Inability To Control Parts During Session

[Punky143]

My T talked about as she's done before about "controlling" parts during session to make the most of our time. I get it, well this part does. I've tried explaining it to her "we" try but never sucessful. It's an area we definitely need help in and together she said we'll work on it. I've read about how others talk to their parts and check ins with them but most of the time I do not radically accept this dx and am embarrassed. Does anyone have suggestions perhaps how they got to the point of being able to set them aside for the appropriate time? Thank you

 

[joeylittle]

Are you co-conscious?

 

[Punky143]

Sometimes, sometimes not..

 

[Muttly]

Can you explain a bit more about why your T wants you to "control" your parts during therapy?

One of the really hard things about dealing with DID at first, is accepting that you have parts and that they have value. Trying to figure that out takes time. If they keep coming out during therapy, they need an outlet. They need their own time. Perhaps let them write letters or do art? An online (and now RL) friend of mine who I met on a DID forum always talks about the 3 Cs- cooperate, communicate and compromise.

 

[Punky143]

You said exactly what it is we're working on. Its acceptance of the diagnosis of DID. Because only I know I've had them my entire life and my T aluded to the fact in the 10 yrs working together, she has seen it off and on. If I'm lucky to be co aware of what's happening in session that part becomes embarrassed, and ashamed. I've always been a private person, perhaps that was taught to me younger. I'm trying hard to use my words and not hide them inside. It doesn't seem to be an issue though when angry parts are out, or so I've been told. So I guess I'm on a mission to "accept" this in particular dx, only adding to the rest of dx's. I wish I would be always co aware or not aware at all. The inconsistency makes it harder to navigate with.

 

[joeylittle]

My T talked about as she's done before about "controlling" parts during session to make the most of our time.

Can you explain a little more what actually occurs in the session that creates the issue? When I read this, it sounded to me like your T thinks that things get derailed...I'm just wondering what actually happens in the session when you lose control of the parts.

 

[Punky143]

I can only assume that once triggered, the minds ping back and forth and like you said, get derailed.

 

[watundah]

I have a part that wants to take over the scene and creates shut down in session, and we are trying to get it to stand aside and let my true self and or younger self be seen. It's a struggle and not easy as I keep having writing sessions and spoken sessions outside of therapy asking it to step aside and observe and work together with me to help me to heal. It isn't an easy change as this protective mechanism has been in place for decades. My T also tries to invite it to express itself and to please allow other parts of me to have the floor. Good luck and don't give up. I think it just takes time to convince the part that you are safe.