Healing My Parts: Real Talk on Dissociative Identity Disorder and Complex Trauma

Healing My Parts
  • 5.0 (26)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Real talk on Dissociative Identity Disorder and complex trauma—grounded in lived experience and clinical insight. Hosted by a therapist who lives with DID, Healing My Parts explores the complexities of life as a system, from trauma recovery to everyday realities. Through raw conversations, practical tools, and powerful guest interviews, this podcast empowers those living with DID, OSDD, and other dissociative disorders—as well as the professionals, friends, and family who support them. Together, we break stigma, celebrate system strengths, and shed light on one of the most misunderstood areas of mental health. healingmyparts.substack.com

  1. Cheryl Rainfield on Cult Torture, Programming, and Healing DID with Compassion

    1D AGO

    Cheryl Rainfield on Cult Torture, Programming, and Healing DID with Compassion

    In this deeply nuanced conversation, we’re joined by author and survivor Cheryl Rainfield to explore the realities of cult torture, dissociative identity, and the layered impact of organized abuse. We unpack what it means to reclaim the word torture, how cult-created programming functions inside dissociative systems, and how healing unfolds when compassion replaces fear. We explore: • Why some survivors reclaim the term cult torture• How programming operates — and how it can be gently dismantled• The distinction between cult-created parts and other trauma-based or persecutory parts• Subtle indicators that may suggest a history of organized abuse• Why relational repair, attachment, and emotional responsiveness matter profoundly in treatment• What therapists often misunderstand about working with survivors of organized abuse• How systems can begin building trust with cult created parts This conversation does not sensationalize. It names. It clarifies. And it holds hope. Cheryl speaks candidly about what survivors need most: to be believed, to be heard, and to be met with steady compassion. Whether you are a survivor, clinician, or someone seeking to better understand complex dissociation, we hope this episode offers clarity, validation, and thoughtful guidance. Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction + reclaiming the term “cult torture”08:40 – What programming is and how it functions21:15 – Cult-created parts vs. persecutory/trauma parts36:20 – Subtle signs of organized abuse histories52:10 – What therapists need to understand1:06:30 – Modifying modalities (EMDR, grounding, attachment needs)1:20:45 – Community, writing, and reclaiming voice1:32:00 – Hope for survivors + practical next steps Content Note This episode discusses organized abuse, dissociation, and suicidality. Please listen at your own pace and care for yourself as needed. Connect with Cheryl CherylRainfield.com Cheryl’s Books Cheryl’s Social Media TikTok @Cherylrainfield Instagram @Cherylrainfield Facebook Cheryl Rainfield YouTube Cheryl.Rainfield Substack Cheryl Rainfield Cheryl’s Articles Some Signs and Symptoms of Cult Torture and How To Help: Article on cult torture and programming: Cheryl’s Links to Resources on Cult torture and DID Cheryl’s Recommended Books on cult torture/RAMCOA: Becoming Yourself by Alison Miller Healing The Unimaginable by Alison Miller Demystifying Mind Control & Ritual Abuse Safe Passage to Healing by Chrystine Oksana. Cheryl’s Recommended Websites: Survivorship.org ra-info.org ritualabuse.us endritualabuse.org grassroots-ra-mc-collective.org Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 28m
  2. Business Boundaries & Being Plural with Cyndi Bennett

    JAN 29

    Business Boundaries & Being Plural with Cyndi Bennett

    In this episode, our guest, Cyndi Bennett, speaks publicly about their system for the first time and shares parts of their personal journey before turning toward their work supporting trauma survivors in professional spaces. We talk about business boundaries, nervous system capacity, internal consent, and what it means to navigate careers and leadership as a plural system. This conversation is for systems thinking about work, sustainability, and how to make decisions that honor more than one internal voice. ⏱️ Timestamps * 00:02:15 – Cyndi introduces themselves and their plural system * 00:06:45 – Building a coaching practice as a system * 00:14:20 – On boundaries, burnout, and protecting your bandwidth * 00:21:00 – Why coaching isn’t therapy (and why that matters) * 00:33:40 – Internal communication tips from Cyndi’s own parts * 00:42:55 – Reflections on authenticity, professionalism, and trust * 00:55:30 – Final thoughts: honoring all parts, including the messy ones Connect with Cyndi: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 15m
  3. Rethinking Crisis Support for DID & OSDD with Ryder Fox — Thrive Lifeline & Stronger U

    12/11/2025

    Rethinking Crisis Support for DID & OSDD with Ryder Fox — Thrive Lifeline & Stronger U

    Ryder Fox beckons us to step into deeply nuanced spaces with bravery and heart—to ensure that lives are not only saved, but poised to thrive. Today’s episode features a moving and deeply human conversation with Ryder Fox, founder of Stronger U and co-founder of Thrive Lifeline—a community-rooted, non-carceral crisis support organization prioritizing safety, consent, and agency for multiply-marginalized communities including DID/OSDD systems. Ryder invites us to rethink everything we’ve been taught about “safety,” crisis intervention, and care. They speak from a place few are willing—or able—to go: lived experience that includes extreme trauma, forced intervention, chronic illness, and surviving without language, housing, or community. Now, as a peer support trainer and advocate for plural systems, Ryder offers a path toward crisis response rooted in dignity, dimensionality, and real respect for autonomy. Together, we explore: * Why traditional crisis response often retraumatizes plural systems * The difference between “managing risk” and actually offering support * What it means to hold space for complexity instead of controlling it * How to train helpers to recognize plurality and internal experience * Why forced care often perpetuates the very harm it claims to prevent * What dimensionalized, relational care actually looks like This conversation isn’t easy—but it’s necessary. Ryder leads us there with clarity, fierce compassion, and an unwavering belief that we can—and must—do better. 💬 Whether you’re a DID/OSDD System, clinician, or supporter, —this episode is for anyone ready to reimagine what real crisis care can be. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Welcome & intro to Ryder Fox (Thrive Lifeline + Stronger U) 01:00 — Growing up marginalized & surviving extreme trauma 06:00 — Why crisis support systems continue to harm plural people 10:00 — How traditional responders misread DID/OSDD crises causing escalation 14:00 — Forced hospitalization: retraumatizing instead of protecting 18:00 — Carceral vs non-carceral crisis care: what the terms really mean 20:00 — What actually happens when a plural system contacts Thrive Lifeline 26:00 — Dimensionalizing care vs flattening a person to the crisis 33:00 — Systems as experts of their own survival 41:00 — Forced care and the mandate of silence 43:00 — “Keep the body breathing” vs honoring the actual human 44:00 — Stronger U Wellness: pathways for plural healing + clinician education 47:00 — How to connect with Stronger U (even when your brave window is tiny) 50:00 — From survival to thriving: relational pathways for plural systems Resources: Thrive Lifeline Non-carceral crisis, warmline, and group support, centering multiply marginalized communities. Fully grassroots. Built by and for community. Stronger U a liberatory wellness and education collective providing immersive, trauma-informed, and non-carceral services to organizations, private practices, individual practitioners, and survivors. Our mission is to co-create sustainable systems of care that uplift those who are most often excluded by traditional models—through strategic consulting, certification programs, coaching, and community-based programming. Book a Discovery Call Stronger Together Discord non-carceral discord server centering complex trauma survivors and multiply marginalized people TRANS Discord server non-carceral discord server for anyone of trans experience. Thrive Lifeline's Resources Stronger U Free Resources Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 23m
  4. Curiosity, Collaboration & Plural Wisdom: A Conversation with Greg Nooney, MSW, LISW, LCSW

    11/18/2025

    Curiosity, Collaboration & Plural Wisdom: A Conversation with Greg Nooney, MSW, LISW, LCSW

    📣 Episode Summary In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with social worker, author, and therapeutic guide Greg Nooney, MSW, LISW, LCSW—a deeply respected clinician with over 40 years in mental health and a specialty in working with people with dissociative identities. Greg’s gentle, curious presence and humility make this episode a grounding, refreshing listen for both therapists and systems alike. Together, we explore topics including: * How early experiences shaped Greg’s approach to DID care * Why curiosity over certainty is essential in system-informed therapy * The three C’s for system care * How clinicians can practice asking helpful—not harmful—questions * The impact of privilege and singular identity in treatment * Thoughts on IFS, integration, and why fusion is not the “only path.” * Creative stories from the inner world (yes, including fixing windows 🪟😄) * Tips for therapists new to working with DID or OSDD Greg also shares his latest book project geared toward people with lived experience—and invites listeners to help shape early drafts. There’s an opportunity in here for *yous*! ⏱️ Time Stamps * 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction * 01:00 – Meet Greg: His 40-year journey in mental health * 05:00 – Trauma in the 80s & 90s: * 13:00 – Outsider vs. Insider Knowledge & Naming Privilege * 22:30 – The Single Identity Bias in Mental Health * 29:00 – IFS, DID, and the Problem with Assuming a Core Self * 32:00 – Parts vs Alters: Helping therapists navigate the difference * 39:00 – Plural Resources and the 3 C’s * 50:00 – Inner World as a Real World: Its Healing Power * 55:00 – Caring for Littles and Internal Attachment Work * 01:00:00 – Greg’s Books + New Harbinger Project * 01:03:00 – Community Q&A Zoom on November 24th * 01:04:00 – Final reflections & where to find Greg’s resources 📚 Resources Mentioned * Connect with Greg at https://www.gregnooney.com/ * 📘 Diagnosing and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Guide for Social Workers and All Frontline Staff – [NASW Press] * 📘 An Introductory Clinical Guide to Dissociative Identity Disorder: Best Practices for Working with Multiplicity – [PESI Publishing] * 🧠 Upcoming Self-Help Book – Interested in reviewing early chapters?➡️ Email Greg directly at gregnooney@gmail.com(Please do not redistribute unpublished content.) * 💻 Join Greg’s upcoming Community Conversation on DID🗓️ November 24th One hour discussion on plural identities | $15 for therapists | FREE for lived experience with code: LIVED100🔗 Register Here * 📝 Download Greg’s DID Dimensional Scales, Categorical Model & 10 Aspirations🔗 Available free in the episode notes on healingmyparts.substack.com 🎧 Listen & Share If this episode speaks to you: * ❤️ Share it with a system friend or your therapist * 📢 Tag us on Instagram @healingmyparts as you listen * 🧠 Subscribe on Substack for more tools, blogs, and stories at healingmyparts.substack.com * 🌙 For consults, services or training requests, visit healingmyparts.org services page Thank you for listening! 🩷🫶💜 Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 5m
  5. Embodying Affirmation: Therapy, Advocacy, and Radical Love with Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv

    11/10/2025

    Embodying Affirmation: Therapy, Advocacy, and Radical Love with Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv

    In this heart-shaking, wisdom-soaked episode, we’re joined by the incomparable Karla Fleshman (they/she) — a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR therapist, irreverent reverend, published author, and breast cancer survivor thriving in community. What unfolds is part interview, part sermon, part love letter to queer and dissociative youth — and a fierce call to action for therapists, schools, and adults everywhere. We explore: * Karla’s cancer diagnosis and system discovery anniversary * Their journey through severe school bullying, trauma, and survival as a queer teen * How dissociation shows up as a somatic, adaptive response to systemic harm * A powerful reading of their poem “Who Was Nex? Who Is Nex.T?” honoring Nex Benedict and queer youth lost to violence ⚠️ *Content note: The poem addresses bullying, suicide, and trauma.* * What it means to create healing community inside and outside the therapy room * Why clinicians must break from rigid models to truly welcome all parts * How healing happens when we slow down, get real, and stop trying to do therapy “perfectly” Whether you’re a clinician seeking to be more affirming, a system navigating complex trauma, or someone longing to be reminded that healing is possible — this episode is for you. 00:00 – Opening + Guest Introduction08:43 – Discovering They Were a System13:10 – Bullying, Survival, and Dissociation31:31 – Poem: Who Was Nex? ⚠️ *Content note: The poem addresses bullying, suicide, and trauma.*38:47 – Queering EMDR + Therapist Clarity49:29 – Community, Not Just Clinicians1:08:40 – Closing Reflections 🔗 Connect with Karla Fleshman * Transitions Delaware * Be The One Campaign * Queering EMDR Therapy Book * “Who Was Nex?” Poem + Journal Article 🛠 LGBTQ+ & Plurality Resources Youth Support & Education: * GLSEN * Welcoming Schools * Rainbow Book Lists * PFLAG For LGBTQ+ Elders: * LGBT Aging Center Crisis Lines: * Thrive Lifeline * The Trevor Project * Trans Lifeline Legal, Medical, and Community Support: * Point of Pride * Trans Equality Legal Network * Transgender Law Center * FOLX Health * WPATH 💥 Are you a System or Therapist looking for more? Visit HealingMyParts.org — a hub for professional consults, trainings as well as system-led groups, unapologetic blog posts, and merch with a pulse.Built by a therapist living with DID and 25+ years of experience in the field. Whether you’re a therapist seeking advanced trainings or a system craving a community — you’re welcome here. 🩷🫶💜 Visit us on Substack at healingmyparts.substack.com Visit us on Instagram for bite sized healing nuggets @HealingMyParts Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 16m
  6. Newly Diagnosed: Doubt, Discovery & Learning to Trust

    10/16/2025

    Newly Diagnosed: Doubt, Discovery & Learning to Trust

    In this heartfelt and affirming episode, we sit down with the Shadow System, a guest navigating the early stages of discovering they’re a system. Just over a year and a half into their journey, they share openly about the confusion, curiosity, relief, and emotional labor that come with realizing you have Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or OSDD. ✨ What We Talk About * Journals, handwriting, and the clues that didn’t make sense—until they did * The “am I making this up?” spiral (and why it’s so common) * What happens when your system knows before you do * System communication through writing, art, sensation, and intuition * Why some parts step forward—and others stay hidden * The pain of not being believed by a therapist… and the power of finding one who does * How to talk to loved ones (even when they’ve only seen the media version of DID) * Taking up space, offering feedback in therapy, and building trust at your own pace This episode is an honest, deeply relatable look at the messy, sacred beginning of system awareness. If you’re newly navigating DID or OSDD—or supporting someone who is—you won’t want to miss this one. ⏱️ Timestamps * 00:50 – Meet the Shadow System + Early Clues of Multiplicity * 03:00 – Journaling, handwriting shifts, and confusing memories * 08:30 – Realizing: “Wait… this is real” * 12:00 – System denial, self-trust, and questioning your own mind * 17:00 – Journals, art, and making space for parts to speak * 22:30 – Therapy: What helped, what didn’t, and finding a safe fit * 28:00 – “Do you think I’m just bored?”: Humor + honesty in healing * 36:00 – Telling her husband she’s a system—and his loving response * 44:30 – When parts front at home + parenting through system dynamics * 50:00 – The inner world, the conference table, and communication struggles * 55:00 – Advice for newly aware systems: “Slow down, trust your parts” 01:00:00 – New hope: What feels possible now 📲 Follow & Connect * Follow the Shadow System on Instagram: @exploringmyshadows * Subscribe for weekly blogs, downloadables, and community support: healingmyparts.substack.com * Explore our website for free resources, support groups, consultations, and more: www.healingmyparts.org * Shop our merch for cozy, conversation-starting gear made by and for systems: healingmyparts.org/merch * Follow us on Instagram @healingmyparts for bite sized nuggets to support your healing. 🛠️ Want support for your system or your clinical work?We offer consultations, workshops, and speaking engagements for both systems and professionals. Find what fits your needs at Healing My Parts Services 🛑 Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and support purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. Please take good care while listening. Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 4m
  7. Who We Are Now: Plural Life, Survival, and Becoming with Sandi James, Plural Psychologist

    10/02/2025

    Who We Are Now: Plural Life, Survival, and Becoming with Sandi James, Plural Psychologist

    📝 Episode Overview What does it really mean to live as a system in a world obsessed with being “just one person”? This week, we’re joined by psychologist, researcher, and unapologetic plural Sandi James. Together, we dive deep into the lived realities of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and plural life—unpacking treatment trauma, internal disconnect, and the everyday magic (and chaos) of showing up in a world that often doesn’t see you. Sandy shares unfiltered truths about: * Surviving—and thriving—after treatment that missed the mark * The funny and frustrating sides of dissociation (like dog-sitting for strangers!) * The real reasons systems “drop off the planet”—and why connection still matters * Practical tips for co-fronting, calendar hacks, and making therapy work for your system * How therapists and allies can better show up for plurals Whether you’re a system, a clinician, or someone who loves and supports either—this conversation promises validation, laughter, and hope. 🕰️ Episode Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome! Meet Sandi James and today’s big questions * 01:00 – Sandi’s story: treatment-resistant research, and why labels matter * 03:15 – Deconstructing myths: “Manipulative,” “attention-seeking,” and “resistant”—what’s really going on? * 06:00 – The clinical blind spot: “I don’t remember” ≠ lying * 07:00 – Loneliness, masking, and the ache for connection in plural life * 10:30 – Getting out the door: swings, surfboards, and sensory hacks * 13:30 – Bright shoes and reclaiming the gaze: system pride in public * 16:00 – Negotiating who fronts in social settings—and building internal trust * 21:00 – System imposter syndrome: Who’s the “real” me, anyway? * 28:00 – Holding space for others, even with internal doubt * 33:30 – Calendar color-coding, alarms, and planning for plural life * 42:00 – Partners who don’t know you’re plural: navigating silence and safety * 51:00 – Friendships, “ghosting,” and parts with different social needs * 57:00 – Hope for systems who feel like “too much” * 1:04:00 – Harmony isn’t perfection: it’s persistence * 1:12:00 – “I don’t want to go back—I want to discover who I am now.” * 1:16:00 – Closing: Healing doesn’t require perfection or performance 💡 Who Should Listen? * Plurals and systems seeking real talk and solidarity * Therapists, case managers, and support teams wanting deeper understanding * Friends & loved ones who want to show up better for the systems in their lives 🌈 Why You’ll Love This Episode Prepare for laughter, honesty, and a gentle reminder: you’re not too much, and you’re definitely not alone. Tune in for validation, practical tips, and hope—no matter where you are on the journey. Listen now, and re-discover what it means to be plural and becoming.💫 Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 18m
  8. 🎙️ Healing on Your Own Terms: Peer Support for Multiples with Jade Miller

    09/18/2025

    🎙️ Healing on Your Own Terms: Peer Support for Multiples with Jade Miller

    Episode Overview What happens when therapy isn’t accessible—or when it just doesn’t fit? Jade Miller joins us to talk about the power of peer support for people with dissociative identities, why healing doesn't have to follow a clinical script, and how redefining recovery can lead to real transformation. This is a conversation about choice, internal trust, and the radical act of loving all your parts. 💡 Key Topics 🔹 Peer Coaching vs. TherapyWhat peer support is—and what it isn’t. 🔹 Redefining HealingWhy integration isn’t the only (or best) outcome. 🔹 Lived ExperienceHow peer work fills gaps traditional therapy can’t. 🔹 Provider PitfallsWhat not to assume when working with systems. 🔹 Daily Life as HealingMicro-moments, not checklists, keep systems steady. 🔹 Internal ConnectionRespect among parts is foundational for healing. 🔹 Jade’s DreamListen in to find out! 🧰 Tools & Resources * System Synergy Workbook – 150+ pages of printable tools for systems, from check-ins to coloring pages. * Dear Little Ones – A gentle, beloved book for littles and systems everywhere. * Medical Provider Letter Template – Free download to support safe, trauma-informed care. 🌐 Connect with Jade * Website: PeerSupportForMultiples.com * Instagram: @peersupportformultiples * Facebook: Peer Support for Multiples * Support Safe Harbor Peer Respite 💬 Why Listen? If you’re a system, provider, or someone who loves a system—this episode is a gentle but powerful reminder:There’s no one right way to heal. Only your way.And you’re not alone. 🎧 Hit play and share with someone who needs to hear this. Get full access to Healing My Parts at healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 4m
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Real talk on Dissociative Identity Disorder and complex trauma—grounded in lived experience and clinical insight. Hosted by a therapist who lives with DID, Healing My Parts explores the complexities of life as a system, from trauma recovery to everyday realities. Through raw conversations, practical tools, and powerful guest interviews, this podcast empowers those living with DID, OSDD, and other dissociative disorders—as well as the professionals, friends, and family who support them. Together, we break stigma, celebrate system strengths, and shed light on one of the most misunderstood areas of mental health. healingmyparts.substack.com

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