Archive for Reviews
Comment: Importance of Physical Environment in Therapy
I read a post called The importance of the physical environment to client comfort by Behind the Couch. She reflects on the oft-stated “requirement” that physical comfort and safety are a first priority in therapy. Considering therapy within the realm of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we strive to make our homes safe and comfortable. “So,” she asks, “why should this be any different in the therapist’s room?”
Her post and the many great responses made me consider the unconscious discomfort I felt as well – one unusual item in particular.
Review: “Duality” by Dannie Abse
Shortly after I was attacked at 16, I read a poem in a high school creative writing class by Dannie Abse called “Duality.” Instantly I knew the poem was about me. I had no idea at the time I would end up with a diagnosis of DID, but since then, I’ve wondered if he’s got a touch of the dissociation as well.
Twice upon a time,
there was a man who had two faces.
two faces but one profile …
At signposts, he must wear the both.
Dannie Abse
Review: INSiDE short film
YouTube has a fascinating movie called “INSiDE” that was recommended on Secret Shadow’s blog.
It is about 5 minutes long, and it is a representation of MPD/DID. I hesitate to even write anything here because it rather speaks for itself. But the ending – excellent. You gotta see it.
Review: Yes “The Ancients” and the Selves Who Wait for Me
I wrote an essay on switching last year. It ended with the realization that, as always, I/Cami am the last to know anything. That my inability to make a decision is based on more than my thoughts. That *I* was the last to know that I am not alone in here.
Then I heard my life in song and saw it in video.
Review: The Willard Suitcase Exhibit Online
I tripped across a site called “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic.”
The Willard Psychiatric Center closed in 1995 after 127 years of operation. When staff members tried to preserve historic artifacts, they tripped upon a hidden door that contained nearly 400 suitcases of institutionalized patients who had died in the center, never able to reclaim their belongings and return home. Whose families were never found. In this online exhibit, the history and also the contents of 9 suitcases are displayed and the individuals honored.
I cried.
Review: “Expressions of DID” – (Wo)Men Speak Out
I ran across a good video about DID that Gudrun Frerich posted on her Facebook page – with a link to a video on YouTube called “Expressions of DID.“
The video is plain (but in a good way), and gives a good idea what it feels like hiding this from others, and also from yourself. In my opinion, it doesn’t have the same impact as “Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder‘ that I reviewed here, but it is still attempts to be educational from the inside perspective.
The video comes from a website called The Infinite Mind that is dedicated to removing the stigma of DID and educate others. It is different from typical sites and blogs in that they provide services related to education. Here is some information from their services page:
An Infinite Mind’s mission is to educate and advocate for people with trauma based dissociation with a primary focus on Dissociative Identity Disorder by reaching out to a variety of public institutions, and professional organizations. We consult with professional trauma organizations to provide insight and feedback into the realities of DID. We write articles for survivor journals and magazines, appear in local and national media, and speak at a variety of community and professional events in an effort to spread awareness and inspire change. We provide speakers on the topic of DID as well as related mental health issues. If you are in need of a speaker, please contact us to see how we can help you.
So, the link is here to help build up their reader base, and hopefully we will see more information there in the future.
Review: Coming Out Multiple – King
When I was first coming to terms with this whole DID thing and was paranoid to mention it to anyone, I tripped across a funny article by Bob King called Coming Out Multiple. It was one of the first things I showed a few people close to me to introduce the topic with humor.
Review: “What is Dissociative Identity Disorder / Multiple Personality Disorder” from Empty Memories
I tripped across a good intro to DID/MPD. It goes nicely beyond the typical 1-pager of regurgitated information floating around the internet. (Not that the other stuff is wrong, it is just sterile, introductory, and overused.)
The article is called What is Dissociative Identity Disorder / Multiple Personality Disorder from the website Empty Memories, about PTSD and DID.
Calling All Clients and Therapists – BTC Survey Results Pt 1!
October 15, 2008 at 1:07 pm · Filed under Comments, Information, Mental Health, Reviews, Surveys and Info, Therapy and Treatment, Understanding DID and tagged: Psychology, revelations, therapy, Therapy and Treatment
I have read several surveys that have enlightened me, made me laugh, given me pause, and comforted me that we all share so many common elements in our quest for wellness.
Our experiences with therapists or counselors has been a big source of conversation lately.
Behind the Couch took a survey about this. She hopes that “other clients ….will appreciate reading about [our] experiences“
She also hopes that “therapists will read this and take something … they can use to better meet their clients’ needs.“
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