Certification of Therapists of Multiples

In the latest edition of the ISSTD News (May 2007), the president, Catherine C. Classen, PhD, writes about whether or not to create a "certification program for professionals in the field of trauma and dissociation to provide evidence of their knowledge of the field." She wants members to consider the value of a certification in "Complex Posttraumatic and Dissociative Disorders." She describes three possible kinds of certification -- Knowledge based, curriculum based, and a certificate of attendance or participation. Benefits she lists are: . "Identification and creation of a body of knowledge for our practice and field." . "Provision of some assurance of general and then continued competence in the field." . "Elevation of the credibility of practitioners." . "Establishment of standards for those who practice in the are of trauma and dissociation." . "Elevation of the credibility of our field." . "Protection of our clients/patients and the public." . "Generation of increased revenue for the ISSTD." Those of you who are members of ISSTD will have received this newsletter and can read the details in it. I assume that others who are interested can go to the website www.isst-d.org and get it from there. As one who went through the trauma of passing my "Boards" in Psychiatry, I know what it is like to study for and pass one of these kinds of tests. Fortunately I personally am retired, so I don't have to contemplate it for myself. But I am wondering what the thoughts and views might be for those of you who are either prospective or present dissociative patients, or trying to be a therapist for such patients. Consider the pros and cons which you see in this proposal, which I hope you will read about before giving me any knee jerk reactions.