5 Things I would like all Therapists to know about Multiplicity

1. It is damned hard finding therapists who know anything helpful.

Consider the difficulty in finding a therapist who adequately understands trans issues (or gay issues or fat issues or POC issues) and then multiply that by about a thousand. It’s rare. Like unicorns and holy grail and meeting your favorite actor in your local coffee shop rare. And it is very difficult for a client to come out to you as multiple or want to share anything about it. Remember: a multiple system likely has horror stories of being told they were “crazy”, “playing pretend”, “refusing to face their problems”, refused treatment, refused treatment unless they agreed to whatever (often harmful) treatment plan was offered, or threatened with commitment. Alternatively, they have heard these things from other multiples (it’s a small community) and have strenuously avoided treatment.



2. There is no “cure”.



There has never once been a reputable case study where a multiple system has successfully “integrated” and stayed integrated over a significant period of time. Additionally, many multiple systems who have temporarily integrated are very uncomfortable in that state and report decreased cognitive function and loss of previous skill sets.

Many systems, in fact, view integration as a form of suicide/murder. You are literally asking them to kill individual, sentient parts of their identity. Don’t be surprised if even the mention of this seriously impedes the therapeutic relationship.

That said, some multiple systems do wish to integrate and that is fine!

3. It is not inherently a disorder.

It is an example of the incredible range of human neurodiversity. It is disordered only when it negatively impacts daily functioning. In this case, mediation similar to family therapy is often the best approach. There is no cure.

If a client presents with comorbid diagnoses for which they want assistance, do not even assume that the multiplicity needs treatment. Listen, ask, learn.

4. Language is important, so respect ours.

There is no standardized vocabulary for multiplicity. Each system uses their own language to describe their reality and you should too. For example, some systems find “alters” incredibly offensive and condescending. Others are okay with it. Many systems hate “DID”. Others say that is what they have.

Here are some (relatively) common and neutral terms: headmate, system, co-conscious, co-running, fronting, headspace. Learn what those mean. Listen, ask, learn.



5. It is easiest to think of us as separate bodied people.

Most of the problems singlets (that’s you) encounter in dealing with us lies in looking at one body and seeing one person. Eventually, you can get over that. In the meantime, imagine that each person in the system has a different body. You are doing therapy with multiple clients who happen to look alike (to you). Keep separate case notes, if that helps.

Thanks for listening! If you follow all five of these guidelines, you have literally become one in a hundred and our lives will be better for it.