SOMATIC EXPERIENCING
Somatic Experiencing is a style of therapy created by Peter A. Levine that has been in practice for the last 50 years. Somatic Experiencing defines trauma as energy trapped in the nervous system caused by incomplete protective responses. All symptoms of mental health, addiction, and disordered eating are caused by nervous system dysregulation. By becoming more aware of sensations, we can support your body to complete self-protective responses and release trapped energy (trauma). The overall goals of Somatic Experiencing are 1) to regulate the nervous system, 2) to clear trauma out of the nervous system, and 3) to learn to recognize the body's limits. Sustained stability and recovery happens when your nervous system is regulated. People with DID are living in a state of chronic hypoarousal with hyperarousal underneath. We need to go very slowly with Somatic Experiencing and DID because the body has not been a safe or comfortable place to be. We begin by expanding your capacity to feel good, pleasant, comfortable, or neutral sensations.
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
Internal Family Systems is a style of therapy created by Richard C. Schwartz that has been in practice for the last 40 years. I have adapted Internal Family Systems in my practice to make it effective for people with DID. Internal Family Systems (adapted for plural systems) states that all people have parts, all parts are good, and all parts (or alters) are equally important and valuable leaders. I do not use the concept of Self. Parts carry burdens, which are extreme beliefs, emotions, or fantasies. Burdens are not natural qualities that belong to a part. Parts are effected by experiences of trauma (personal and inherited) and they become burdened. The goal of adapted Internal Family Systems is to help parts become unburdened and return to their natural balance. When parts let go of burdens, they transform.
DISSOCIATION AND PLURALITY
I learn about DID, dissociation and plurality from The Plural Association, Plural Positivity World Conference, the CTAD Clinic, Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma-Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Daily Life by Jamie Marich, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation by Janina Fisher, did-research.org, dis-sos.com, The Dissociation Initiative, Multiplied by One, and the ISSTD.
SELF-HARM
I recognize self-harm as a nonverbal code. Self-harm is attacking the shame and trauma that you are carrying in your body. You may experience strong urges, dissociation, or relief from dissociation when you self-harm. I practice harm reduction and I will support you to minimize risk. Self-determination (defined by Native Youth Sexual Health Network here) indicates that only you decide if anything about your relationship with self-harm needs to change. I do not practice nonconsensual active rescue.