Amongst Ourselves

I was recently diagnosed with DID after years and years of struggling with my system and believing that I was quite literally insane and needed to be locked away... For years I have been diagnosed as having Major Depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia (sp?), PTSD, etc... I had a major, disruptive depressive episode five months ago and I'm just now partially recovering. I was fortunate enough to find an intelligent, articulate, and warm therapist that I trusted enough to tell the secret that I've been holding for 20 years. I told her about The People Who Live Behind My Eyes, Joan, Jessica, Erica with a "c", Michael, Little Kara, Adarin (pronounced a-duh-reen), and Mmemnon. She lent me Amongst Ourselves and suggested that I read it and that we use it in therapy. This book has been a profound and virtually divine gift. Not only is it written well and from the perspective of one who has alters (who speak in the book too), but it has helpful and practical exercises for those who might or have DID. You may find some of the exercises to be childish or cheesy, but give them a try. They really help. I admit I haven't completed every one, but I hope to. Among my favorites are the ones that deal with "losing time" and regaining/connecting consciousness with your alters. Little Kara misplaces things a lot and it makes us frustrated sometimes... But, having this as a resource in addition to a wonderful therapist helps us to have consciousness with one another so that we don't lose things or forget who we are talking to. Common media and conventional thinking have distorted MPD/DID and those who live with it. In addition, there are people, scholars and laypersons alike, who believe the condition doesn't exist. These types of portrayals have negatively colored many people's perception. This book helps to clear some of the mystery and myth away from DID by validating it and by presenting it as a survival mechanism that some develop in response to highly traumatizing and prolonged events (i.e. , ritual abuse, physical, sexual, emotional abuse and domestic violence). The authors basically argue that those who have DID are exceptionally intelligent, articulate, and creative people who often function "normally" in daily life. That is, multiples have successful careers, have professional degrees, families, and are relatively well-rounded individuals. The exception is that we process information a bit differently. When multiple people share one body, information-knowledge and behavior is bound to be quite different from the "singleton" experience... One other thing I like about this book is that the authors don't advocate one therapy over another. Karen seems to lean more toward "living as a committee/family," rather than "integration." Personally, I like this approach. Whether you're working to establish communication with your alters or working to integrate them into a whole personality it's all about your perspective and how you want to live. This bo

I read this book and it has helped me so much. I do not have DID, but am working with a woman I sponsor in a 12 step program. Our relationship has broadened to include (necessarily) her DID and self harm issues. This book is a very good place to start if you are just learning of your diagnosis, or someone you love is struggling with it. It is written in simple language, and the exercises are really beneficial. My "baby" and I have done a few so far and plan to do more. It is reassuring to her that there are others out there who not only suffer from DID, but have survived and conquered daily living with this disorder. I cannot recommend this book enough as a common sense, straightforward entry level into the world of DID. Thank you, Karen & Tracy, for your courage and your willingness to share your experience with us. You have helped more than you could know.!

I am astounded by the last reviewer' comments (from Fresno, California), and sincerely hope he is not a therapist himself who treats DID clients. Who is more credible: a successful professional who understands DID first-hand, or a researcher with second-hand knowledge at best? The effectiveness of therapy should be measured by the achievements of the client, not the therapist. The authors do not discount peer-reviewed DID literature, and urge DID therapists to stay abreast in this rapidly changing field. "Amongst Ourselves" has a profound ring of truth and authenticity. What struck me most was how respectful the book is towards individuals with DID. The authors understand this condition from the inside out, and explain it in a simple, logical, straightforward manner (that might conceivably be harmful to the egos of certain psychiatrists). Their down-to-earth, practical viewpoint takes the "spookiness" out of the disorder. Since essentially all individuals with DID underwent childhood trauma, and trauma exists in all gradations of severity, one would expect correspondingly many gradations of DID. I consider myself sub-clinically DID (I can argue my way through the DSM IV criteria, with some stretching). DID metaphors illuminate the survival function of psychological quirks that previously baffled me, and provide practical strategies for coping with them. I highly recommend this book to anyone. Even if you do not have DID, you may gain radical insight into your internal psychology.

We were diagnosed with DID earlier this year following hospitalisation. It was confusing, frightening and outwith the realms of our experience to understand many things which have led to us being, well, us. This book covers everything you need to know about DID in a concise but readable and understandable way. Any "fancy language" is explained and there are examples to help identify with your own experiences as well as clearly laid out sections for family members and coming out as multiple. This book is especially good for friends and family as it explains to them in clear language what DID is and the prejudicial misconceptions about it. This is an excellent book that every DID family or anyone who has a DID friend or family member should own. Buy it - its that simple.

When I first began my process of dealing with my being DID, I read everything I could find on the disorder. But nothing I read, until this book, gave me insight into how to manage my life. This book helps me live my life better each and everyday. I hope that for others with this disorder, this is the first book on the subject that they read. It gives me such hope! Thank you Karen and Tracy.