Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is the most severe form of dissociation. DID, formerly referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, can be challenging to live with and complex to treat. Dissociation is a psychological protection that prevents the person from fully recalling traumatic events. The purpose of this is to prevent traumatic memories from interfering with day-to-day functioning. Dissociation helps a child to survive the worst neglect, abuse and trauma. However, dissociation can be problematic as an adult. An adult with severe dissociation can experience daily memory gaps, conflicting, arguing or critical thoughts, and sudden mood, behavior and personality changes.

Dr. Lynn Heselton has created Revisioning Therapy to improve all forms of dissociation, up to and including DID. Revisioning Therapy involves activation of the Mirror Neuron Network (MNN), which is the connecting and empathy network of the brain. The activation of the MNN through drawings and a mirror is combined with mental imagery to heal the disconnection between ego states (alters) which were separated due to trauma. The first step in therapy is to understand the system of alters and promote co-consciousness, communication and cooperation with Revisioning Therapy. After the DID system has reached a high enough level of integration, many of the symptoms of dissociation will be resolved and the person will feel more stabilized. In order to achieve integration, the parts (alters) are integrated first without working on trauma memories. The last and optional step is to resolve earlier trauma. The last step can be achieved with a combination of Revisioning to maintain the integration, and very modified EMDR to maintain stability while making significant progress. This is a new treatment for dissociation that is gentle, and enjoyable with profound changes. If you are struggling with complex trauma with dissociation, consider Revisioning Therapy.