I agree that switching does feel strange and sometimes funny. But, it is that very feeling that clues me in to the fact that DID is real. I know that singletons do not have that same experience.

I believe that there aren't many definitive answers that come from outside (like the T for example). For me, most of the direction for what I should do next comes from asking myself (including my parts) the question. Sometimes I don't know all of my options and my T is great for telling me, you could do x, y, or z. But I'm the one who knows which one to pick.

As far as integration goes, I've read some books that said integration should be a goal and others that said it doesn't have to be a goal. My T truly leaves that up to her patients.

One book that I've really found helpful to me in understanding how to manage DID is "got parts?" by ATW. I bought it from Amazon. It is a small book packed with helpful information. I highly recommend it.

One thing that helps me is to recognize that DID is what kept me alive. For that I am truly thankful. Each and every part of me has a role to play in keeping me alive. So, for that I am truly thankful and accepting of each part. I may not understand what a certain part's role was (that is where my T can help), but I know without a doubt that I only created parts because they were necessary. I have said to one part, "I'm not sure I understand you or why you do that, but I appreciate what you have done for me in being a part of me and keeping me together. Thank you." My therapist says that listening to parts and validating them works just as well for them as it does for me.

Elizabeth