Is Integration The Best Outcome for DID?

Over the years that I've been a moderator on this part of the forum I believe that I hear the majority of peope say that they are not intereste in integrating. What has worked for me is spontaneous integration...nothing and no one is forced. I've had great results with this method. Over the period of about 7 years I have had all (that I kow of) alters integrate with me. And they most certainly do not die...they are ery much a part of me and I feel comforted by knowing that all of them are still in me.

Well...I had to just throw in my 2 cents worth
Kathy

I have noticed the same thing re integration. I have found that it occurs in its own time in its own way. The psyche does it on its own. The healthy movement is towards integration which is what one starts with in life -- a whole psyche or one self.

I really think it would be interesting to see if 5 years or so later if those who are so opposed to integration would still feel this way.

I find it hard to believe that they would.

I think this resistance to integration is part of the beginning stages of the recovery process.

One can only be where one is at the time....Integration as a negative or undesirable thing is a reflection of where they are at in the therapeutic process -- the beginning (been there Sweet and so have you)

Bravo for your post!

I will have to disagree that down the line I feel different about integration. I feel very healthy and happy right now but I still have my alters here to help me in life. I don't depend on them like I did and I don't count on them 'saving my life', but I do feel they help me in their way.

I have an alter that is quite a writer...she comes out to write when I need her to. I have an alter that is more a child who comes out when the kids are playing and doesn't care if adults are watching. It doesn't have to be a part of you that's crazy or strange. I feel if you accept yourself as you are then you are so much closer to realizing that others can accept you - you cannot please everyone!

I have just graduated from DBT courses here after surviving suicidal ideations, multiple hospitalizations and intense therapy. I don't feel my alters are gone nor do I wish them gone. I feel that when I write, my writer can come out. When I want a break, my isolator can come out and we can hide.

There are healthy ways to handle DID and I will never agree that integration is for everyone. Most of those I've met that later become integrated are quite confused and unhappy with "who they are"...where I feel I'm becoming more comfortable with "who I am" and accepting - I really feel I'm a good person and with skills building in DBT I have improved me in a good way but not changed me or 'merged' any of us.

We are a special family inside and even 'singletons' have special moments with themselves.

Find healing but don't feel integration is the only way - as someone on another topic said, "I seek co-operation, not integration" and that's what I have.

I feel so much better and free from alot of my struggles past,

Cat