Question

I have been diagnosed with D.I.D due to physical and emotional abuse from the age of 4, My gatekeeper alter tells me he wants to talk to my therapist during sessions but I tell him no, as I'm worried what my therapist might think, can anyone give me any advice?

Answer 1

Dealing with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) can be challenging, especially when different alter personalities have different needs and desires. It's important to remember that your alter's desire to communicate with your therapist during sessions may be driven by a genuine need for healing and support.

Here are some steps you could consider taking:

1. Open communication: Consider having an internal discussion with your alter about their reasons for wanting to talk to the therapist. Encourage honest communication between your alters to understand each other's perspectives and concerns.

2. Discuss with your therapist: If you feel comfortable doing so, consider discussing your alter's desire to communicate with your therapist during your therapy sessions. Your therapist should be familiar with DID and experienced in working with individuals who have this condition. They may be able to provide insights, guidance, and strategies for facilitating communication in a safe and supportive manner.

3. Journaling: Encourage your alter to write down their thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a journal. This can be a helpful way to express themselves and keep a record of their experiences, which can be shared with the therapist when you feel ready.

4. Set boundaries: If you're not comfortable with your alter speaking directly to the therapist during sessions, it's essential to set boundaries. Let your alter know that their needs and thoughts are acknowledged, but you need to work together as a system to decide the best approach for therapy.

5. Internal cooperation: Work on fostering communication and cooperation between your alters. Internal cooperation and understanding can help create a more cohesive internal system.

6. Patience and self-compassion: Healing from DID is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and understanding. Be gentle with yourself and your alters as you navigate this process.

7. Seek support: If you find it challenging to manage communication with your alters or are unsure of how to handle certain situations, consider seeking support from a specialized therapist who has experience in treating individuals with DID.

Remember that DID is a complex condition, and the therapeutic process is unique to each individual. Seeking guidance from a mental health professional who specializes in trauma and dissociation can provide you with the best support and strategies for managing your DID and fostering healing within your internal system.