This book provides all of the information a practitioner needs in order to begin work with clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Drawing on experiences from her own practice and extensive research conducted with the help of internationally acclaimed experts in the field, the author describes the development of DID and the structure of the personality of these clients. The reader is guided through the assessment process, the main phases and components of treatment, and the issues and contentions that may arise in this work. Throughout the text there are case examples, practical exercises, techniques, and strategies that can be used in therapy sessions. The resources section includes screening and assessment instruments, as well as information on techniques for managing anxiety and self harm, both of which can be major problems when working with clients with DID.

This book is aimed at psychotherapy providers (although it is likely to also be of interest to sufferers and their families) who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential principles of assessing and working with clients with DID. Using vignettes, the author describes the structure of the personality of someone with DID and guides the reader through the various assessment tools. Issues and considerations for each of the three stages of therapy are outlined and discussed. In the beginning stage, therapy focuses on stabilization, containment and strengthening the host. In the middle stage, the key elements include mapping the identities and working through trauma events. The Bask model is described as a method for this process. In the final stages of therapy, the author evaluates the concept of integration versus multiple living and describes some of the processes clients undergo towards the end of therapy.