Dissociative identity disorder is one of the most misunderstood conditions in mental health, and one of the most treatable when it is recognized and approached with care. I specialize in working with adults who live with DID and other dissociative disorders, in person in Ventura, California and online anywhere in the state.

What dissociative identity disorder is

DID is a dissociative disorder in which a person experiences two or more distinct identity states, sometimes called parts or alters, along with gaps in memory for everyday events, personal information, or past trauma that go well beyond ordinary forgetfulness. These identity states can differ in how they think, feel, remember, and relate to the world.

DID almost always develops in early childhood as a response to repeated, overwhelming experiences that a child could not escape. Dissociation lets the mind compartmentalize what is too much to hold all at once. It is an adaptive survival response, not a weakness and not a sign of being “crazy.” Research estimates that roughly 1 to 1.5 percent of adults meet criteria for DID, which makes it about as common as several conditions most people have heard of.

Signs you or someone you love may have DID

Losing time: finding yourself somewhere with no memory of how you got there, or being told about conversations and events you cannot recall.
Finding possessions, writing, or messages you do not remember creating.
Being called by different names, or feeling that your voice, handwriting, preferences, or age shift in ways you do not control.
Hearing internal voices or dialogue that feel like separate people rather than your own thoughts.
Feeling detached from your body, your emotions, or your surroundings (depersonalization and derealization).
A history of childhood trauma, often with large blanks in memory of those years.
Many years of treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder that never quite fit.

Many people with DID are first diagnosed with something else. On average it takes years to receive an accurate diagnosis. If several of these signs feel familiar, an assessment with a therapist who specializes in dissociation is a good next step.

How I treat DID

I follow the phase-oriented approach recommended by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), the leading professional body in this field. Treatment is not rushed and is always paced by your system’s capacity.

Safety and stabilization. We build trust, grounding skills, and internal communication and cooperation among parts. The goal is a calmer, more predictable daily life before any trauma work begins.
Processing traumatic memories. When you are ready, we work through the experiences that created the need for dissociation. I use The Cortina Method (TCM) and Brainspotting, both of which allow trauma to be processed as gently and non-invasively as possible.
Co-consciousness and living well. Co-consciousness is a shared, simultaneous awareness among parts, in which thoughts and emotions are shared rather than hidden behind amnesia. While integration (parts merging into one) is a treatment option, most people with DID do not choose to integrate, because it can feel like a “death” of their alters. Co-consciousness and cooperation are the more common goal. It is also normal for fragmentation to occur again in times of intense stress; that is not a failure, and it is something we expect and work with. The aim is a life that feels whole, present, and your own.

Throughout, you will learn tools to understand why you make the choices you make and why you feel the way you do, so that decisions come from your authentic self rather than from old survival patterns.

Who I work with

I work with adults (22 and over) who are curious about themselves and ready to work in a steady, collaborative way. I see clients in person at my Ventura office and online by secure video anywhere in California. I am in-network with United Healthcare/UBH, Optum, UMR, Cigna/Evernorth, and Carelon, and I provide superbills for other plans. See Services & Rates for details.

Frequently asked questions

Is DID real?
Yes. Dissociative identity disorder is recognized in the DSM-5-TR and the ICD-11, and it has been studied in clinical research for decades. The confusion mostly comes from inaccurate portrayals in film and television.

Do I need a formal diagnosis before starting therapy?
No. Many clients come in with a history of dissociation and no diagnosis. Assessment is part of the work, and treatment can begin while we clarify what you are experiencing.

Will therapy make parts “go away?”
The goal is not to eliminate parts. Parts developed to protect you. We work toward communication, cooperation, and reduced amnesia. Most people who seek treatment for DID prefer co-consciousness as their ultimate treatment goal instead of integration because they grow to like and appreciate their alters.

How long does treatment take?
DID treatment is longer-term, usually measured in years rather than months, with the pace set by stabilization and safety. Many clients notice meaningful improvement in daily functioning well before trauma processing begins.

Can DID be treated online?
Yes. I offer secure video sessions to clients anywhere in California. For some clients, being in a familiar space at home makes early stabilization easier.

What is the difference between DID and OSDD?
Other specified dissociative disorder (OSDD) describes dissociative symptoms that cause real distress but do not meet the full criteria for DID, for example distinct parts without significant amnesia. Treatment follows the same phased approach.

Ready to talk?

If you recognize yourself in this page, reach out. A first conversation is a chance to ask questions and see whether we are a good fit. Contact Susan