The three phases of connecting

A New Zealand study of the treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder

  • Gudrun Frerichs-Penz
DOI: https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2001.05

Abstract

This grounded theory study generated a conceptual model of the processes by which clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) handle psychotherapy. Eight DID clients participated in this research. Out of the analysis emerged the fact that the main concern of DID clients is Connecting, with three distinct stages of 'Reaching out for therapy', 'Coming together', and 'Making human contact'. Core issues at each stage of the process have been identified and implications for clients and professionals have been discussed.

Author Biography

Gudrun Frerichs-Penz

As recorded in 2001.

Gudrun Frerichs-Penz, MHSc, DipPsych, MNZAP, works at the North Shore Psychotherapy Centre in Auckland. Her main interest is the impact of and the recovery from traumatic events, out of which a passion has arisen for community based therapy groups for survivors of trauma. Her research into the treatment of DID (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder) has inspired her to pursue the establishment of more comprehensive therapeutic services, currently being developed at the North Shore Psychotherapy Centre.

Published
2001-07-30
How to Cite
Frerichs-Penz, G. (2001). The three phases of connecting: A New Zealand study of the treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Ata: Journal of Psychotherapy Aotearoa New Zealand, 7(1), 43-63. https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2001.05
Issue
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2001): Forum: The Journal of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (Inc.)
Section
Articles