Recently... my T started doing a therapy of buddy up...

so to answer your question..

for me..

several of my "littles" are unaware that it is "present" day.. and their abusers are no longer there.. they know - that time.. their time only..

I know this because.. my therapist told me..

I also know.. because he started this "buddy up" system - finding one alter.. that he has been working with... that can be present.. with the "little" - this takes alot of work...

I have done this with my not so little - a 12 year old... so I am aware of the process - he says things to me "he is no longer here.. he cannot hurt you" - this somehow filters from me to her.. the "he".. is her abuser...

the 12 year old has gotten.. advanced as far.. as what is going on present day.. and she now.. is "there" for the 4 year old.. my therapist became able to communicate directly with the 12 year... so the process continues...

it works.. for me..