DID

First things first, DID used to be known as Multiple Personality Disorder, which is misleading and reductive, and working with a therapist who is current on the research and open minded to the idea of system communication and not integration is essential to ethical care.

DID involves the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identity fragments within one individual. Each of these identities, often referred to as "alters," has its own unique way of thinking, feeling, and behaving. DID is composed of different people living in the same mind.

Now, let's delve into how I approach the treatment of DID. It's crucial to emphasize that DID stems from early childhood trauma, often involving severe abuse/neglect or traumatic brain injuries. These traumatic experiences lead the mind to create these separate identities as a way to cope and protect itself.

Treatment revolves around three core pillars:

1. Establishing Safety and Trust: The first step is to create a safe and trusting therapeutic environment. Trust is everything here, as individuals with DID have often been betrayed and hurt before. Building a solid therapeutic alliance is key.

2. Communication: Our goal is to help these different identities communicate and work together harmoniously. I utilize an altered form of IFS (Internal Family Systems) which encourages dialogue and cooperation between the alters.

3. Processing Trauma: To truly heal, we must face the underlying trauma. This can be a long and challenging journey, but it's essential for recovery. Techniques such as trauma-focused therapies are incredibly valuable in this phase.

   
   

Throughout the therapy process, I act as a guide, helping individuals with DID navigate their inner world, fostering understanding, and facilitating cooperation and communication. It's a profound and rewarding experience to witness the transformation and healing that can occur.

Remember every individual's journey with DID is unique, and the therapy must be tailored to their specific needs. It's a complex but incredibly hopeful path towards healing and self-discovery, and I'm honored to be a part of it.