Podcast - Ep. 99 - Discussing Dissociation and DID, with Kathy Broady, MSW

Since I began recording this podcast, I've covered the topic of Dissociative Disorders and specifically, Dissociative Identity Disorder, quit a bit. Each time I talk with a practitioner or survivor of trauma who lives with DID, I always walk away from the conversation having learned something new, and with a further appreciation of the amazing people who live with DID every day of their lives.

I would definitely encourage you to check out some of the previous episodes with guests like Erika Reva (The We in Me), Robert Goldstein, Lisa Tobe, Erin Fado, Analie Shepherd, Elisabeth Corey, and more!

Anytime I have the opportunity to talk about Dissociative Disorders, I always jump at the chance because it means that someone else wants to speak up and share their story, or a practitioner wants to share their work and how their approach is helping trauma survivors with DID. This episode is no exception, as I'm so honored to talk with Kathy Broady, MSW, of Discussing dissociation.

DiscussingDissociation.com has been around 2008, and has been steadily growing ever since; offering a place for survivors, their family and friends, practitioners, and anyone who wants to come and learn about DID and share their experiences in a safe place. This incredible website offers videos, educational materials, shared artwork, therapy resources, blog articles, podcasts, and a host of materials on recovering from trauma. If you're interested in learning more about DID and Dissociative Orders of all types, you'll definitely want to make Discussing Dissociation a regular destination on the web.

I've been talking with Kathy for quite a while and we were finally able to get our schedules to line up and chat for a bit on the podcast, diving more into some specific aspects of DID, some of which have not previously been covered on past episodes.

• Living with DID does not mean you are crazy, psychotic, or looking for attention.
• When talking with someone who lives with DID, how do you address them? Should you address all of their parts or alters?
• When and Why do people who live with DID switch from one alter to another.
• The differences between dissociative amnesia and losing time or missing time.
• Some primary keys for healing:
  • Safety, both inside and outside worlds.
  • Internal communication / System Work
  • Connection to the here and now
  • When and How to do memory work without destabilizing the survivor.
• Tips for spouses, partners, and friends of dissociative survivors.
• Are there certain types of trauma that can increase the likelihood of developing DID?

Talking with Kathy was such a joy, and I'm sure that you'll get as much out of hearing her share her wisdom as I did. Her approach is genuine and validating with just the right about of humor; you'll feel as though you've known her forever as you listen to her speak about her experiences and her work in the field of trauma recovery and specifically with dissociative disorders.

I definitely