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Dissociative Identity Disorder

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The Link Between Child Abuse and D.I.D
11/2/2009

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Lesley Galindo, Dustin Larson, Kim McCullars and Travis

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Introduction. What is Dissociative Identity Disorder and how has it come to exist? The term

dissociation is the separating of self from reality. Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a

mental illness that is described as more than one personality or identity existing in one single

individual, where each individual has control of behavior at different times. The DSM IV has

certain criteria requirements that must be met for this diagnosis. One major requirement is that

the alternate personalities must routinely take over with memory loss of the prior personality.

The idea and concept of DID is controversial and not widely accepted by all in society. DID

typically exists in individuals who experienced repeated physical abuse early in life. The

disorder is a way of coping with the trauma that they experienced at a such a young stage in their

life. Further research indicates common themes and indications for this disorder. We will be

focusing on the role child abuse plays in causing DID.

History. DID was first evidenced back in the days of the cavemen, when Paleolithic drawings

in caves showed images of Shamans transforming into animals (Putnam, 1989). The first

individual actually credited with diagnosing and reporting DID as a disorder was Eberhardt

Gmelin in 1791 (Putnam, 1989). Gmelin referred to the disorder as exchanged personality or

double consciousness. DID has also been known as dual consciousness, alternating

personalities, multiple personalities and split personalty. The term Multiple Personality

Disorder (MPD) was widely used until the 1980's when the term Dissociative Identity Disorder

was listed in the DMV III. DID as defined in the DSM IV, states that temporary amnesia that is

not caused by any type of substance abuse and is not just simple 'forgetfulness' must be present.

It was believed in earlier history that DID was caused by demonic possesions within a
person's body. This was especially true prior to the 19th century. Experts such as priests and

theologins told society how to determine demonic possession in someone and how to exorcise

the spirit from the possessed individuals body (Carroll, 2003).

DID comes about in order to cope with overwhelming trauma experienced by the child.

This is a protective mechanism to shield the child and later the adult from pain. The repeated

experienced trauma is too intense to deal with emotionally, so the individual psyche creates

alters. The creation of alters is probably what enables these abused children survive. Alters is

the term used for the distinct different personalities and characters that are created. Each alter has

a specific need or job within the system. For the most part, repressed memories can not be

remembered without the alter(s). The individual, also known as the host, has stuffed the pain

and memories but when the alter comes out, the alter remembers the past trauma(s). Sometimes

alters collaborate with each other rather than existing solely as the only personality. Typically

the individual with DID is not aware that they are suffering from DID. They believe they are

going mad.

DID is not uncommon and occurs in other countries at about the same rate as it does in

the United States (Kluft 2003). it is more prevalent in women than it is in men. This may be due

to a higher percentage of female child abuse over male child abuse (Hill, 2001). Some well

known cases include Eve (aka Chris Sizemore), Sybill (aka Shirly K. Mason), Truddi Chase and

the fictional story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The individual can have a couple or few alters, or

many up to one hundred or more. These personalities are generally very different in nature and

can be different nationalities and ages. Some alters might be in need of glasses in order to see,

while the host might not be visually impaired. In addition to having male or female alters, a few

hosts also house animal alters. There are typically different types of alters, for instance, a
depressed alter, an aggressor, a helper, a hurt or scared child and persecutor or blamer. The levels

of differentiation between alters can be vague or distinct (Franklin, 1988).

Some additional characteristics in diagnosing DID are; an individual experiencing

abnormally long periods of time that an individual can not account for, the individual startles

easily, has nightmares, shows signs of depression and eating disorders, and also possibly

substance abuse. No one characteristic constitutes DID, but many or most of these aspects are

seen in the individual with DID.

Triggers. Triggers are usually something stressful that upsets and alter and causes the alter to

come out. This might include; certain sounds, certain smells, something someone says, a

particular object, seeing the abuser, being touched, having sex, loud noises, arguments or being

faced with making a decision. Different things will be triggers for different individuals with this

disorder. Sometimes several triggers will be required to bring about an alter. It is unique to each

individual.

Family Structure. An individual with DID needs to have a safe environment or at minimum, a

safe location in the environment. It is not a good idea for a person with the disorder to care for

others (Haddock, 1956). The person with DID needs to be taken care of and emotionally and

physically, or at the least be around others who can help calm them during times of stress when

alters may emerge. Relationships with those who have the disorder are challenging and

unpredictable. It is important to be aware of triggers and stress that might set off the individual.

Family and friends should be flexible, because one never knows when the individual with DID

will require assistance due to something setting them off. It is essential that those involved in the
life of a DID individual not minimize or ignore the dissociation and alters, but that they

acknowledge them. Ignoring or minimizing can bring shame to the individual with DID.

Families will want to have items available that can calm and distract the member with DID when

it appears they are becoming agitated. Headphones with music, crossword puzzles and other

items that bring comfort and distraction from stress are good tools to have available.

Family Communications. It is essential that family members build relationships on trust,

honesty and mutual respect. Clear boundaries are necessary and at times the boundaries need to

be reassessed (Haddock, 1956). Family members and friends also should not take on the role of

therapist. Family members need to be aware that switching is common and not predictable at all

times.

Lifespan Stages. Dissociative identity disorder is a strong response to psychological trauma. Its

most prominent feature is the presence of at least two personalities or identities that take over the

body. Many large epidemiological, some of which were conducted by Putnam, Guroff,

Silberman, Barban, Post, and Kluft, links dissociative identity disorder to various forms of child

abuse. Most patients are not diagnosed until their mid to late twenties. Dissociative identity

disorder starts as an adaptive function protecting the child from psychological trauma. The

reliance on these defenses creates problems in the course of development, interfering with social,

occupational, and familial relationships. Kluft (1993) noted in clinical observations that the

disorder grows more complex after childhood. During the twenties the symptoms become

elaborate and baroque. In the thirties it presents itself as a depressive state, before dissipating in

middle and late adulthood. Putnam and his contemporaries noted “a significant negative
correlation between the age of first appearance of an alter personality and the number of alter

personalities" (Putnam et al., 1986, p. 587). Allison and Schwartz (1980) found that when

children traumatized before the age of six had significantly increased disorganization and more

alters, while those traumatized after eight had less personalities and better ego strength. Children

with dissociative identity disorder could enter a developmental window that could make them

more vulnerable to create more personalities than other traumatized children. These alters may

not develop completely and will evolve and perhaps merge with dissociative states of

consciousness, before the personalities become distinct. Stern (1985) suggests that, during the

first 6 months of life the most critical task is developing their core self. Another reason that alters

develop is the lack of a comforting caregiver which causes the child to depend on the

dissociative defenses to help itself causing time, reality, and fantasy to become difficult to

differentiate.

Around the same time a child starts to use the dissociative defenses the child discovers

another way to protect itself by forming imaginary companions. Around one-third of children

between the ages of 2 and 10 develop such a companion. Sanders (1992) interviewed 14 DID

patients about their imaginary companions in childhood, seventy-eight percent said they were

still in contact with their companion. In Michael Pica’s model there are three different stages in

the development of dissociative identity disorder. Stage one is when a child moves into the

dissociative identity disorder developmental window. The important aspect of this stage is how

extensive the trauma is for the child. In stage two the companions take over for the child when

there is a significant threat or cause for anxiety. The type of trauma is also important. Stage two

begins when the child experiences trauma during the developmental window and ends with the

onset of adolescence. In stage three, “imaginary companions that have been "filling in" for the
child and merging with dissociated states of consciousness are transformed into distinct

personality states that have become invested in their separateness, and think of themselves as

autonomous entities (Pica, 1999).” By merging with dissociated states of consciousness the

companions become a separate personality that think they are autonomous and wish to stay

separate.

Treatment of dissociative identity disorder is easier when the individual is young because

alters have not become truly distinct separate identities from the original. Pica suggests that an

educative approach would help treat dissociative identity disorder, because some of the disorders

mystery will be removed.

Spirituality. There are many in the psychological field that believe that the inner self helper

(ISH), as part of the spiritual aspect of dissociative identity disorder. “The ISH is an entity within

the personality system that has transcendental and spiritual qualities. The ISH is often regarded

by the person with dissociative identity disorder as a separate entity rather than as a

psychological element of the person. It often has extensive or complete knowledge of the

person’s life history and internal world, while other personality states have limited knowledge.

The ISH is a source of inspiration, meaning, guidance, calm and spirituality that is drawn on

globally and through specific tasks and assignments during therapy. (Ellason, Ross, & Day,

2003)” The ISH can help soothe alters by using healing energy on the personality. It can also aid

the therapist by helping explain the organization and functions of the personalities contained

within the individual. Many psychologists believe that the ISH is a source of power, hope, and a

higher meaning which is unavailable to the other personalities. The data collected from Ellason,

Ross, and Day show that individuals with dissociative identity disorder have as much ego
resiliency as the comparison group of those who are in treatment for childhood trauma, but not

dissociative. Their egos may be more fragmented, but they have as much resiliency as those

whose egos are not fragmented. The dissociative identity disorder subjects have a higher overall

score on the Spiritual Orientation Inventory, thus suggesting that they are more spiritual. Many

of the subjects draw from the spiritual aspect of themselves. Those in the dissociative identity

disorder group may gain something from counseling from a spiritual leader. But the leaders must

not alarm the spiritual orientation of the individuals because they will be more vulnerable to the

effects.

As previously mentioned, there are many people in the world that believe that a person with

dissociative identity disorder are actually possessed. It is thought that each alter is actually a

demonic being inhabiting someone’s body. These people believe that the correct treatment for

the “possessed” is an excorcism. There s much debate over whether or not this is a viable

treatment for such an illness. In A phenomenological model of therapeutic exorcism for

dissociative identity disorder, Bull gives guidelines for an exorcism. The first of which, is that a

patient must be willing to undergo an exorcism and it should not be forced upon them. Therapists

should also work within the patient’s belief system. The therapist should explain the difference

between the spiritual view and the psychological view of what is occurring in the patient.

Therapists should find out if the patient believes in a higher power that is stronger than the

perceived power of the alter, this is normally God, Jesus Christ, or an angelic alter. The patient

then asks the higher power for help, which is a self-empowering act. The patient should then take

control of the demonic alter and may use the help of other alters in the process to collectively

subdue the problematic alter. The alter that is most connected to the demon must be willing to

part with it. From a Christian perspective this method is justifiable. Christian and non-Christian
psychologists agree that this form of therapy is useful because the religious aspect of a person’s

life is a powerful dimension of one’s life. Because of the different alters one of the most

problematic part of this therapy is getting full consent from each alter. “Exorcism is not a

substitute for good psychotherapy. Good Psychotherapy is still required for alters who need

cognitive restructuring and occasional processing of emotional aspects of their memories. (Bull,

2001).” Therapists must remember that while there are benefits for an exorcism in some of the

cases, they must also remember that there can be negative effects to the patient if not done

correctly. Even the therapists that are not spiritual can believe that using the patient’s spiritual

resources as part of their healing process.

Primary personalities are likely to strongly believe in God, but, have conflicted God

images that betray ambivalence about God. Secondary personalities are less likely to believe in,

or be strongly attatched to God, but they do have unambivalent God images that are either all

benign or all malignant. (Bowman, Coons, Jones, & Oldstrom, 1987).

Strengths. Victims of severe childhood sexual and physical abuse who developed DID did so as

a way of coping with the trauma, with personalities manifesting themselves in order to handle

with the horrific abuse while enabling the host to not recall abuse. DID in itself is a defense

mechanism the mind creates in order to protect the host from traumatic events. The alters vary

from victim to victim, some developing animal alters in addition to human alters. These alters

serve as a protective mechanism that shelters the victim from reliving or remembering past abuse

that they would otherwise not be able to deal with. Alters can be many, however, a handful of

alters seem present in most cases. This method of protection is indeed a strength of the disorder.
 Alters can take on a variety of roles and personalities. The protective alter is one who is

present among victims as the internal caretaker to the host. Shirley Ardell Mason had Mary

Lucinda Saunders Dorsett, who often reminded her a bit of her grandmother. Truddi Chase had

Mean Joe, who protected all of the personalites, including Truddi. Mean Joe in particular

protected those alters who were most vulnerable (Chase, 1987). These protective alters offer

support and resilience.

A second alter most common among DID patients is the sophisticated personality, such

as Lady Catherine , Truddi’s alter (Chase, 1987) and Victoria Antionette Scharleau, Mason’s

alter. However, in the case of Mason, Victoria often acted as a protector and communicated

frequently with the doctor.

The child alter is also a common resident in the host. Child alters are undeveloped

personalities that often are known to retain most of the painful memories of past abuse. Truddi

Chase’s alter, Rabbit (Chase, 1987) and Shirley Ardell Mason’s (better known as Sybil Dorsett)

alter Ruthie Dorsett (Schreiber, 1973) are examples of child alters. The undeveloped child alter

absorbs the pain for the host to be able to cope and overcome the abuse, while the child alter, as

well as other alters, take in the pain for the host.

Frequently, when a victim has been diagnosed with DID, they begin undergoing

treatment in order to integrate all the personalities into one functioning being. This is done to

help the host overcome the trauma of past child abuse and to become a fully functioning

individual as well as to help them gain new found strength to cope with what were once

repressed memories retained solely by the alters. In some cases, however, a few hosts choose not

to integrate their personalities, such as Truddi Chase, a victim of severe physical and sexual
abuse at the hands of her mother and stepfather (Chase, 1987). She decided against integration,

feeling that her alters, whom she referred to as ‘The Troops’ were a vital part of her survival and

all functioned as a team, herself included, in order to become resilient and overcome the abuse.

Often, alters do work together to further protect the host from the possible harmful effects

from therapy. At times, the protective alters communicate directly with the therapist, suggesting

that the host remain uninformed of the diagnosis as it could possibly further harm the patient

(Schreiber, 1973; Hall & Steinberg, 1994)

Often throughout treatment, family members and loved ones are encouraged to act as co-

therapists as a means of further helping the victim overcome the abuse (Ross & Gahan, 1988).

The family members should not however act solely as a therapist. This inclusion of family

member could further aid in treatment and provide a support group to the host while they

undergo therapy. In addition, other coping mechanisms among alters includes art therapy, in

which one or two alters demonstrate artistic abilities, most oftentimes in the form of paintings

and drawings.

Challenges, Barriers, & Needs. While evidence of DID has been around as far back as the

Paleolithic period, there stands many challenges in the way of providing effective treatment for

those suffering from DID. First, is the issue of medical costs for treatment. While studies show

that health care costs decrease post diagnosis (Ross & Dua, 1993), many do not have the

financial means nor time to obtain proper treatment. Some patients take as little as 6-8 months of

treatment before they have successfully integrated all personalities or any other forms of

effective treatment, while others, such as Mason, took up to 11 years of treatment to integrate all

of her 16 personalities. Second, there is the controversy as to whether or not DID is a real
disorder, oftentimes remaining unrecognized as a real disorder among professionals

(Merckelback, 1998). This lack of consensus among professionals makes it difficult to provide

effective treatment and find professionals willing to help treat the disorder. Third, while the

prevalence of people with DID is relatively low, with the U.S. the highest number of DID

patients among the population at around 6%-10% (Foote, Smolin, Kaplan, Legatt, & Lipschitz,

2006) (Bliss & Jeppsen, 1985), the number is increasing and providing fewer social service

agencies to which DID patients can turn to. This may be due to ineligibilty to remain in a

schizophrenic group home, inablity to provide for themselves, their age, or not having a close

relative with whom they don't stand risk of further abuse (Ross & Gahan, 1988).

There are numerous barriers that stand in the way of effective treatment. For one, there is

the chance of interference of treatment caused by the alters, particularly the abuser alters and the

self-destructive alters, who might resist forming a treatment alliance and undermine the

therapist's attempts at integrating (Ross & Gahan, 1988). In addition, a self-destructive alter

might interfere with effective treatment by attempting to harm themselves, in turn harming the

host, such as the case of Mason's Marcia Dorsett personality, who on two instances attempted

suicide (Schreiber, 1973). Second, is the decision as to whether or not to inform the host that

they are suffering from DID. Often, it is not considered safe to tell host they have DID. The host

might lack the ability to cope with the knowledge of having developed DID and would thus

continue resisting assimilation of any knowledge of past abuse (Hall & Steinberg, 1994). In

addition, revealing to the host that he or she has DID too early in treatment could jeopardize the

therapy progress, or altogether damage the chance of effective treatment altogether. This is

particularly an issue if the problems might lie somewhere else (Chase, 1987). Third, most family

members lack sufficient training in dealing with such cases, such as switching alters, which
could cause further strain on the host and prolong treatment (Ross & Gahan, 1988). Fourth and

finally, is the alter's inability to recognize that the host and the alters themselves all share the

same body (Ross & Gahan, 1988).

Because of these barriers and challenges, several steps need to be taken to cater to the

needs of those living with DID. First, is a consensus among professionals to recognize DID as an

existing dissociative disorder. With this recognition, doors will open to provide opportunities for

further research in treatment methods and providing social services. Without it, research and

effective treatment options will remain as is. Being able to provide more ample research will

allow for the community to find a proper placement for those who cannot live on their own and

who haven't any close relatives. In addition, it will allow for families and friends to be given

proper training as co-therapists to better prepare them for unexpected switching between alters

and to bring out the desired alters when needed, as well as proper techniques when handling

difficult alters such as an infant or self-destructive alter.

Best Practices/Treatment. The primary goal of treatment for D.I.D. is to integrate all of the

alternative personalities into one all-encompassing personality. This is the standard goal of

treatment at this time. While there are other types of therapy for this disorder, the integration

technique is by far the most effective and produces the most stable patients who are less likely to

have a mental relapse. The integration technique is a series of five steps that helps the patient

slowly dismantle the walls that they have developed in their mind.

Before this 5-step program can begin, a bond must be formed between the therapist and

the patient. This process can be seen in all forms of therapy, but it is most important in therapy

for D.I.D. Establishing this bond can be very difficult because of the distrust that often-times
comes with the D.I.D. diagnosis. From childhood these individuals have had instilled in them a

cynical way of viewing the world which can make therapy very difficult. In some circumstances,

psychologists have been known to do some unorthodox gestures to show their commitment to the

patient. Most therapists would tell you not to lend money to your patients, but in some cases that

is just what is needed to show you care, and actions like this can be very effective in dealing with

D.I.D.

So what must first be done in order for therapy to be successful, is to help the patient

realize the existence of these alters, and to slowly facilitate a relationship between them. More

or less a meet-and-greet, just getting to know the other personalities. After this important initial

meeting is done, it is more important to understand the necessity for each alter. The therapist

must help the patient understand why each alter was erected and what purpose they serve. The

third step is probably the most important, and is the most helpful in preventing relapse of

symptoms. The therapist must teach the patient new coping strategies, and must help them reach

a place where they feel supported. This allows for the patients to tolerate their past traumatic

experience. It is important that the patient can feel safe in your office as well as in the real

world. To promote this confidence in them it is important to teach them new coping strategies,

and more importantly to help them realize that the real-world situations they deal with now are

different from the ones they experienced as children. Patients with D.I.D. are hyper vigilant and

see the world a bit differently and their view can be quite scary of the world they perceive. So it

is essential to show them that the world doesn’t have to be a scary place. Individuals with DID

need to be shown that they can be safe and deal with their problems in a healthy way. Most

patients with D.I.D. are self-mutilators. They cut themselves for the same reasons most do, as an

escape. D.I.D. patients use acting out in this way as a way to get themselves into a trance. It is
actually this self-hypnotic state that facilitated the acquisition of their altars. A therapist’s job is

to help them reach this state without self-mutilation, and to be productive not harmful. A lot of

therapy for D.I.D. patients is assisted with the use of hypnosis. This can allow for the patients to

reach out to their altars and communicate. It’s odd to think that the cure is derived from the

same place that the disorder originated. The difference is that the therapists guide the hypnotic

state in a positive direction, and if the situation gets intense the therapist can bring the person

out of this trance state.

After teaching them how to deal with their stress, it is time to confront them with the

stress that caused the disorder in the first place. The next step is to confront early traumas and to

try and find out why the walls between personalities were needed. This is a gradual process that

in some cases can take years to do, the therapists actually do very little here, they really just need

to listen. Patients with D.I.D. have so much to say because they have not confronted their issues

over a long span of time, years and years. The therapist is simply there to facilitate the patient

into their own realization of what has occurred and why. The last step is to help the patient

realize that the past is different from the present, and tools to make adaptive coping strategies.

This sounds similar to step three, and in some ways it is a reiteration. But, it is necessary

because now they are more comfortable with their past and are better able to deal with their

future. The most important aspect of this therapy is to make the individual a functioning

member of society, so it is not a bad idea to restate the ways in which to achieve this status. You

must change their mindset from “I am crazy and have these awful parts of myself and weird

symptoms” to “I am a normal person who was terribly abused and therefore understandably

developed extreme kinds of coping mechanisms.” That is the true focus for therapy for D.I.D.
Resource Inventory. The following list of information is provided to assist individuals with

DID, Professionals in the field and those that love and care for individuals with dissociative and

trauma disorders, to have avenues of support, effective treatment, and education of this disorder.

4Therapy
www.4therapy.com
Description: Therapist locator. Information and articles about mental health.

Astrea’s Web
http://www.astraeasweb.net/plural/
Description: Multiple Personality Resources and Controversy

Center for Emotional Trauma Recovery at Lake Charles

Lake Charles Community Hospital
PO Box 908, Chelan, WA 98816
Phone: 800-233-0045
Description: short term inpatient program for people with posttraumatic and
dissociative disorders.

Children of Multiplicity
Web Site: www.survivorship.org
Description: site offers general information for multiples and focuses heavily on ritual
abuse. Magazine also available on site.

Colin Ross Institute

1701 Gateway, Suite 149, Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: 972-918-9588 E-mail: rossinst@rossinst.com
Web Site: www.rossinst.com
Description: Training videos for therapists along with current information on treatment
of trauma.

David Baldwin’s Trauma Pages

www.trauma-pages.com
Description: Premier trauma site on the Web. Accurate and up to date information on
issues related to trauma. Appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about this
topic.

Dissociative Identity Disorder, Help me Help Others

http://home.comcast.net/~riversrages/
Description: site is to share ideas to cope with the variety of symptoms that we multiples
contend with day in and day out.
Empty Memories
www.utopis.knoware,nl
good information about trauma and dissociation. Available in Dutch and English

International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSD)

60 Revere Drive, Suite 500, Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-480-0899 Web Site: www.issd.org
Description: ISSd is an organization for professionals in the field of dissociation.
Information and therapy referrals to individuals seeking to deal with trauma and
dissociation issues.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

60 Revere Drive, Suite 500, Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-480-0899 E-mail: istss@istss.org
Web Site: www.istsds.org
Description: professional organization as well as therapy referrals. Information on
PTSD treatment guidelines.

International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

8400 Westpark Drive, Second Floor, McLean, VA 22102
Telephone: 703/610-9037 Fax: 703/610-0234 E-mail: info@isst-d.org
Web Site: http://www.isst-d.org/education/faq-dissociation.htm
Description: Educational site for individuals and professionals.

Life Healing Center

PO Box 6758, Santa Fe, NM 87502
Phone: 800-989-7406 E-mail: lhc@life-healing.com
Web Site: www.life-healing.com
Description: residential facility specializing in the treatment of emotional trauma. The
center is appropriate for clients needing an intense and structured therapy environment
and for dissociative clients who require self management skills.

Master and Johnson Trauma Unit

River Oaks Hospital, 1525 River Oaks Road West
New Orleans, LA 70123 Phone: 800-366-1740
Description: program offering individual, group, and expressive therapies as well as
education that helps clients address strong emotions and maladaptive thinking and
behavior styles that are trauma based. Addresses dissociation using a grief model.

McLean Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program

115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02487
Phone: Dissociative disorders Partial Hospital Program: 617-855-2173
Web Site: www.mcleanhospital.org
Description: The Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program at McLean Hospital
treats adults with various difficulties related to past trauma. Emphasis is on the overall
function of the individual.
NEEDED Supoort Network
www.needid.bizland.com
Description: Resources for individuals who are dissociative as well as their significant
others.

NEEDID Voices
(For Individuals Healing from Dissociative Disorders and Their Supporters)
NEEDID Support Network
PO Box 784, South Hadley, MA 01075
E-mail: NEEDID1@yahoo.com Web Site: www. Needed.bizland.com
Description: Newsletter written by and for individuals with DID or other dissociative
disorders as well as the support people in their lives.

Pat McLendon’s Clinical Social Work

Web Site: www.clinicalsocialwork.com
Description: Array of information on topics ranging from abuse to addictions to therapy
approaches to dissociation.

PILOTS Database
Web Site: www.ncptsd.org
Description: Extensive trauma database for therapists.

Sidran Foundation and Press

200 East Joppa Road, Suite 207, Towson, MD 21286
Phone: 410-825-8888 E-mail: sidran@sidran.org
Web Site: www.sidran.org

Significant Other’s Guide to DID

www.op.net/~jeff/sol.htm
Description: Information about being a partner to someone with DID.

Survivorship
3181 Mission #139, San Francisco, CA 94110
E-mail: info@survivorship.org Web Site: www.survivorship.org
Description: Informative magazine including focus on ritual abuse which is a trigger for
many. Supplementary publication, “The Lifeboat” written especially for child parts.
Magazine includes poetry, artwork, stories and activities.

Timberlawn Trauma Center

4600 Samuell Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75228
Phone: 800-426-4944
Description: program that is dedicated to treatment of survivors of psychological
trauma who have a trauma related disorder. Program offers both individual and group
 therapy, including trauma education, cognitive therapy, role training and expressive
activities. Also provides education for mental health professionals who treat trauma
based disorders.

Trauma Center
14 Fordham Road, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-782-6460 E-mail: moreinfo@traumacenter.org
Web Site: www.traumacenter.org
Description: Center provides training, consultation, and education for professionals;
research information; links to sites that deal with the issue of trauma.

Wounded Healer and Message Forum

Web Site: www.twhj.com
Description: excellent site for therapists who have experienced trauma of their own.
Forum for support people involved with someone who has a dissociative disorder.

Professional Plan of Action.

Conclusion.
References for Works Cited.