Finding the Right Dissociative Identity Disorder Therapist

One of the most important components of any healing journey is finding the right therapist, and this is especially true when you have dissociative identity disorder (DID). That being said, it is critical to find a therapist who can work with you and your specific needs to set you on the right path toward recovery.

My Bumpy Road to DID Recovery Required the Right Therapist

Understanding that healing is multifaceted is essential. There is no single solution, treatment, or cure for DID, which is what I failed to recognize as I began my journey.

My experience began with being prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant by my primary care physician following a panic attack. While the SSRI antidepressant seemed to work wonders in terms of quelling my anxiety, I failed to recognize that it was not helping me learn the tools I needed to fully manage my symptoms. I was experiencing less depression and panic, but little did I know I was only at the very beginning of my healing journey.

It was not until I sought help from a therapist that I realized I needed the combination of medication and assistance from another mental health professional, too, to truly begin my recovery. At this point, I was still undiagnosed, but my therapist was able to hone in on my symptoms and educate me on what I was experiencing, and more importantly, why it was happening.

Through standard cognitive behavioral therapy, I was also able to learn tools to better manage the anxiety and depression I was feeling as a result of DID. Eventually, my therapist was able to diagnose me with the condition and recommend a specialist to me who could better suit my needs.

Finding the Right DID Therapist

Whether you are seeking a therapist for the first time or you’ve been to one before, there are always questions you should ask before you begin a new relationship with a mental health professional. Inquiring about the individual’s background and professional experience is completely acceptable, especially if you are looking for a therapist who specializes in an area such as DID.

You might also want to ask what his or her approach is to DID (e.g., using the internal family systems model, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, etc.). Depending on your comfort level, you may want to compare therapists and their techniques before making your final decision.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to give your new therapist a test run before you decide to establish an ongoing relationship. He or she should be understanding of your need to make adjustments as necessary or say no altogether if the relationship does not end up working out. By taking these steps into account, you can find a mental health professional who can serve as a critical component to your healing journey.

Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank all of my readers thus far for following my healing journey. I will be departing HealthyPlace, but I want everyone to know that it has been life-changing to be able to share my experience with DID with the rest of the world. Be well, and best of luck to you all.