DID Peer Support - Can it work?

1. DID Peer Support - Can it work? a workshop facilitated by two full members ofFirst Person Pluraldissociative identity disorders association Michele Jowett & Melanie Goodwincontact:- fpp-chair@hotmail.co.uk

2. DID and peer support groups Why meeting others is important FPP’s wisdom gained through experience Some of the challenges Practicalities - how to manage them

3. Why they are important • People with DID can feel very isolated • A place to share every day challenges that are ‘normal’ e.g. shopping, going to the dentist • A non judgemental forum outside of therapy • Empowering • A place where all of you can begin to build your confidence

4. Wisdom gained through experience • Ground rules – a foundation • Initial clarity – what you can expect from a group • The importance of each person being ready to be part of a peer support group • The impact on the whole group if someone attends when not in a ‘good enough’ place • Groups are not for everyone

5. Painful and complex challenges • Which parts ‘should’ attend • How to ensure all the parts of a system feel welcome even though it may not be appropriate for them to be fully present • How to manage when someone is unaware of an unhelpful impact they are having

6. Painful and complex challenges • Containment versus control – personally and within the group • Sharing contact details • Forming very quick, probably unsustainable relationships • Ensuring that you have support outside of the group

7. Practicalities • The first step • The first meeting • Ground rules and their importance • Who manages the venue bookings, money and brings refreshments, • Sharing contact details • Taking it slowly