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

Drew & Garden System
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated fortnightly

There’s never a dull moment for hosts, Drew and Garden System, who are a couple that have both been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. While they are navigating their healing journey, they continue to manage full time careers, raise four teenagers and a house full of pets. Not only do they aim to speak to people who have lived experience with DID and their supporters, but also therapists and anyone who wants to learn more. The podcast talks about Dissociative Identity Disorder in a way that someone who knows nothing about DID will be able to understand, and at the same time is designed to be a resource for therapists, while supporting and validating those with lived experience. Dissociative Identity Disorder is a highly stigmatized mental health diagnosis that has been subject to many myths and misinformation over the years. These myths, along with highly-sensationalized media portrayals, have led to many who still believe this disorder is not real and simply created by therapists who impose themselves on highly suggestible clients. The goal of the podcast is to dispel these myths and educate the world at large the truth about Dissociative Identity Disorder, and the reality of what having this diagnosis really looks like. The brain had to find a unique way to cope in order to survive the trauma people with DID faced from a very young age. Also, this condition is not rare, although many reputable sources still cite it as such. People with DID are ordinary members in your community that you might encounter in your daily life. Drew and Garden System want to shed light on the challenging symptoms people with DID face and share how they have overcome those challenges and found the gifts of joy that all of their parts bring to each other.

  1. 2 days ago

    Meeting the Parts: Listening, Learning, and Healing with Greg Nooney MSW, LISW, LCSW - Part II

    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 continues with Part Two 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: 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. Wild Empowerment Counseling is a therapy practice serving clients across Connecticut, Maine, North Carolina & Florida. The practice supports individuals navigating complex trauma, dissociative experiences, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Informed by lived experience, providers integrate EMDR, relational, and talk therapy to help clients build resources, unmask, understand, and own their stories.  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 presentation 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...

  2. 13 Oct

    Meeting the Parts: Listening, Learning, and Healing with Greg Nooney MSW, LISW, LCSW - Part I

    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...

  3. 7 Jul

    Engaging Multiple Personalities: An Interview with Dr. David Yeung

    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...

  4. 23 Jun

    Authentically Living with Multiplicity: An Interview with Skylar Lyralen Kaye, author of Bachelorx

    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...

  5. 9 Jun

    Healing is a Mess! An Interview with Julia by mes: Artist & Survivor Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder

    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...

  6. 26 May

    My Name Means Fire: An Interview with Atash Yaghmaian LCSW-R

    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...

  7. 12 May

    Finding Our Bees: An Interview with Jaime Pollack, founder of An Infinite Mind

    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...

  8. 28 Apr

    Creating Affirming Care & Support: An Interview with Ryder Fox

    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...

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There’s never a dull moment for hosts, Drew and Garden System, who are a couple that have both been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. While they are navigating their healing journey, they continue to manage full time careers, raise four teenagers and a house full of pets. Not only do they aim to speak to people who have lived experience with DID and their supporters, but also therapists and anyone who wants to learn more. The podcast talks about Dissociative Identity Disorder in a way that someone who knows nothing about DID will be able to understand, and at the same time is designed to be a resource for therapists, while supporting and validating those with lived experience. Dissociative Identity Disorder is a highly stigmatized mental health diagnosis that has been subject to many myths and misinformation over the years. These myths, along with highly-sensationalized media portrayals, have led to many who still believe this disorder is not real and simply created by therapists who impose themselves on highly suggestible clients. The goal of the podcast is to dispel these myths and educate the world at large the truth about Dissociative Identity Disorder, and the reality of what having this diagnosis really looks like. The brain had to find a unique way to cope in order to survive the trauma people with DID faced from a very young age. Also, this condition is not rare, although many reputable sources still cite it as such. People with DID are ordinary members in your community that you might encounter in your daily life. Drew and Garden System want to shed light on the challenging symptoms people with DID face and share how they have overcome those challenges and found the gifts of joy that all of their parts bring to each other.

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