A Couple of Multiples: The Reality of Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder

What happens when therapists move beyond what they've been told about DID and listen to the people, and the parts, sitting across from them?

Season Six begins with Part One of Garden System's conversation with author and therapist Greg Nooney, MSW, LISW, LCSW. Together they explore misinformation that fuels fear of dissociative identity disorder, the significance of internal worlds, and what it means to work directly with parts.

They also discuss why littles aren't simply the same age as children their apparent age, and how listening to systems has shaped Greg's work and books. It's a conversation about approaching multiplicity with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to learn.

Thank you our sponsors:

CommuniDID provides practical information, tools, and support for people living with DID and OSDD. Visit CommuniDID.com/podcast for free access to our System Communication Cheat Sheet, normally available only to members. Learn to recognize ways your system may be communicating and how to better understand what you're noticing.

Clinicians, have you been considering EMDR training? Dr. Jamie+ Marich will be offering her final training beginning in January before dissolving ICM and passing on the training work to others. Segment one will be January 8 through the 10th of 2027 segment two will be January 29 through the 31st 2027 segment three will be February 19 through the 20th of 2027 and you have the choice of one of two follow up consultation calls on either March 3 or March 6, 2027, for two hours. We trained with Jamie as Garden System, and being able to participate authentically as ourselves felt so validating. Discount pricing is available, and scholarship applications close one month before training. Visit insitituteforcreativemindfulness.com. Link will be in our show notes.

Ten Aspirations from Greg Nooney

 1. Remember that your client has crucial “insider knowledge,” whereas you only possess “outsider knowledge.” 

2. Remind yourself that your client is the whole system, not any particular alter. 

3. Center the client system in therapy rather than yourself as the expert. 

4. Foster an abundance of curiosity regarding the client’s system. 

5. Be congruent in your presenta>on with courageous honesty and transparency. 

6.Have the courage to enter your client’s inner realm while always staying grounded in this realm. 

7. Trust the process rather than focusing on your expectations for the outcome. 

8. Be acutely aware of your own limitations and share with your client when appropriate. 

9. Seek out consultation and your own personal therapy when needed, especially when experiencing countertransference. 

10. Remind yourself that prior to your client meeting you, they have very likely lived through and survived much worse experiences than they are having now 

Divided Mind- Divided Brain Research Paper Link:  https://www.psychiatria.com.pl/index.php/issues/2021-vol-21-no-1/divided-mind-divided-brain-the-neurobiology-of-dissociative-identity-disorder-from-the-perspective-of-dynamical-systems-theory

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

 Drew & Garden System have an in-depth discussion on the treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder with Dr. David Yeung and his editor Lyle Weinstein. Take care of yourselves while watching, as Dr. David Yeung discusses difficult topics surrounding trauma.

You can purchase Dr. David Yeung's books, Engaging Multiple Personalities Volumes 1-4 by clicking on our Amazon Affiliate links:
Volume 1:  https://amzn.to/3SHOMEx
Volume 2:  https://amzn.to/4eNnOnx
Volume 3:  https://amzn.to/4vLB8i7
Volume 4:  https://amzn.to/4fkRMzo

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
Petals of a Rose
Healing Selves Therapeutics 

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System have an open and candid conversation with Skye on all things multiplicity/plurality, gender identity, unmasking, and living openly with Dissociative Identity Disorder and plurality.
Skye's memoir, Bachelorx, can be found here for purchase through our affiliate link:  https://amzn.to/4uTTkVI

Thank you to our sponsors:
Healing Selves Therapeutics
Healing My Parts

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System hang out with Julia by mes to have conversations about intergenerational trauma as a grandchild of war in Germany, the complicated mess of healing, career changes, and organizing in-person meetups in Ottawa, Canada!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Yvonne Fall LPC - https://www.yvonnefalllpc.com/
Healing My Parts - https://www.healingmyparts.org/

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System discuss the effects of traumas such as war and childhood abuse with Atash Yaghmaian LCSW-R,  who also lives with dissociative identity disorder. She is the author of the book, My Name Means Fire, where she shares her story of growing up in Iran.

You can purchase a copy of her book through our Amazon affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/4rIQ5yP

Thank you to our sponsors:

The Institute for Creative Mindfulness:  https://www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com/

Petals of a Rose:
https://www.dylancrumpler.com/watch-petals-of-a-rose

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System chat with Jaime Pollack, founder of An Infinite Mind, to discuss her discovery of multiplicity, getting a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder, and her incredible healing journey that led to the creation of An Infinite Mind and the formation of the Healing Together conference. 

Jaime Pollack lives in Central Florida where she works as a district Pre-K special education resource teacher. She also works part-time as an in-home early interventionist for special needs children aged birth to three. In 2005, she was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) resulting from childhood trauma. Jaime searched for support only to find there were very limited resources available. Her efforts to find support for herself led her to seek out other survivors living with the disorder. As she found others living with DID, she witnessed firsthand the challenges they shared and decided to shift her focus to help others, like herself, living with DID. Her passion to help others led to the creation of An Infinite Mind in January of 2008. 

Thank you to our sponsors:
An Infinite Mind
Healing Selves Therapeutics

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System sit down with Ryder Fox to clarify the complexities of affirming care and non-carceral support of folx living with DID/multiplicity that are navigating their healing journey.

Ryder Fox, MS (they/them) is a trauma-informed wellness coach, educator, and consultant with nearly 30 years of experience supporting vulnerable populations. They work at the intersection of practitioner education and direct client care—helping professionals build sustainable, long-term approaches to supporting people living with complex chronic conditions, while also working directly with individuals who often struggle to find affirming, effective support. As the founder of Stronger U, Ryder has had the rare privilege of supporting some clients continuously for nearly two decades. They are also the founder of THRIVE Lifeline, a nonprofit providing identity-affirming crisis and peer support for multiple marginalized communities. Bringing both professional expertise and lived experience as a plural trauma survivor with chronic conditions, Ryder centers autonomy, trauma-informed care, and deeply relational approaches in all their work. They are especially passionate about bridging the gap between providers and the communities they serve—helping create care relationships that are not only informed, but truly sustainable.

Thank you to our sponsors: 

Institute for Creative Mindfulness

Transitions Delaware

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System sit down with Sally Maslansky LMFT to discuss her healing journey with dissociative identity disorder and her new memoir, A Brilliant Adaptation. Sally provides a unique look at what living with DID and trauma recovery can look like from an integrated perspective.

Sally Maslansky is a psychotherapist and author whose lived experience with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) profoundly informs her clinical work and writing. Diagnosed in her mid-thirties, she worked in therapy with Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, MD—treatment grounded in Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Attachment Theory, and Mindful Awareness Practices. Now a practicing therapist herself, Sally brings a rare dual perspective to the field—bridging the personal and the professional. Sally lives and practices in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she continues her work in private practice and trauma advocacy. 

Buy Sally's book here:  https://amzn.to/4240drh

https://sallymaslansky.com/

https://drdansiegel.com/

Thank you to our sponsors!

Yvonne Fall - https://www.yvonnefalllpc.com/

Healing My Parts - https://www.healingmyparts.org/
 

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System have an informative discussion with Amy Beckler LCSW on the benefits of yoga and somatic exercises for people living with complex trauma, particularly those experiencing dissociative identities.

Wheel of Tolerance - https://livethechange.se/index.php/blog/the-wheel-of-tolerance

Dissociation Made Simple - https://amzn.to/4uZYmB0

Thank to our sponsors:
Healing My Parts - https://www.healingmyparts.org/
Healing Selves Therapeutics - https://www.healingselvestherapeuticspllc.com/ 

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

Drew & Garden System discuss the healing journey from childhood abuse and dissociative identity disorder with Bonnie Armstrong, the author of An Apparently Normal Person. Bonnie's story is unique in that she worked in child welfare and advocacy without realizing she, too, was a survivor of childhood abuse. Her medical struggles helped her uncover the truth about her past.

Bonnie R. Armstrong spent decades as an apparently normal person, unaware of the complex dissociative infrastructure that hid much of her childhood from her conscious memory and supported her from inside. Bonnie enjoyed her life as wife, mother, community activist, and a 40-year career that included high-level positions in two Governors' offices. She served as an expert consultant on child and family policy issues with federal, state, county and local governments and philanthropies, and as a national speaker and trainer. She specialized in youth development and child abuse prevention, not knowing that she was also an abuse survivor. 

When she turned fifty, a mysterious and debilitating illness attacked Bonnie, eventually requiring her to use a wheelchair to continue her active life. After six years of testing and continued degeneration, her neurologist ruled out medical causes and referred her to a psychologist. Together, Bonnie and her therapist slowly uncovered her dissociative disorder, her strong internal community, and the secrets of her childhood. 

Now she has written a memoir that chronicles her healing journey and the ways her system used dissociation to survive and thrive.  An Apparently Normal Person: From Medical Mystery to Dissociative Superpower has won several awards and was an Amazon best-seller. Bonnie continues to speak out and write about dissociation and childhood trauma. She also is a life coach, a grandmother and the matriarch of a large extended family. She and her internal community live collaboratively, focused on their joint life's purpose to break generational cycles of abuse and to use every moment and interaction to create a more loving, harmonious world. 

Visit Bonnie's website:  https://www.bonnierarmstrong.com/

Buy Bonnie's book, An Apparently Normal Person, here: https://amzn.to/4sl5TsC

Thank you to our sponsors:

An Infinite Mind: https://www.aninfinitemind.org/

Healing My Parts:  https://www.healingmyparts.org/

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...