2015 International Trauma and Dissociation Conference: Fundraiser to Benefit the 'Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders (TOP DD) Studies'.
This Years' Theme:
"How the Past Affects the Now"
Adult survivors of child abuse experience daily struggles related to what and how they learned to react to abusive situations that are no longer happening. Survivors, their supporters, and the mental health community also struggle with a misinformed public and lack of mental health services. All of these create overwhelming challenges for dissociative clients, mental health professionals, and supporters including all who work with or treat those affected by early childhood trauma.
Who is invited?
Survivors of trauma and/or those who have a 'Dissociative Disorder':
We would love to see all of you at the conference. You will get a chance to meet and hear others who have experienced trauma as well as professionals who have vast experience and knowledge in the area of trauma and dissociation including: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), mind-control, ritual abuse, pharmacology, therapy models, hospitalization, service dogs, outcome of current research studies, and more.
Supporters of survivors:
If you personally support a trauma survivors or have an interest in learning about how and why early childhood trauma affects adult survivors, you will better understand the needs of survivors and hear valid and reliable information from experts in the field.
Mental health clinicians, students, and other professionals:
All professionals and students who want to learn about trauma and dissociation are welcome to attend. 16 credit units with certificate are available - see
Ivory Garden Conference Site for more details.
This is a one-of-a-kind conference. First, it benefits survivors, clinicians, and supporters on several levels. The objectives are:
1. Attendees will understand how and why public opinion has effected trauma survivors’ ability to obtain appropriate mental health care today.
2. Attendees will understand how and why childhood trauma affects survivors’ current reactions and beliefs.
3. Attendees will leave the conference with an overall knowledge of trauma and dissociation today and skills that can be used in everyday life and in the therapeutic environment.
Besides gaining the experience of the conference, everyone is also supporting this fundraising event to benefit TOP DD studies. Please, register and join us for this unique experience.
All workshops and plenaries will either be educational or fun and interactive. This conference will be much like last year, only better! If you are interested in how others felt about the 2014 Conference, please visit the
http://igdid.org/?page_id=2510. here. All attendees are welcome to participate in all workshops and plenaries. We do not designate by name-tag or in anyway whether you are clinician, survivor, or supporter unless requested.
The conference will begin on Thursday evening (Oct. 15th) with a short welcome. We have specially priced rooms (while they last) Oct. 15th - Oct. 18th available -
Book Rooms Here. The conference officially begins on Friday morning at 8:15 a.m. with Colin Ross, M.D. speaking. There are breaks throughout the days. A hospitality room will be available for folks to relax. Lunch will be provided in the banquet room on Friday and Saturday. There will be no host bar reception on Friday night and entertainment on Saturday evening. The conference will end on Sunday evening at about 4:30 p.m. with a departure gathering until about 6:30 p.m. See the
schedule for more information.
Every consideration has been made to ensure your comfort during your stay. The venue is accommodating, the workshops and plenaries are presented by experts in their field with a consideration of the mixed audience; the schedule is carefully crafted to meet everyone's interests, and hosts and hotel staff are available at all times.
In keeping with our mission and purpose, net contributions raised on behalf of this event will be donated to the 'Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders (TOP DD) Studies'.
We are excited to host this fundraiser on behalf of the dedicated team of the TOP DD Studies:
These studies consistently reflect scientific evidence demonstrating that when clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder receive trauma-focused psychotherapy, their symptoms improve. Likewise, when they do not receive appropriate treatment, just as any other population, symptoms persists or worsen. Because early childhood trauma and dissociation are related, we must support these studies and dismiss rhetoric and public stigma that creates the illusion of controversy about dissociative disorders. There is NO controversy, but rather truth that all children and adults who have experienced abuse deserve appropriate treatment, and that appropriate treatment has been scientifically researched and is available to everyone through education and awareness - especially during conferences such as this one.
This is everyone's chance to learn from the experts about dissociative disorders and approaches to appropriate treatment as well as support these amazing researchers to further provide studies that promote healing for those already hurt enough.
About The TOP DD Studies
"Few studies have assessed how patients with dissociative disorders (DD) respond to treatment. The paucity of research contributes to the limited awareness of DD and the lack of training for treatment providers.
The Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders (TOP DD) Studies examine DD treatment process and progress in the service of identifying the most effective treatments for DD. Finding the most beneficial and cost effective interventions for DD patients is crucial because DD are associated with severe symptoms and considerable suffering, serious impairment in functioning, and high treatment costs. So far, the TOP DD research team has conducted two studies: A prospective, naturalistic study of treatment outcome among DD patients from around the world (“the naturalistic treatment study”), and a survey aimed at capturing DD experts' recommendations to identify the specific treatment interventions experts have found effective at various stages in DD treatment (“the expert survey”).
Thanks to the generous sharing of time and treatment experiences by our TOP DD participants, the naturalistic treatment study was very successful. We were able to recruit approximately 290 therapists and their patients from 19 countries around the world — the largest and only international study of dissociative disorders. The consistent reports of patients and therapists in the naturalistic study demonstrated that DD treatment is associated with decreased symptoms and improved functioning. Data collected at four time points across 30 months revealed that over the course of this period, DD patients in treatment exhibited less depression, dissociation, PTSD, and general distress as well as decreases in suicide attempts, self-injurious behaviors, and hospitalizations. In addition, therapist ratings indicated that patients had also improved in adaptive functioning.
The Expert Survey, which surveyed 36 international experts in the treatment of DD, underscored the importance of providing DD-related information as part of treatment. The experts recommended that for DD patients in the early stages of treatment the following should be emphasized: establishing and maintaining safety, providing education about symptoms and their management, developing healthy coping skills including grounding (to increase control over dissociation), appropriate self-care, emotion regulation, and containment skills (to manage intrusive trauma symptoms).
Our next study, the TOP DD Network study, will examine whether a web-based intervention, in combination with individual psychotherapy, is more effective for DD patients than individual psychotherapy alone. The TOP DD Network program is a year-long web-based educational program for DD patients and their therapists that is informed by the results of our previous studies. More specifically, the TOP DD Network program provides education about DD and healthy coping skills (including managing dissociation, unsafe urges and emotions) with a focus on the enhancement of DD patients’ safety." source:
http://topddstudy.com/
Don't miss this unique three full-day event of plenaries, workshops, and live entertainment presented by world renowned experts in the field of trauma and dissociation. Continuing Education Units and Ethic Units are provided with certificate through the NASW for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists and Licensed Mental Health Counselors. Provider number is #1975-362. - see more information as it is updated here:
2015 Conference Schedule.
Seats are Limited - Register Now!!
Take Advantage of Reduced Rates - Book Your Room!!
Learn More About How You Can Help!!
Visit Our Fundraising Site!!
We look forward to seeing everyone there. For more information and updates, check this site often.
If you have questions or need help with anything, contact:
Pat Goodwin, President
Ivory Garden
felicity4us2@gmail.com
Ivory Garden 2015 'Trauma and Dissociation' Conference Guest Speakers:
Introducing the 2015 Trauma and Dissociation Conference Speakers:
COLIN A. ROSS, M.D.
Dr. Ross is an internationally renowned clinician, researcher, author, and lecturer in the field of trauma-related disorders. He is the Founder and President of the Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma. Dr. Ross is the Executive Medical Director of three trauma programs located at Timberlawn Mental Health System in Dallas, Texas; Forest View Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Del Amo Hospital in Torrance, California. Dr. Ross provides treatment for patients with trauma related disorders and symptoms. This would include treatment for: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Dissociative Disorders; Borderline Personality Disorder; Addictive Disorder; Anxiety Disorders; Depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The symptoms treated and the admission criteria are: suicidal ideation; homicidal ideation; self-destructive behaviors; addictive behaviors, and inability to function. Dr. Ross has written extensively on the subject of dissociation and trauma. His latest book is, Trauma Model Therapy: A Treatment Approach for Trauma Dissociation and Complex Comorbidity. Other books by Dr. Ross include: The Trauma Model: A Solution to the Problem of Comorbidity in Psychiatry; and Schizophrenia: Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment. Dr Ross’ books are available through his web site at www.rossinst.com, at www.amazon.com and at area bookstores. Dr. Ross has authored 170 professional papers and 27 books. He has reviewed for numerous professional journals, is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is a Past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. In addition, Dr. Ross has served as an expert witness in over 50 court cases, consulted on television, movie, and video productions on trauma-related disorders. Dr. Ross has also produced six educational videos and CD’s for mental health professionals on the treatment of trauma-based disorders.
RICHARD LOEWENSTEIN, M.D.
Dr. Richard J. Loewenstein is a Nationally and Internationally known Senior Psychiatrist and the Founder and Medical Director of the Trauma Disorders Program. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to research and clinical studies of trauma and dissociation. Dr. Loewenstein is Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
A. STEVEN FRANKEL, PH.D., J.D.
Steve Frankel is Board Certified Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and an Attorney at Law, who practices both professions in San Francisco’s East Bay. A past Director of Clinical Training and current Clinical Prof. of Psychology at USC, he began recognizing childhood trauma in his adult patient case-load in 1980 and has specialized in working with that population ever since. He joined the Int’l. Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation in the 1990s and was the consultant to the Trauma Program at Del Amo Hospital from 1993 until 2001. He was President of the ISSTD in 2002 and has been active in developing and teaching courses in trauma treatment as well as publishing chapters in books and professional journals in the trauma field.
A. LAURA S. BROWN, PH.D
Laura S. Brown is a clinical and forensic psychologist in independent practice in Seattle, Washington. A writer and speaker on feminist therapy theory and practice, she offers workshops and trainings to professionals and the public on such topics as trauma treatment, cultural competence, psychological assessment, and ethics. She is also the founder and Director of the Fremont Community Therapy Project, a low-fee psychotherapy training clinic in Seattle.
ROBIN SHAPIRO, LICSW
I've been doing psychotherapy in Seattle since 1981. I’m a synthesizer and interpreter of therapy techniques. I don’t believe that any one method holds the key to every problem. Important tools and perspectives in my work include EMDR; Hypnotherapy; Cognitive Behavioral; Narrative; Object Relations; Differentiation-based couple work, and Affect and Body-oriented therapies. My work week includes three days of private practice with individual and couples and one day of consultation to other therapists. The rest of the time I'm reading, writing, walking, or hanging out with my husband, Doug Plummer, Author: Trauma Treatments Handbook, Protocols Across the Spectrum. (Norton, 2010) Editor, EMDR Solutions: Pathways to Healing (Norton, 2005) EMDR Solutions II: Depression, Eating Disorders, Performance and More (Norton, 2009). Board of Directors of EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program.
THOMAS G. CARLTON, M.D.
Thomas G. Carlton, M.D. is a psychiatrist, clinician and teacher. He is a fellow of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSTD), and a former Treasurer and Past President of ISSTD. Dr. Carlton has presented at ISSTD conferences, and has taught for the ISSTD Professional Training Program at standard and advanced levels for about 15 years.
Dr. Carlton spent the first half of his professional career as a US Navy psychiatrist, treating military personnel and their families. On retiring from the Navy, he entered solo private practice, with a focus on trauma-related disorders.
For eight years, he was the Medical Director of the Center for Emotional Trauma Recovery at Lake Chelan, an acute inpatient unit for dissociative disorders and other disorders related to complex trauma. Since leaving Chelan, Dr. Carlton has worked for two managed care companies, trained military Family Medicine Residents in the aspects of behavioral health care that people bring to their personal physician, and worked as a clinician in a Naval Hospital serving US Marines and their families.
Dr. Carlton is board certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. He currently resides in San Diego, CA.
JOAN C. GOLSTON, DCSW, LICSW
Joan C. Golston, DCSW, LICSW, is a therapist, supervisor and clinical and forensic consultant in private practice in Seattle, Washington. She has been Chair of the NASW Washington Chapter Ethics Committee for some 15 years, was honored as the Chapter’s 2006 Social Worker of the Year, and is a Fellow and Director of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISST-D). She is a co-author of the recently published Guidelines for Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder in Adults, 3rd revision. Joan teaches ISST-D international courses on the psychotherapy of the dissociative disorders, and has served as a consultant in a number of legal cases regarding ethics and professional standards. In November, she will present a pre-conference institute on “Ethics in the Treatment of Trauma” in Montreal. Joan is a warm and engaging speaker who has presented over a hundred professional lectures and workshops, and earned a reputation as a teacher who makes complex topics easily comprehensible and even entertaining.
DR. ALISON MILLER, Ph.D.
Alison Miller is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She worked for many years in child and youth mental health services, treating children and families. She is the original developer of the Living in Families Effectively (LIFE) Seminars (www.lifeseminars.com), and has co-authored two books on parenting with Dr Allison Rees. Since 1991, Dr Miller has been treating and learning from persons with dissociative disorders, in particular survivors of ritual abuse and mind control, and has developed a protocol for effective treatment.
LYNN CROOK, M.Ed.
Lynn Crook was a therapist when she recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse. Since her successful lawsuit, she’s been investigating false memory claims. She presented her findings in the U.S., England, and at the United Nations. She joined a comedy improv group to handle any hecklers that might show up. They didn’t. Lynn is an editor emeritus of Treating Abuse Today, and is writing a book she’s currently calling “An Inconvenient Crime."
MARY KNIGHT,Writer,Filmmaker
After working as a social worker for over 20 years, Mary Knight started a new career as a full time filmmaker and writer. She is a survivor of incest, child pornography, child prostitution, and other ritualistic child abuse. The first scene of her feature film can be seen at www.SisterMarysAngel.com. Her fifteen minute film about her first marriage is available to interested domestic violence agencies and individuals at www.OneMansAnger.com.
JODI HOBBS, MBA
President, SIA
Jodi Hobbs has a BA in IT and an MBA. Working in the technology industry for over 15 years she has helped many for profit and non profit organizations with their technical needs. Jodi has a successful tech based business. She is a survivor of Victory Christian Academy, a youth treatment facility that once operated in Ramona, CA. VCA was closed after scathing accusations of abuse were leveled against the proprietor. Mrs. Hobbs formed Survivors of Institutional Abuse (SIA) to help those affected by abusive treatment in behavioral modification type programs. “SIA is about healing and leading a positive, peaceful and healthy life. Anything we can do to assist in getting a survivor on positive path.”
LANI KENT, Therapeutic Arts Facilitator
Lani Kent is a Therapeutic Arts Facilitator; Speaker; Writer, and Artist /Owner of “Healing Expressions”. She has a compassionate heart for survivors of traumatic life experiences. For over ten years has offered adjunct expressive arts services, client support, consultation to therapeutic professionals, recovery groups, and clients, through “Restorative Creativity” individual and group workshops. Lani has in depth knowledge of the dissociative process as expressed through art, presents at conferences on these topics, and offers “Healing Expressions” vendor exhibits. She is passionate about sharing an authentic expression of the recovery journey in the hopes that others will find the courage to share their own stories and find a voice for the wounded places within.
Website: www.healingexpressionsbylani.com
AMY SOTO
AmyAnna Soto has over 20 years of lived experience in trauma and sleep disturbances. Lived experience in trauma includes sexual, physical, emotional abuse, rape, stalking, and harassment. She has chronic nightmares and severe sleep apnea. AmyAnna spent the last 12 years actively healing and reinventing herself.
As the Chairman of the California Group for the Ivory Garden Trauma and Dissociation Organization, AmyAnna started The California Trauma and Dissociation Group. As a professional acrylic, mixed media artist and a published poet, AmyAnna feels her best when helping people heal and being creative. She is a volunteer and public speaker for the organizations Peers Speak Out for Hope and Each Mind Matters. Both organizations are dedicated to ending the stigma against mental illness and promoting hope and awareness.
AmyAnna worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a financial analyst where she learned the importance of teamwork and professionalism. She was a volunteer HIV counselor and phlebotomist. Having such a diverse past in helping people in life’s worst moments has given AmyAnna great compassion and empathy for others.
LB LEE, BA
LB has been creating educational comics on the subject since 2008. Their work is used by therapists and clinics in Texas, Massachusetts, and Ohio. It has also been used by multiples and laymen in the US, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Sweden, and the UK. They have done presentations on comics, mental health, and multiplicity at the Massachusetts Indy Comics Expo in 2012 and the Ephemera Zine Fest in 2014. They have also been educating one-on-one since 2007. During their workshop, survivors will learn new coping skills allowing them to help themselves and others. Supporters and clinicians will learn new skills to teach their multiple clients and friends and gain a better understanding of multiplicity.
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Note: Some speakers are not listed here, but will be listed on the program at the conference for their privacy.
2015 Trauma and Dissociation Conference Exhibits
Ivory Garden is proud to welcome the 2015 International Trauma and Dissociation Conference exhibitors:
[caption id="attachment_3954" align="aligncenter" width="268"]
TOP DD Study[/caption]
"There have been few studies assessing how patients with dissociative disorders (DD) respond to treatment. The paucity of research contributes to the limited awareness of DD and the lack of training for treatment providers. The goal of the TOP DD studies is to assess treatment outcome among people with DD, and, ultimately, to learn how to provide the most effective treatment to them. So far, the TOP DD research team has conducted two studies, one a prospective, naturalistic study of treatment outcome among DD patients from around the world (hence forward called the “TOP DD study”), and another which surveyed DD experts for their recommendations of specific treatment interventions that are effective at various stages in DD treatment." We look forward to seeing this exhibit where we can pick up information and meet everyone. (This conference is being held as a fundraiser to benefit the TOP DD study.
[caption id="attachment_3913" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
ISST-D[/caption]
The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international, non-profit, professional association organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically effective and empirically based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation and to address its relevance to other theoretical constructs. We are looking forward to stopping by their exhibit table this year.
[caption id="attachment_3912" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Professional Books[/caption]
Professional Books will exhibit a book display bringing selected titles based on our topics as well as speakers' books. You will be able to purchase books, and speakers will also have exhibits where you can buy their books and/or get books signed. This is an amazing addition to our conference this year. Professional Books is a sponsor of this event.
Colin A. Ross Institute For Psychological Trauma
The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma
The Colin A. Ross Institute was formed in 1995 to further the understanding of psychological trauma and its consequences by providing educational services, research, and clinical treatment of trauma based disorders. Colin Ross will be exhibiting at this table. We welcome him back and also as a sponsor of this event.
Sheppard Pratt Trauma Disorders Program
"Our program is nationally and internationally recognized for expert inpatient treatment services for psychological trauma recovery. Our program utilizes an intensive multi-disciplinary treatment approach through individual therapy, milieu therapy, and process-oriented, experiential and psycho-educational group therapies. Our expertly trained treatment team provides a structured, supportive environment to facilitate stabilization and step-down to other levels of care, both in our continuum and in home communities." We are happy to welcome this exhibit as well as their sponsorship this year. 6501 North Charles Street,Towson, Maryland 21204, 410-938-3584.
Timberlawn Mental Health System
"Our program is under the direction of Colin A. Ross M.D., an internationally renowned clinician, researcher, and author. The program is based on Dr. Ross’ “Trauma Model,” which emphasizes the effects of trauma as multiple symptoms expressed by multiple diagnoses. The unresolved trauma and the resulting attachment conflicts are the common themes throughout these various diagnoses. A goal of the program is to reduce the number of admissions and overall cost by addressing the core attachment issues." This exhibit was a favorite last year, and we are happy to see them returning as a sponsor.
EMDR Solutions
Robin Shapiro, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W.
Robin will be speaking also. We look forward to meeting her and seeing her exhibit table. She is the author of: Trauma Treatments Handbook, Protocols Across the Spectrum. (Norton, 2010) Editor, EMDR Solutions: Pathways to Healing (Norton, 2005) EMDR Solutions II: Depression, Eating Disorders, Performance and More (Norton, 2009). And, she is on the Board of Directors of EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program. Welcome Robin.
Survivors of Institutional Abuse
SIA is a nonprofit organization. SIA seeks to enable and empower help in healing adults who have experienced past childhood abuse to live their lives in the present, rather than continuing to experience today as an extension of their traumatic past. These services offered range based on the needs of the individual. SIA is a sponsor of the conference. We look forward to seeing the exhibit and meeting everyone.
Laura S. Brown, PhD.
Laura S. Brown is a clinical and forensic psychologist in independent practice in Seattle, Washington. A writer and speaker on feminist therapy theory and practice, she offers workshops and trainings to professionals and the public on such topics as trauma treatment, cultural competence, psychological assessment, and ethics. She is also the founder and Director of the Fremont Community Therapy Project. Her book "Your turn for care: Surviving the aging and death of the adults who harmed you" is fantastic and available at her website and at the conference. We look forward to seeing her this year again.
"Healing Expressions Art and Gifts by Lani Kent"
2014 Trauma and Dissociation Conference Exhibit
Lani's exhibit last year was amazing. We are glad to welcome her back this year to share her art and extraordinary talents with everyone.
DR. ALISON MILLER
We welcome Dr. Miller and look forward to meeting her this year. Alison Miller is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She worked for many years in child and youth mental health services, treating children and families. She is the original developer of the Living in Families Effectively (LIFE) Seminars (www.lifeseminars.com), and has co-authored two books on parenting with Dr Allison Rees. Since 1991, Dr Miller has been treating and learning from persons with dissociative disorders, in particular survivors of ritual abuse and mind control, and has developed a protocol for effective treatment. Alison is also a sponsor for this conference.
Chairman of the California Group for the Ivory Garden Trauma and Dissociation Organization
Welcome the Ivory Garden Trauma and Dissociation Group. We look forward to seeing this exhibit. The group has been working hard creating original artwork, t-shirts, cards, and other crafts. We are exited to hear more from them. They will bring pamphlets and information about their group and all that they have done and are planning for next year - a regional conference? Yep! We should have more information by October. Great job all!
Thank you to all exhibitors. The tables are strategically placed in this 5 star hotel where everyone entering the hotel walks past them. We proudly support each of you on your hard work and especially, to the sponsors.
We are sorry that all exhibit tables are filled. If you wish to sponsor this conference, please contact Ivory Garden. Thanks again - all.
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