May 2025 – Division 56 APA Trauma Psychology

Book Review: Blackbird: A Novel

By Carol Carson2023Hound Press. ISBN: 979-8-9869933-0-0 At the outset, let me say unequivocally that Blackbird is a page turner. It is the riveting story of a child, Jane, who endures horrendous abuse. It is categorized as fiction, although Carole Carson acknowledges in her Author’s Note it is about her life — with liberties taken for…

Fellows Section: CALL FOR FELLOWS

Fellows Committee Chair:Charles Figley, PhDfigley@tulane.edu Fellow status in APA is given to those who have made unusual and outstanding contributions to the field of trauma psychology. Their distinguished contributions are the foundation on which the future of trauma psychology builds. Fellows make on-going contributions to science, practice, and public policy through activities in this Division…

Emerging Career Professionals: Early Career Representative Column

Maria Valgoi Early career can be a very stressful and confusing time. It’s a time when one defines themselves professionally, takes risks, and innovates. It’s also a time when professionals are making huge life decisions such as committing to a partner, having children, and buying a home. After talking with ECPs in the division, I…

Supporting the well-being of supervisees in trauma-intensive sites and the examination of current trauma-informed supervision practices

Monica Sanchez & Yinan Liang Section Editor:Kiara Tookes-Williams Peer Reviewers:Molly Becker, Olivia Jackson, Jasmine Merlette, Zaine Roberts Advisor: Antonella BarianiOpinions expressed by the authors are their own and not necessarily those of APA, Division 56, or any member of the editorial board. Trauma-informed mental health services are in high demand. Yet, there is a discrepancy…

Member Open Submissions

Catastrophic Wildfires and Apocalyptic AnxietyRobert D. Stolorow Living in the Bay Area near San Francisco, I am far from the catastrophic wildfires that have been assaulting Los Angeles and the neighboring communities. Despite this long distance, I have been feeling an uncanny sense of danger, an anxiety that often appears in my body in the…

Commentary: Trump Administration Threatens Decades of Trauma Research Progress

E. Kate Webb & Christine L. Larson Section Editor: Sydney Timmer-MurilloOpinions expressed by the authors are their own and not necessarily those of APA, Division 56, or any member of the editorial board. Trauma exposure is one of the most significant and prevalent risk factors for chronic mental and physical health conditions, including posttraumatic stress…

Mental Health of Older Adults with a Refugee Life Experience

Rochelle L. Frounfelker & Tej Mishra Section Editor:Claire J. StarrsOpinions expressed by the authors are their own and not necessarily those of APA, Division 56, or any member of the editorial board. Mental Health of Older Refugees The most recent data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicates that the number of…

On the double: A veteran-driven dissemination campaign spreading awareness on PTSD treatment options

Infographics of Treatment Options for People with PTSD: Created by Jacquelyn Baldwin, BSN, RN (Florida Atlantic University) and On The Double PCORI Dissemination Grant Team.

Who’s Who: D.H. Vu, PhD

Special Feature for the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon “On the 50th anniversary of The Fall of Saigon, I’m wishing us the capacity to hold nuance, the fortitude to learn our stories, and the commitment to apply compassionate, abolitionist principles to Vietnamese everywhere.“ Associate Program DirectorSam W. Ho Health Justice Scholars ProgramTufts University…

New Professional Practice Guideline For Adults With Complex Trauma Histories

Christine A. Courtois & Paul A. Frewen, PhD We are pleased to announce the availability of a new Professional Practice Guideline for Working with Adults with Complex Trauma Histories, published jointly by the American Psychological Association (APA, Division 56, Trauma Psychology) and the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD; APA, 2024).…