5. Multiple Selfobject Relationships:
A Case Study of a Woman with
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Presenter: |
Maria L. Slowiaczek, PhD |
Discussant: |
Prudence Leib, MD |
Self Psychology Page | 23rd Conference Program
Overview
This paper is a case study of a patient with Dissociative Identity Disorder treated from a self psychological perspective. The paper focuses on three main theoretical points. First, the case illustrates how work with survivors of chronic childhood trauma require the therapist to elaborate emotional experiences beyond what the patient can articulate. This is shown in particular, with a series of collages that the patient brought to treatment when she was unable to express herself verbally. Second, the paper illustrates how in working with severe dissociation, the therapist enters into the patient’s dissociated state, to understand and validate the experience and world view of each distinct personality. The case illustrates how several of the distinct personalities of this patient, came to therapy and developed relationships with the therapist. Third, with Dissociative Identity Disorder, there are multiple selves who are often different ages with different capacities and needs for selfobject relating. Three of the distinct personalities are described at different levels of psychological development and an attempt is made to discuss how their selfobject needs differed and how these needs were met.