The Family Inside: Working With the Multiple
by Doris Bryant, Judy Kessler, Lynda Shirar
Category: Social Science

This practical book on working with multiple personality disorder demystifies MPD and redefines it as a creative and sensible way of surviving a childhood of extreme trauma and absolute powerlessness. At the same time it addresses the complex results of this survival skill and the challenges that MPD clients and their therapists face in reintegrating the shattered self. Judy Kessler's story is the thread that weaves the book together. Without going into the details of the abuse that Judy endured, the authors illuminate the intensity of her suffering, the strength of her spirit, and the miracle of her recovery from multiple personality disorder. Now integrated, she is a powerful voice, not only for herself but for other multiples who seek wholeness. In addition to telling Judy's story in her own words, the book is illustrated with numerous drawings, paintings, and sculptures that Judy did during her therapy. The therapists write from a background that is humanistic, blending their own personal experiences and findings with concepts from Virginia Satir, Erik Erikson, and Gestalt therapy, as well as research on the development of multiple personality disorder. They present a therapeutic map that portrays the work with a multiple from the beginning of therapy through integration. Information and techniques are described in a detailed and down-to-earth manner. Throughout the book, but particularly in their final chapter on ritualistic abuse of children, the authors show compassion for the multiple, who experienced so much suffering as a child. Their approach to the "inner family" of the multiple is consistently respectful; after all, these personalities enabled the child to survive. Seldomdo readers have the opportunity to witness the dramatic success of therapy for a multiple personality, told by both the patient and her therapists. Not only the clearly presented treatment approach but also the honestly shared memories and impressions will be helpful to clients, teachers, students, and multiples as they endeavor to understand some of the most disenfranchised people in our society.