of perspectives has helped me organize and deepen my understanding of trauma, moving beyond oversimplifications while gaining a more nuanced insight into the mechanisms underlying human suffering.”

Question: How has your involvement with ISTSS impacted your professional or personal growth? 

Dawid Haracz: “Access to current research, international dialogue, and a wide range of perspectives has helped me organize and deepen my understanding of trauma — moving beyond oversimplifications while gaining a more nuanced insight into the mechanisms underlying human suffering. As a clinician working in Central and Eastern Europe, I see a strong need to build bridges between global knowledge and local clinical practice.”

Question: What inspired you to become a member of ISTSS?

Derrick Bogan: "My own trauma and experiences with PTSD inspired me to become a member of ISTSS.

Question: How has your involvement with ISTSS impacted your professional or personal growth? 

Derrick Bogan: "ISTSS enhanced my understanding of various aspects of trauma. I undertook the Trauma Research Foundation’s 33-week training in trauma and stressors, along with more training afterward. Without the Trauma Research Foundation and ISTSS, I wouldn’t have a great understanding of veterans getting released from prison and sharing their experiences as well."

Question: What inspired you to become a member of ISTSS?

Jana Javakhishvili, PhD: "I joined the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) because it is an outstanding professional community dedicated to serving those affected by trauma in the best possible way. ISTSS fosters international collaboration, facilitates networking, and promotes the exchange of best practices and evidence-based interventions. Being part of this society provides a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues, engage in high-quality professional events, and contribute to the advancement of the traumatic stress field. It is both a meaningful and enriching experience." 

Question: How has your involvement with ISTSS impacted your professional or personal growth? 

Jana Javakhishvili, PhD: "My involvement with ISTSS has been invaluable for both my professional and personal growth. It has connected me with a global network of experts, provided access to cutting-edge research, and offered opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Engaging in ISTSS events and initiatives has deepened my knowledge, broadened my perspective, and strengthened my commitment to advancing trauma-informed care. Beyond professional enrichment, being part of this community has been an inspiring and rewarding experience." 

Question: What message or story would you like to share with others about the importance of traumatic stress studies and the work of ISTSS? 

Jana Javakhishvili, PhD: "Being part of the ISTSS family is both a privilege and a responsibility - an opportunity to contribute, learn, and support one another in making a meaningful impact. Through its commitment to trauma-informed and trauma-focused interventions, ISTSS not only advances the traumatic stress field but also ensures that those affected by trauma receive the best possible care." 

Question: What inspired you to become a member of ISTSS? 

Sacha McBain, PhD: "I was inspired to become a member of ISTSS thanks to the encouragement of my first clinical supervisor. When I expressed interest in specializing in traumatic stress, she recommended I get involved with ISTSS. With additional support from my research mentor, I submitted a poster presentation, which was accepted, and attended my first ISTSS meeting in 2014 in Miami. That experience was incredibly impactful, and I’ve been involved ever since. Now, ten years later, as a mentor and supervisor myself, I fully appreciate how valuable their early encouragement was in shaping my career and connecting me to a professional community that continues to inspire me." 

Question: How has your involvement with ISTSS impacted your professional or personal growth? 

Sacha McBain, PhD: "My involvement with ISTSS has been instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal growth. It opened up a world of opportunities for collaboration, including connections with mentors who played a key role in guiding my graduate and post-graduate training and supported me as I navigated my first faculty position. Through ISTSS, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary experts in traumatic stress from around the world—smart, kind people I would never have met otherwise. Many of these collaborations have led to presentations, publications, and trainings, and have grown into lasting friendships." 

Question: What message or story would you like to share with others about the importance of traumatic stress studies and the work of ISTSS? 

Sacha McBain, PhD: "The work we do in the field of traumatic stress can be incredibly challenging. Being part of ISTSS has connected me with a community of colleagues who share a common mission and core values, while also offering diverse perspectives. This network has been a vital source of professional support and growth. Over the years, ISTSS has helped me stay informed about innovation in the field and has played a key role in refining both my research and clinical practice. As Membership Committee Chair, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it can be to find your place in the ISTSS community. Whether you're early in your career or well established, there’s real value in being connected to others who are just as committed to advancing the field and supporting one another." 

Question: What inspired you to become a member of ISTSS?  

Soraya Seedat, MD: "I had been working as a clinical researcher for about 15 years and been a member of several other professional societies, both internationally and in my country (South Africa). A colleague invited me to join ISTSS. I was inspired by the energy, passion, and commitment to advancing research and practice in the trauma field. I soon realized that ISTSS was a sizeable society (in terms of membership), yet there was a genuine ethos of a 'family' serving a 'community'. My first term as an ISTSS Board member was exciting and scary, in equal measure! The level of activity was almost frenetic there and so much good work being done. Board members were sharply focused on making a global difference to people impacted by trauma. Being a non-US member of ISTSS, this inspired me to expand my research to have more of a global footprint."  

Question: How has your involvement with ISTSS impacted your professional or personal growth?  

Soraya Seedat, MD: "I have initiated several new collaborative research projects with Board members and other colleagues within ISTSS since joining the Society. ISTSS is highly structured and organised, underpinned by a community of talented and dedicated individuals who are a force to be reckoned with. I have learnt a few soft skills about organisational efficiency and diplomacy. Through ISTSS, I have also become more involved in ESTSS (European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies) and the Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress."  

Question: What message or story would you like to share with others about the importance of traumatic stress studies and the work of ISTSS?  

Soraya Seedat, MD: "At a time where war, conflict, disaster, violence, and continuous adversity impact millions worldwide, the study of traumatic stress has never been more crucial. Trauma knows no borders, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. ISTSS is dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical practice to improve prevention, intervention, and recovery for those affected. To be effective, we need professionals and non-professionals, across disciplinary boundaries and around the world, to join the Society so that we can amplify our efforts!"