Sometimes when people experience what feels like different personalities within themselves, they get scared. They immediately assume that they must be suffering from multiple personality disorder, or as it is referred to today, dissociative identity disorder. The fact is that this type of internal multiplicity is actually quite normal, and it is something that everyone experiences on some level if they are being honest with themselves. It is important to understand the differences between normal mind multiplicity and dissociative identity disorder. Knowing the differences can make it easier for people to not only embrace their multiplicity in the context of trauma but also to use it to their advantage during the healing process.
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
As I mentioned earlier, dissociative identity disorder (DID) was once called multiple personality disorder. It is characterized by the changing of one identity to another. The person who has this condition may feel like there are voices in their heads – personalities – that are trying to take control of them. These different personalities may have their own names, voices, characteristics and mannerisms.
People with DID often have memory gaps of everyday events, trauma and even their own personal information. Even though women are more likely to be diagnosed with DID, men can have it as well. They may exhibit more violent behaviors rather than memory lapses.
Understanding Mind MultiplicityWhen it comes to mind multiplicity, this is an area that researchers have known about for many years. People like Roberto Assagioli and Carl Jung have done many studies on this phenomenon. They have concluded that having subpersonalities or Parts, as we call them, is not unique to DID. Still, it is a concept that is still in the process of being accepted as normal.
People often refer to the different Parts of themselves without realizing that they are doing it. For example, they may talk about their “inner child” or their “ego,” but really, they are pointing out just some of their many Parts. As human beings, we are not single-minded people.
For those who have been through traumatic events, their Parts often step up and bear the brunt of the trauma. They help those individuals manage their day-to-day lives in a way that they could not if they were single-minded. Yet, they tend to feel embarrassed about the multiplicity of their minds when they should be embracing the concept. There is a very real possibility that their Parts have contributed to their survival.
With the concept of mind multiplicity, the different Parts are not ostracized and made to go away. Instead, they are embraced and there is a goal to understand them, empathize with them and see their value. This is something that is missing from many aspects of trauma treatment today, and it is why a lot of people do not improve when they are in therapy.
Make an Appointment for Trauma Therapy Today
I have worked with many people who have been traumatized, and I understand the importance of identifying and working with the Parts. I would love the opportunity to talk with you about how I can help you heal from trauma. Please contact me to make an appointment.
