101 | What is Really Going on Here?: Assessment and Treatment of DID and Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, has often been sensationalized in the media. Individuals with DID are a subset of complex trauma survivors who are often quite functional despite experiencing internal chaos and significant suffering. Although often thought to be rare, DID affects one to two percent of the general population, meaning many counselors have worked with a client with DID unknowingly. Psychologists and mental health professionals will focus on assessing whether a client has DID or a related dissociative disorder and how to treat it. Similarities and differences in treatment between those with DID and complex trauma survivors who do not have a dissociative disorder will be discussed. Participants will cover contracting with dissociated identities (DDs) around the time spent in executive control of the body, specific behaviors, posttraumatic symptoms, suicide, and self-harm.  Managing and establishing crisis while maintaining good therapeutic boundaries will be looked at. Discerning demons versus DDs and dealing with possible demonic interference will also be addressed.