DID and OSDD
As a result of a close family members struggle, I have a particular soft spot for those with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) and OSDD (Other Specified Dissociative Disorder). I have great respect for their perseverance and tenacity in the face of circumstances they had no choice in. It is important that they understand that their condition is not a sign that they didn't endure trauma well. It is evidence that their body did exactly what it needed to do to survive. It did its job and it did its job well. That being said, that doesn't mean the result can't cause difficulties down the road.
When I work with DID and OSDD clients, I always start with the "Redford Method", a method developed by Keith Redford with the help of his wife who struggled with DID. This method works with the alters, using guided visualizations within the mindscape to heal the subconscious and allow for a safe release of pain, anger, resentment, and negativity without having to relive traumatic memories. Once these burdens are released, alters can then choose to assist in further healing within the system or integrate.
Regarding Integration
Without fail, one of the greatest concerns surrounding integration is that it means the part will disappear. It is important to understand that this is not what happens. Everything that that part knows, learned and is - including their personality memories, preferences and skills gets kept. If you think about it in terms of the Power Rangers - integration is similar to when they come together and combine into the Megazord. The pieces are still there, but when they combine and work together as a unit - the result of the increased unity is more energy, more freedom, and more choice.
The goal isn’t to erase parts of you - but to be able to tap into their strengths and wisdom simultaneously. Working together as one, they have more power to create and shape the life that you want.
Having them remain separate might mean that one part may know you’re safe while another part of you is still preparing for danger, one part of you can know someone is trustworthy while another part remains guarded. One part can know you’re worthy while another part of you expects rejection. This dynamic can make it difficult to make decisions as well as enjoy peace in life, work, and relationships.
That being said, this work always proceeds at a pace that the client is most comfortable with. They may choose to fully integrate, and they may not. But, there will always be improvement - no matter how far along in the process they choose to get.
If you have DID or significant dissociative symptoms, this work is intended to complement—not replace—appropriate licensed mental-health treatment and clinical care. For instance, if you were to hire a personal trainer in order to improve your physical well being - that would not mean that you should fire your medical doctor.
Why Choose Integration?
You survived what you survived and now, you are allowed to create a life that feels different.
You developed the strategies you needed, and now you can discover what life looks like when those strategies no longer have to be in charge of everything.
You don’t have to become harder, indifferent, or insensitive. You can become more connected, aware, grounded, and free.
You can choose what comes next.
If you've ever thought - “I know I’m capable of more, but something inside me keeps getting in the way.”, then that might be a sign that integration is something worth exploring.
When you are ready to begin, just know that this is a method that looks nothing like what you have experienced before. It works surprisingly fast and at the end of the process, not only will you have let go of years of pain with ease, but you will also get to keep the wisdom and lessons learned and stored within each of the alters. They will all still be a part of you - because that is who they have always been. But, they will have once again become unified and one - restoring full control over your life and choices.