Quote:
Originally Posted by Dnester
I was not aware that integration was a process that happened on its own. I thought you had to work with a therapist to integrate and go through steps?
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Nah, integration isn't something that is "done" to you and I don't think any theory of dissociation has mapped out discrete steps to follow for integration in DID. I think of integration simply as the opposite of dissociation. Instead of dissociating different aspects of life experience you actively think about, correlate and weave them together.
For instance every time I process new-to-me information or emotions about my experiences I am "integrating" them into my total experience. As opposed to dissociating /separating/ splitting off from them. The same happens with alters. The more I know about them and their experiences, feelings and needs and the more I accept them, the closer they become to my own sense of self... I gradually become more able to recognize and accept them as aspects of
me.
Some of them anyway, lol.