Beyond The Surface

DID, High-Control Systems, and Plural Identity


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Psychologist Joh Knyn joins Sam for a thoughtful and nuanced conversation about dissociative identity disorder. A topic that is so often misunderstood, sensationalised, or flattened into something it isn't. Together they explore the intersection of DID and high-control environments, unpacking how trauma shapes plural identity and what genuine, affirming support actually looks like in a therapeutic context. Joh brings both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are, and the conversation makes a compelling case for why the mental health field needs to rethink how it approaches and affirms plural identities rather than pathologising them. For listeners who live with DID, love someone who does, or work in a helping profession, this episode offers something rare; a conversation that takes plural experience seriously and holds it with the care it deserves.

Who Is Joh?

Johanna Knyn is a psychologist based in Australia who works mostly with complex trauma and dissociative identities. Her work focuses on helping both clients and clinicians make sense of experiences that are often misunderstood — including dissociation, plurality, and the impact of high-control or religious environments.

She is the author of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for DID: The Workbook, one of the first published workbooks to adapt DBT specifically for people with DID. She spends much of her time providing supervision, training, and education for other practitioners. Johanna is particularly passionate about system-affirming, trauma-informed care that meets people where they are.

Connect With Us

  • Find out more about Joh here - https://www.johannaknyn.com.au/
  • Connect with Joh via IG - https://www.instagram.com/psychologist_joh/
  • If you're a clinician connect into this Facebook group

  • You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
  • To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
  • Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
  • Also check out The Religious Trauma Collective

...more
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Beyond The SurfaceBy Samantha Sellers

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