PTP Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be licensed in order to sign-up and participate in a professional training program?
Yes. Our professional training programs are designed to be taken by licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors). Graduate students who have permission from their professor or supervisor may also apply.
Do I have to take the courses in order?
Yes, the courses are designed to follow in sequence.
Because of the methodology of the course as well as the theoretical material, it is advisable to start with the The Complexities of Complex Trauma – Theory & Practice Part I.
In some cases, if a potential student has sufficient background in complex trauma and/or dissociation, (s)he may be permitted to register in a more advanced course. This would be decided by the instructor and course director(s). To request an exemption to register for a more advanced class, please email a copy of your CV and an explination of why you are asking for the exemption to professionaltraining@isst-d.org.
If I took the old Introductory course in the past, can I register for the new From Complex Trauma to Dissociative Disorders – Theory & Practice Part I course?
Because the courses have been completely redesigned, it might be best to start with the new Introductory course, comprising of 2, 6-class parts. The original Introductory course had only 6 classes and covered only some of what is now in the Introductory course. However, you should discuss this with the course instructor and directors to gauge which course would be most appropriate to begin.
Do my courses count for the ISSTD Certificate Program?
Yes, all current PTP courses count towards the ISSTD Certificate Program.
Can I get ISSTD Certificate Program credits for PTP courses I’ve already taken?
Certificate credit is given for all PTP courses starting in 2012 which was the year the courses were revised and the Certificate Program was started.
What’s the difference between online, teleseminar, and in-person courses?
In-person courses usually meet every 2 to 4 weeks at a designated location. Students read the assigned materials between classes. Online courses are asynchronistic. Faculty and students post remarks and respond to each other whenever they are able to do so following the outlined schedule. Online groups do not meet in person; all of the work is done online. Currently, the Adult courses are not available as online courses. Teleseminar courses follow the same course curriculum as the “in person” courses. However, meetings are via the Zoom platform, a video conferencing service. Meetings are at designated times, and you are expected to attend and participate in discussion as you would with an “in-person” course. Teleseminar classes are may be recorded, by decision of the course instructor(s). However, credit cannot be given for viewing the recording, only by attending the class in person.
How do I find a course in my area?
Courses are listed on the Course Descriptions page or the ISSTD Event Calendar.
Are Continuing Education credits available for courses?
All courses hosted in the US and Canada qualify for CE credits. Credits are included in the price of in-person and teleseminar courses and are available for an additional fee for online courses. For current approvals and additional information on CEs, visit the PTP Continuing Education page.
Do the courses earn Continuing Medical Education credits?
No, not at this time.
How do I access the course materials?
Enrolled students may access course materials approximately three weeks prior to the start of each course through our online learning management system, CourseSites by Blackboard. Each student will receive a link to the course syllabus in the confirmation email sent after enrolling in the course,
Do I need to purchase any course materials?
All courses require participants to purchase course textbooks. Please refer to the Course Descriptions page and course confirmation emails for more information about required readings or contact the course faculty member.
If you have any additional questions, please contact professionaltraining@isst-d.org.