are people's alters ever based on people that they know.. so for example, if someone used to teach you at school or work with you, can 1 of your alters be that person?

i ask because someone bought it up yesterday and i'm naturally curious

[Silversand]

According to my T, yes. Alters may even take on behaviors of or think they are the abuser(s).

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by shattered sanity

are people's alters ever based on people that they know.. so for example, if someone used to teach you at school or work with you, can 1 of your alters be that person?

i ask because someone bought it up yesterday and i'm naturally curious

Each persons internal system is different and set up how ever that person needed in order to survive. if you read the posts here in this forum you will see just how diverse each persons internal system of alters are, there are alters here on psych central where some alters are animalistic, some are based on book characters, some are based on cartoon characters, teachers, doctors, therapists, parents, abusers, siblings...

theres no limitations on what types of alters a person with DID has. it all depends upon each persons individual needs for their own survival.

Originally Posted by Silversand

According to my T, yes. Alters may even take on behaviors of or think they are the abuser(s).

thanks... it's just me being naturally curious

[Sierrarose]

I would say yes too. Alters can be created consciously or unconsciously throughout a Dissociative’s life mostly due to stressful events. And I believe it’s quite common for a Dissociative to ‘wish’ they were more like someone around them such as a doctor or a teacher - someone who appears to have it all together - and in doing so may begin to attribute some of the other person’s qualities to an alter. I don’t see it as a bad thing - the more positive traits an alter possesses the more positive is the prognoses and eventual recovery.

[likewater]

I noticed Bossygirl is just like my big sister. I will never tell her though.