Exploring Trauma and Healing, BUSSW Community Engages at 2026 ISSTD Conference
Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) faculty and students participated in this year’s Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD), led by Associate Professor Jennifer M. Gómez who was named a Fellow of ISSTD, an honor recognizing sustained contributions and impact in the field.
At the conference, Gómez participated in several key sessions. She served as a plenary panelist for “The Launch, the Journey, and the Destination,” joining leading scholars to reflect on the field and its future. Her talk focused on betrayal trauma theory, cultural betrayal trauma theory, and the roles of institutional courage and dreamstorming in transforming the world into one that is more equal and peaceful for everyone.
She also spoke on the invited panel “Diverse Adolescent & Adult Perspectives on Trauma Prevention & Healing,” which received a standing ovation.
Gómez presented a co-authored paper with Assistant Professor Luis Alvarez-Hernandez (Alvarez-Hernandez & Gómez, 2026) examining dissociation and W.E.B. du Bois’ double-consciousness among LGBTQ+ Latines.
Doctoral student Ning Yawen presented her project, “From Survival to Thriving: A Framework for Restoring Intimacy Following Sexual Trauma,” highlighting the school’s commitment to emerging scholarship.
An organizational member of ISSTD, BUSSW sponsored the Student and Emerging Professional Luncheon. Gómez served as a Luminary, mentoring early-career professionals.
The conference also recognized work connected to Gómez’s research. The 2026 ISSTD Frank W. Putnam Outstanding Book Award was awarded to Shin Shin Tang, PhD, whose book, “Asian American Psychology & Psychotherapy: Intergenerational Trauma, Betrayal, & Liberation”, draws on Gómez’s cultural betrayal trauma theory.
A conference space also featured Gómez’s concept of “dreamstorming,” inviting attendees to imagine pathways toward collective healing and systemic change. As Gómez writes, “Dreamstorming is the process of envisioning liberation… expanding what we think is possible through exposing us to an imagined world of peace and equality.” Responses from attendees will help inform ISSTD’s future planning and equity initiatives.
Together, these contributions reflect BUSSW’s ongoing engagement in advancing trauma research, practice, and education.
