ISSTD News: BUSSW Student Sophie Bailard Shares Experience at Annual Conference
Sophie Bailard (MSW’25), a student at BU School of Social Work (BUSSW), recently attended the annual International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD) Conference for the first time, seeking answers and connections. In a point-of-view article for ISSTD News, she shares her experience engaging with professionals who welcomed her, attending impactful plenary sessions on justice and liberation psychology, and participating in discussions on various therapeutic modalities for complex trauma.
Excerpt from “Stepping into the Field: Reflections from a First-Time Annual Conference Attendee” by Sophie Bailard:
As I listened, I found myself reflecting on my own work as a Clinical Intern at Boston Medical Center’s Community Violence Response Team this year, considering how I could adapt my interventions for clients with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. The discussions challenged me to think more critically about the modalities I use and how to tailor them to better meet the needs of individuals with these experiences.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was connecting with other attendees. I had candid conversations about grad school, what people wished they had known earlier, and how they navigated the field after graduating. These exchanges felt both validating and eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the many paths ahead.”