Minnesota & North Dakota Dissociative Identity Disorder Therapy
You may be losing track of time or have no memory of events others say you were part of.
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You might feel like different people at times or struggle to know who you really are.
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Your unpredictable emotions or behavior may cause confusion and distance with loved ones.
The confusion, the fear, the overwhelming sense of being lost. One moment, you feel in control, and the next, it’s as if you’re not even yourself. You can’t always remember what happened or why certain things trigger intense reactions.
Navigating daily life feels like a battle with pieces of yourself you don’t fully understand. You don’t have to face this alone. It’s time to connect with a trauma therapist, like Abbie, who understands DID and can help you regain a sense of stability and wholeness.
Living with DID doesn't have to limit your dreams.
I can help you heal and integrate your identities (if you so choose), empowering you to build meaningful relationships, regain emotional balance, and reclaim control over your life.
Together, we'll work towards the fulfilling and connected life you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dissociative Identity Disorder
How do you treat Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Psychotherapy is the main treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder. Together, we will get to know all of your alters, help each of them heal and learn new coping mechanisms, and get the whole system functioning as a team.
What type of therapy is used for dissociation?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are the main types of therapy used for dissociation. Abbie is trained in both CBT and DBT.
Can you live a normal life with DID?
In short, yes, you can live a normal, functioning life with DID. With the help of a therapist, like Abbie, who is trained in trauma and dissociative disorders, recovery is possible.
What are the coping mechanisms for Dissociative Identity Disorder?
Mindfulness and exercise are great coping skills to utilize to manage the symptoms, like anxiety and depression, that often accompany DID. Therapy with a trained trauma and dissociative disorders specialist, like Abbie, can help you utilize those skills as best as possible, while also working towards healing the entire system and functioning as a team.
Living With DID
Living with DID can leave you feeling confused, exhausted, and afraid. You may feel disconnected from yourself, unsure of your identity, and struggle with relationships, work, or daily life. Check out this blog post to learn more.
Memory gaps or "losing time" can make it hard to explain what's happening.
Achieving Harmony: What Life Can Be Like After Healing
A consistent sense of identity and feeling whole.
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Clear, continuous memories without losing time or feeling confused.
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Emotional stability, without sudden or unexplained mood shifts.
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Feeling present and in control of your thoughts and actions.
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Trust and understanding in relationships, without fear of being misunderstood.
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Inner peace, without conflicting voices or internal struggles.
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The ability to express your emotions and needs openly and confidently.
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Safety and calm, free from overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks.
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​A sense of safety from past traumas.
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A grounded connection to your body and surroundings.
What If They Don't Believe Me?
I believe you.
Living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) can feel isolating, especially when you worry about being misunderstood or dismissed. It’s common to wonder, What if they don’t believe me? This fear often stems from the stigma surrounding DID, as well as the vulnerability of sharing something so deeply personal.
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In therapy, you deserve to feel seen and supported, not questioned or invalidated. My role as your therapist is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where your experiences are honored. I believe you, and I understand how real and challenging living with DID can be.
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If others in your life don’t believe you, it doesn’t diminish the reality of your experiences. Part of our work together can include exploring how to navigate these situations—whether it’s setting boundaries, finding a supportive community, or building confidence in your truth.​
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You don’t have to face this alone. Your journey is valid, and together, we can focus on healing and reclaiming your sense of self, no matter what others may think.
How DID Develops
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) often develops as a response to severe trauma, particularly during childhood. Understanding that DID is a response to extreme stress can help you recognize that your experiences are valid and that healing is possible through therapy and support. Here’s a simple breakdown of how this happens:
Trauma Exposure
Many people with DID have experienced overwhelming stress or trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. This trauma can make it hard for a child to cope with the pain and fear they are feeling.
Fragmentation of Self
As these identities develop, they may take on different roles to help you survive. For example, one identity may be calm and nurturing, while another might express anger or fear. This fragmentation can make it difficult for you to feel whole or integrated.
Dissociation as a Coping Mechanism
To manage the overwhelming feelings, the mind may create a way to escape. Dissociation is like a protective shield that helps you separate yourself from the traumatic experience. It allows you to "check out" mentally, creating distance from the pain.
Ongoing Impact
As you grow older, the effects of DID may continue to influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You might struggle with memory gaps or find it hard to connect with your true self, especially when reminded of past trauma.
Development of Different Identities
Over time, as a way to cope with different types of trauma or stress, the mind may develop distinct identities or “alters.” Each identity can hold different memories, feelings, and ways of responding to situations. This helps you manage your feelings and experiences more effectively, even if it creates confusion.
How a North Dakota & Minnesota DID Therapist Can Help
I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your experience with DID. Together, we will work on understanding the different parts of yourself, building awareness, and learning how to communicate between alters.
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You will have the autonomy to decide the best way forward as we explore coping strategies, develop grounding techniques, and begin to integrate (if you so choose) these parts so you can feel more whole.
We’ll work toward building trust in yourself, reducing confusion, and finding stability.
