How Can You Tell?

by Laura and Allegra

[In answer to a new member on one of the forums.]

We've never taken any of the formal diagnostic tests. We figured it out for ourselves 20 years ago, based on our life experience, finally triggered by meeting other multiples in our early days online.

We've been up-front with both our previous T and our current T that we need to be in charge of our own healing process, with the T serving as guide or facilitator, not as an "expert." We are the "experts" on us. Our previous T used to say:

"There's wisdom in the system."
and
"It's your journey; I'm only here to carry a map and a flashlight."

Our previous T, who we saw between early November 1998 to late May 2004, would put down DID on our claim records. At that point we didn't care; we were more concerned about the fact that somebody understood our truth and accepted it.

After our previous T retired, we began seeing our current T in early June 2004. The two Ts had taken Gestalt training together. We came prepared with a list of 10 questions, the last of which was, "What's your horoscope sign?"

"Scorpio," she said. (Our previous T was a Pisces, and we're a Capricorn.)

"That'll work," we answered.

Our current T puts down our dx as MDD, GAD, and (we think) PTSD. First of all, in our state, MDD entitles the patient to unlimited outpatient therapy. Secondly, both of us agree that besides not being the real source of our "disorder," our multiplicity is none of the insurance company's business.

Your Mileage May Vary (tm).