[Sprite~]

I'm very fortunate. About a year ago my therapist started a group for those of us whom struggle with dissociation. She specializes in trauma, as a therapist, and I strongly recommend you find a therapist who does.

The group is based on the book "Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation", by Boon, Steele, Van Der Hart.

Each week we read the chapter, learn new and important skills, and discuss homework. It's been a real life-changer for me. I've learned so much about my DID and skills that I put into daily practice for coping with this disorder.

If you have a therapist who specializes in DID, I'd highly recommend that you ask about this particular book. Perhaps they would be willing to start a life-transforming group.

Originally Posted by Sprite~

If you have a therapist who specializes in DID, I'd highly recommend that you ask about this particular book. Perhaps they would be willing to start a life-transforming group.

My T has mentioned a couple of times that he thinks group work would be good for me, but theres nothing really where I live. Im up for joining a group, but I would definitely prefer a dissociation focused group rather than a CSA (or similar) group. Do you think just reading the book on my own would be helpful, or is it the group work that has really worked for you?

[Sprite~]

Good Morning, CassyO~
I love the book, and think it's worthwhile to read on one's own. It's meant to be used by clients as well as therapists.
It has helped me stay focused with it, to work out of it in a group, but that's not to say you wouldn't benefit immensely from using the skills in it. Some seem fundamental, but they are not to be dismissed.

Does your therapist work with others' who struggle with DID? Perhaps it would be worth dropping a hint for him to read this book and work with you and other's from it.

I hope for you!

That sounds really cool.

[kecanoe]

Yes, thanks for this. I think I am going to order a copy for me and t1

[Shaly78]

I'm going to attend a DID conference soon the closest thing to a DID group ....I like to think these forums are DID groups ...Other than that in my cities there are no groups, lucky you

[1976kitchenfloor]

Originally Posted by Sprite~

I'm very fortunate. About a year ago my therapist started a group for those of us whom struggle with dissociation. She specializes in trauma, as a therapist, and I strongly recommend you find a therapist who does.

The group is based on the book "Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation", by Boon, Steele, Van Der Hart.

Each week we read the chapter, learn new and important skills, and discuss homework. It's been a real life-changer for me. I've learned so much about my DID and skills that I put into daily practice for coping with this disorder.

If you have a therapist who specializes in DID, I'd highly recommend that you ask about this particular book. Perhaps they would be willing to start a life-transforming group.

Hello, I just looked this book up on the internet and there is a blurb by the person reviewing it. It refers to the person with DID having to act as a referee between all his/her parts/alters. Is that in fact an accurate metaphor ? The DID person must act as a referee?

What do others here think about this? Is this how it works with them?

(I ask out of an honest desire to understand this process/condition because I have had DID and the idea that I was in charge in any way of the various aspects of my personality is beyond me. that was so unlike my won expereince. My alters were just there and the previous I was pushed aside as one of them stepped out (from behind my eyes. Everything with DID seemed to be focused in my eyes and seeing through one set of eyes that was different form an earlier or other set of eyes.

Any thoughts on any of this? I would like to hear the expereinces and ideas of others here.

[Shaly78]

Some alters experience the external world and want to know everything....The person out front has to sometimes act as a referee either obliging that one or totally ignoring them as not now....Sometimes it is about compromise especially when something extremely important is going on externally....If it drives your behavior in the moment or later on then you can recognize their control /switch /influence. There is a fine line between training and out right abuse though, I think we as the referee are where we should lean on and a good therapist....We know how best to be gentle with ourselves and not just abuse your others because of training.....Of course, there are a few instances where I understand when your fighting for your life and trying to hold things together with your family and job I totally get that, but it can only get you so far....Hopefully it doesn't get that far and that your communicating more and more .....I don't think that is controllable, I started to meet a bunch of alters seemily within a few months I think the numbers/emerging happens differently for most people. I think the best thing to do is talk it out with your therapist don't just sit there quiet, that was my biggest mistake when I entered therapy. Training can be very beneficial when you know why it is necessary instead of some big cuss you out with you and them eyes if you know what I mean lol