Hi Mallard,

I just finished reading a book that you might find interesting. It is called Intensive Psychotherapy for Persistent Dissociative Processes by Richard Chefetz. It is a theory book geared towards clinicians, and pretty dense, but satisfyingly so. I'm going to have to go back and read it again at some point because there was so much in there that I just skimmed over, but he had some really interesting theories, and the case studies that he provided were fascinating.

-Bee

Hey Draggles

I nearly went to a workshop run by Caroline actually but it was on a day I couldn't make. Grrrr! It was really well priced too. I did kick myself!

Those recs are really helpful. Can you say a bit more at all about why you didn't get on with the Suzette Boon and Cathy Steele book?

And don't worry if you can't find it... but let me know if you remember the kindle author. I like what you were saying about it talking about trauma rather than just dissociation as a "stand alone" thing.

My dissociation is relatively mild these days. I found mine gradually eased as I recovered through working with various Ts over the years although I'm still prone to it in times of extreme stress or shock. I don't expect it will ever go away - but I think I'm ok with that. So although I know what it is, what causes it and what works for me, I don't have a lot of my own resources, which is frustrating when friends ask me for info!

Have you come across First Person Plural? They are a survivor led dissociation charity and they run training for Ts.

Nannabee, thanks for your recommendation too. I shall add it to my book list. I stick them all on a wish list for the day I find myself rolling in cash!!

I was reading Haunted Self and couldn't hack it. Loved the theory stuff, but the patient vignettes and detailed symptoms that sounded like they were written about me would blank me out hard. I got about half way in before I forgot I even had it for months. Then lent it to my T as he's now working with another DID patient in addition to me

The Body Keeps the Score is mostly a book about trauma, but dissociation comes up frequently. I'm almost done with it and like it a lot. It's by Bessel Van der Kolk. I think having made it through this one, I might be ready to try Haunted Self again, if I can get it back from T. I'll be watching this thread for all the great recommendations. Knowing more about it helps me feel a bit safer and less out of control, understanding why my brain is acting as it does.

Yaku, I ordered a second hand copy of The Body Keeps the Score and the darned thing got lost in the post! I was so peeved I lost the money and I haven't been able to replace it yet! There's a paperback copy being released soon so I am going to get that when it comes out.

Draggers, you're so kind. Don't go to loads of trouble.

I had a quick Google of the Tom Knotts book and it gets some not so complimentary reviews on Amazon. It seems it's not that rigorous or backed up by theory and the guy couldn't even name DID correctly. There's also apparently a lot in it from a faith perspective. I am not anti faith but books that locate the causes for serious issues that cause a lot of suffering as being down to sin get a lot of side eye from me. So I will give that one a miss!

Woo! That's dedication! Thanks for going to that effort.