![Colleen Johnston](/img/default-banner.jpg)
- Видео 75
- Просмотров 57 522
Colleen Johnston
США
Добавлен 12 ноя 2014
Thanks for stopping by my channel! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trained in EMDR, IFS, DBT and others. But even more importantly, I am a human with a lot of life experiences, as well as clinical experiences that I would like to share. I originally started making videos as a resource library for my clients. Now, I realize I am reaching more people and am thrilled about that. This is still a free resource library where I share many of the skills that I teach my clients. If something resonates for you, this will have been worth it. I hope you will share with anyone you may know that you think could benefit from the information. Thank you for your support!
Navigating Internal Turmoil, in Response to External Stress When You Have DID
Today's message touches on several topics, including how important a trusting relationship with either a therapist or a friend is in working through the many aspects of dealing with stressful events, when your internal system is shook. I realize this can be rare for people with DID, but not giving up is important. Also, each personality may have their own reaction to the stress and getting everyone (the personalities) in a regulated place is the goal. As always, if you find this resonates with you, please share.
Просмотров: 117
Видео
Dissociated in Therapy and Don't Remember What Went On? 3 Suggestions to Help!
Просмотров 222День назад
For people with DID and dissociation issues, therapy sessions can seem like a black hole. If an alter came forward and the main person was not online, they may have missed very important information. In this video, I outline 3 ways I have used that have been helpful to clients and to me in helping them to make progress. I also share a new announcement!
When DID Alters Are Just Under the Surface and How to Recognize It
Просмотров 19414 дней назад
With a diagnosis of DID or other dissociative disorders, a frequent question I'm asked is how people on the outside might be able to know if someone is or has switched. In today's short video, I address that question and also share my experience where someone may have multiple personalities on-board at the same time.
Where Have I Been Lately? And 2 important coping strategies.
Просмотров 227Месяц назад
Many of you may have wondered why it seems I've become quiet here on RUclips. I've been having major eye issues! I wanted to share a bit of that, as well as highlight 2 effective coping strategies for when we lose control and/or are afraid.
The Hospice Experience and Grief; A Children's Book to Help Process
Просмотров 642 месяца назад
Through my own experience, I know how difficult it is to have a loved one go through the dying process. In an effort to help others entering this tough yet important part of life, I wrote a children's book. My daughter illustrated it beautifully. We hope this book will provide information and comfort to anyone entering hospice care, as well as for continued processing after a loss.
Responding to a Question Regarding Borderline Personality Disorder and How It Relates to Trauma
Просмотров 2564 месяца назад
A follower asked about BPD and how it relates to dissociation, emotional parts, and CPTSD. I take the approach to look at how the aspects of BPD make sense from a trauma perspective. I also give hope how these "symptoms" can be addressed from an IFS and EMDR therapy perspective.
DID and Addictions: Is There a Connection? (Exploring Complex IFS)
Просмотров 3885 месяцев назад
I have been asked to speak about addictions here on my channel. While this topic is overwhelmingly vast, I have whittled it down to explore a few examples of how people with DID cope with addiction to alcohol and eating problems. I also discuss how the model of IFS is more complex for people who have DID.
Q&A: How IFS and Dissociation Relate, and How Shame Is A Common Exile
Просмотров 7445 месяцев назад
This video is chock full of concepts that come up in sessions with patients who are struggling with CPTSD and dissociative issues. IFS, EMDR therapy are just of few of the tools I draw from.
Grieving Is Different When You Have DID- Here's Why
Просмотров 1,6 тыс.6 месяцев назад
For people living with DID, the grieving process is very complex. It seems to be an under-recognized concept, but is very important to be aware of.
How To Tell the Difference Between Depersonalization & Derealization When Caused By Trauma
Просмотров 7836 месяцев назад
How To Tell the Difference Between Depersonalization & Derealization When Caused By Trauma
Two Quick Techniques to Stabilize When Dissociation Starts
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.6 месяцев назад
Two Quick Techniques to Stabilize When Dissociation Starts
DID: Ways to Tell if Someone Is Switching, and a Safe Assumption to Make
Просмотров 8 тыс.7 месяцев назад
DID: Ways to Tell if Someone Is Switching, and a Safe Assumption to Make
How to Tell a Loved One That You Have a Dissociative Disorder
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.9 месяцев назад
How to Tell a Loved One That You Have a Dissociative Disorder
New book release: The Chrysalis...A Trauma Therapist's Journey
Просмотров 19010 месяцев назад
New book release: The Chrysalis...A Trauma Therapist's Journey
2 Ways to Determine if Trauma is Getting in the Way of Grieving
Просмотров 210Год назад
2 Ways to Determine if Trauma is Getting in the Way of Grieving
Raw Grief & In the Moment Regulation: IFS is Helpful
Просмотров 207Год назад
Raw Grief & In the Moment Regulation: IFS is Helpful
A Message for My DID Followers 💕 Giving the Little Ones Stability
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.Год назад
A Message for My DID Followers 💕 Giving the Little Ones Stability
Drinking the Poison and Thinking It's OK. A brutally honest look @ my own relationship with alcohol
Просмотров 477Год назад
Drinking the Poison and Thinking It's OK. A brutally honest look @ my own relationship with alcohol
4 Ways to Help Someone With DID Whose Exile Parts (or "Littles") Have Come Out
Просмотров 7 тыс.Год назад
4 Ways to Help Someone With DID Whose Exile Parts (or "Littles") Have Come Out
How to Easily Remember the DBT Mindfulness Steps: "Sunflower Skills"
Просмотров 206Год назад
How to Easily Remember the DBT Mindfulness Steps: "Sunflower Skills"
DID: A Very Misunderstood and Under-Recognized Experience
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.2 года назад
DID: A Very Misunderstood and Under-Recognized Experience
Holding the Space: How to Be Supportive Without Violating Boundaries
Просмотров 1872 года назад
Holding the Space: How to Be Supportive Without Violating Boundaries
Tips for Regulating Our Emotional Parts in Turbulent Times: Do I Deserve Self-Care?
Просмотров 7522 года назад
Tips for Regulating Our Emotional Parts in Turbulent Times: Do I Deserve Self-Care?
How to Incorporate IFS into Real Life: A Story of My Own Vulnerability
Просмотров 2522 года назад
How to Incorporate IFS into Real Life: A Story of My Own Vulnerability
Grief Forum Part 3: How to Tell the Difference Between Trauma and Grief
Просмотров 1822 года назад
Grief Forum Part 3: How to Tell the Difference Between Trauma and Grief
Why Do I Hang on to Criticism & Ignore Compliments? Part 2 BECOME Forum on Grief
Просмотров 992 года назад
Why Do I Hang on to Criticism & Ignore Compliments? Part 2 BECOME Forum on Grief
"Mom Jar": Become Forum on Grief. Part 1
Просмотров 852 года назад
"Mom Jar": Become Forum on Grief. Part 1
How Our Dissociative Parts Work Together For Us In Times of Crisis (A Lesson in IFS)
Просмотров 4,8 тыс.2 года назад
How Our Dissociative Parts Work Together For Us In Times of Crisis (A Lesson in IFS)
My first session was like this and I quit. All I remember is her mentioning "oh it sounds like you have a child part." I still don't really know what was said to make her say that and for me to go poof...other than I'm really stuck in denial. I remain without a therapist, but really trying to open myself to potential parts learning not to fear it by listening to therapists like yourself.
@delaineyjohnson8238 thanks for commenting and sharing. What comes to my mind is little kids can be shy of stranger grown-ups and would want to leave if attention was given to them. Your inner child may be shy. That's why I'm always talking about being gentle, light, using humor. Just like when we work with children. 😊
One thing that I find disheartening is that my therapist wants to transfer me to a "higher level of care". They want me to go to inpatient stabilization which I don't agree with at all only because they don't understand my level of dissociation. They say I go beyond there level of care for their scope of practice I guess. I'm not a danger to myself or a danger to others. I have my own apartment and I'm functioning pretty good. I'm somewhat stable. I just end up doing some weird things sometimes. Memory blackouts and that sort of thing. I'm just at a loss on what to do at this point. I just wish the therapeutic community around here knew how to deal with trauma related dissociation and things like that. My psychiatrist says that I am DID but I don't think it is to that level. Perhaps OSDD or something similar. I'm not really sure. I just don't know what to do at this point. I just feel that I'm being abandoned by the mental health community here in Illinois.
Our littles found out yesterday that our favourite grandma died, three years ago, i was surprised just now this morning how much they still had to cry about it. they're still crying a little. I asked what they wanted to do to help feel the emotions and they said they wanted to make a letter to send to her. We decided and told them that we'll post it to ourselves so that it feels like we sent it to her and we won't lose those cards <3 - Robin
@kittyvlekkie Hi Robin and thank you for sharing. Your idea is creative, kind and sounds like it will be helpful in your whole system's grieving process. I love how you asked them what they needed...beautiful! I'm sorry for your loss. 💜
There was even danger before humans was here
Hi 👋🏼 I watch all these videos, and occasionally I have watched CTAD clinic. I am at a point though.. where it feels too foreign, too unreal 😔 I’m in the Midwest area and been in therapy on and off, more on than off, and to this day no one will treat or acknowledge my experience of what this channel and other legitimate doctors and therapists acknowledge perfectly. It’s like it’s all around me, but not there for me. I do manage, but barely sometimes. I managed better when I was in domestic violence.. I think because I was checked out most of the time. Don’t get me wrong, i know it is safer, of course, my child won’t grow up witnessing or being a victim himself.. it’s just more difficult to manage it all, raising my son pretty much on my own, all my closest mentally healthy family members are gone. It’s just so hard.
@@Deborah-qw6dv Hi! Thank you for watching. I'm sorry that you feel unacknowledged. It can be such an isolating thing. For what it's worth, I'm glad you're here and hope you find some comfort knowing you're not alone in feeling alone. 💜
@@colleenjohnston1678 thank you. Yea, I know I’m not alone in this. There are many of us going through the same things. There is definitely a comfort, at times. 😊
Thank you for this 🫶🏻 You’re awesome
Thank you for your insight/suggestions!! 🌺🦋🏵
I used to record sessions with my t because I couldn't remember and it drove me nuts.
How often do you do sessions with your DID clients?
@jaykaytherapy thanks for your comments! That depends on the person. Generally speaking, in the beginning stages of our work together, it would be weekly. As people stabilize, we go to bi-weekly, and then monthly. Sometimes if disturbances crop up, we'll return to more frequent visits again. And actually, this answer applies to clients who don't have DID as well! 😊
@@colleenjohnston1678 I feel like an absolute freak then. I've done twice a week therapy for almost 8 years. I had periods where it was 3-4 times a week as well. I can't imagine being able to cope with once a week any time soon (and that seems to be common for people with DID but therapists don't do it). 2 terminations in therapy have left me terrified of therapy and I've basically gone backwards because of trauma FROM therapy.
Wow, you tell the host about therapy with a different part. Thst has always frustrated me with my therapist. She tells me, when a part talks to her, she treats it like separate client and does not want to betray the trust of that part. She will encourage the part to tell the others, but its that parts responsiblity. She thinks if she betrays the trust of a part, that one, or others, will not trust her, and they won't talk to her again.
@@kj-sf4md interesting. That has not been my experience. If an alter asked me to keep a secret, that would be a different story.
@kj-sf4md and thanks for commenting! Also, usually the goal is for the whole system to be stabilized and for the alters to trust the leadership of the main person. Through the approach I describe here, I'm facilitating more understanding and communication among the alters and main person. It's a gentle approach and not intrusive.
🦗❤
Beautiful garden 🌺🌼🌸🌿💜
I wish that more therapists were trained on DID. Or willing to work with it. Or anything along that lines. I think my current t thinks that if I don't dissociate from a topic, that I am not switching. Honestly, I can remember parts of sessions, but not a ton. It's either taken from me (the memory) or someone else is around. :/
I'm sorry it's such a struggle. None of my therapists ever mentioned dissociation before so I know I'm fortunate to have a trauma therapist now who gets it. Maybe you could show your T short videos like this and discuss in session? I'm thinking about doing that even though mine is trained on DID. I figure it might then be easier to segue into asking about some amnesia struggles I've been having lately.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your videos and I just started your book as well, it's really resonating with me.
@@renn-taylor that's awesome! Thanks so much for reading it and for tuning in. 🦋😊
Thank you for sharing your insight...gorgeous flowers!! 🌺🌺🌺
Who can afford such therapy? Medical insurance doesn't cover it ......
@montesa9136 my experience is insurance does cover EMDR therapy, if your provider takes insurance.
@@colleenjohnston1678 - I'm assuming your from the States, I'm from Canada ....
I really need the right therapy. As ANP, between two littles and a hardcore persecutor/protector I have been through the mill. We all have
we look up to you so much and are so thankful for you sharing your coping skills online and we are sending you so many well wishes 💕
@entropysis thank you so much for your kindness!
Thank you for sharing this
I keep panicking that I am going to fall when I am in open space. I start thinking oh my god I am.going to lose my balance and I just freeze
You are such a beautiful person. I hope that you have people around you that you're able to lean on during this time. I know that we are just people on the internet, but know that we will be thinking of you and hope that you get well soon
@@catalystcomet aww, so kind of you to say! I could feel that this morning, hence making the video. And yes, I'm blessed to have people in my life who have been extremely supportive regarding my retina issues. Thank you for being here!!❤️
Sending you well wishes & hoping for a speedy recovery!! ❤️🩹😎🙏🏼 Thank you for the reminders...gratitude & look for the helpers!! 😍
What an amazing way to think about this experience. So glad you shared. I’m learning a little about this and you sharing this is a great application and example for us. Thank you ❤ for being so open with us. quick healings for you!
Oh wow, I hope everything turns out OK. Good reminders.
CTAD Clinic is fantastic! Mike's content has been very significant in my therapy. Thank you for talking more on these symptoms, it is helpful.
I've also heard a lot of stories about systems greiving Parts that have integrated. I dont know if id miss anyone else in my system but others probably would. For me,thats the confusing part of greif in a system.
Hi, what's the difference between EMDR and Attachnent EMDR therapies?
Explaining DID (unsuccessfully). I discovered your channel yesterday and am so thankful for what you have to say and the gentle way you say it. Here is feedback from my experience: The few times I have tried to explain my DID to people close to me, I have used the approach you describe: Give examples of "ordinary" dissociation, such as not realizing what has been happening when you are driving as if driving on "autopilot." I describe more and finally give examples from my experience when parts have made significant decisions that my "regular" self is not aware of. When I have tried this, the other person gets stuck at the "ordinary" dissociation. "Oh, I know what you mean," they say. "That happens to me all the time." They do not hear what I am trying to explain. I think my DID experience is so foreign to them that they have no way of grasping the concept of multiple, separate "persons" in one mind. They go on in our relationship as though I have told them nothing at all. When I mention my DID again, they say, "I know what you mean. That happened to me the other day." No, it did not happen to you the other day. I know this because you do not have DID. It could not have happened, I am sorry to say. That is what I think, but I do not say it. This makes having DID a lonely experience, except that my parts are there for me. We like each others' company.
How frustrating! Some of my clients have shared this video with people who are safe and close to them and have said it's been helpful. I guess sometimes, though, people only hear what they want to hear or are capable of hearing. Thanks for sharing your experience!
My ex girlfriend had DID. We were in love, but when she got activated, she fled and broke up with me. She was a great person.
I worked 30 years before i was diagnosed with DID, have destroyed 3 marriages 😢, and continue to disassociate, I've tried so hard over ten years to communicate with my alters ( my ex husband said there are 3 parts, little girl, myself, and a very mean one 😢), do you have a support group? Do you still do telehealth appointments? I started emdr 10 years ago, no progress though. Any suggestions?
Why does this sound like demonic oppression/possession? Have any of you in these comments tried attending a sound Bible believing, Holy Spirit led Church for deliverance healing? It couldn't hurt. I'm not anti-science or mental illness study btw.
Hey, DID system here! Please don't go around saying things like this. Calling alters and switching "demonic" is very dehumanizing and hurtful. DID is a real mental disorder that's developed in early childhood due to severe and/or repeated childhood trauma; no amount of prayers or bible reading will "fix" it or "cure" it. DID is meant to protect the body from the aforementioned trauma, as well as any future trauma/stress. All alters are real, individual, unique people with their own experiences, likes/dislikes, passions, and lives like anybody else is; we just so happen to be sharing one body with eachother rather than having our own. We are not "demons" and we do not "posses" the body; this is a very outdated and harmful stigma. We are people, please treat us as such. Sorry if this comes off as rude. Me and my system are just very tired of stigmatizations like this, and are only trying to inform and educate the rest of the population without DID of the _reality_ of the disorder!
Kitty cat ❤
This wouldn't work for someone who cant trust or still have abusers in their life i would imagine. ❤
This is totally a helpful video. Thank you. ❤
I like your green lights.
Your rite there gone. there all gone!
If it's a super power... why is it called a disorder?
1:39 When you say "usually..." does this mean there is exceptions to this? Can people get DID in situations where it's not so usual? Can you explain what you mean by "trauma time" vs 20/24 time? I think I know what you mean... I think you mean that the $100 reaction to the 5 cent problem, was in fight flight mode, during trauma memory mode, rather than present mode? But our BIG question is... right now we are hyper switching. Literally switching every few minutes at times, or every hour. it's exhausting. It started with a trigger word someone said to us, and it's upset the balance of the system, and the only way to describe it is, 'the switchboard is broken' Our system does not have a "gate keeper' alter. we just have a switchboard and it's going psycho, causing us to switch too often and when not needed as every alter seems to be fired up and active. sometimes we have three or four alters trying to front or even being at the front at the same time. constant headaches, so tired, yet cant' sleep because, there is too much switching. How do I make it stop!!!! I can't seem to ground myself and slow it down. The switchboard, is just broken!
Beautiful! This is so needed! Awesome job you two!
Thank you, Melissa! 🥰
Such a beautiful way to honor the memory of your Dad!!! 🕊 My deepest sympathy for your loss!!! 💙😢 I'm sure your book will be a much-needed resource for many!!! The perfect timing of your release/video...I had a dear friend recently pass on 5/30/24 after being on/in hospice for 3 weeks!!! 💔🥺
Thank you!! And I'm very sorry for your loss. 💜
Hi, I’ve just stumbled on this channel in a desperate search for help. I’m struggling to find doctors who know anything about DID and how to help me/us pull ourself back together after a massive setback moving to a state lacking the health services in the state I moved away from. There are too many details for a public post, and I can’t find an email for this channel. If anyone can help me get in touch with this channel I will very much appreciate it
Hi and thanks for stumbling in! 😉 My email is johnston.colleen@rocketmail.com
I can't find a practitioner that works with DID. That's not true, but I can't find one that works with DID as I'm used to. I have DID and the last 2 years have been spent trying to deal with trauma that happened in therapy (2 abrupt terminations). My insiders are in hiding. I can feel them but it's not the real deep work. I have therapists that either ignore the dissociation and I'm not functional upon leaving or those that immediately try to ground and "stop" it. Neither are helpful. We just want to be accepted and heard. Trying to do IFS but parts feel invalidated by the process. I just don't know what to do anymore. I NEED therapy for my family.
Hi and thanks for being here! It is indeed difficult to find a good fit with a therapist. And just so you know you're not alone, when working with DID, to refer to different "people" as parts can be off-putting. Sometimes we don't use that IFS language, and instead call the personalities by the names they prefer. Each situation is different and we are respectful.
I was diagnosed DID decades ago. I have seen how the criteria has changed over the years. I can't quite put my finger on it but if I were your client I don't think we would work well together. I've noticed lots of therapists are incorporating IFS lingo into the DID conversation. You also seem like a person who makes lots of assumptions. You see switching because you want to see it. Just because someone talks a certain way doesn't mean they are switching because YOU say so. I would find working with you very confusing because you would be suggesting things. I do not believe in any diagnosis. I believe in trauma and I believe people cope the best way they know how. My voice always gets drowned out by the therapy worshippers. Since I made the commitment to never see a therapist I finally have permission to be myself. There is no such thing either that a "part" can be near the front or that other parts are listening. People are whole and should be treated as such. My last final therapist said she sensed "a masculine protector part" near the front. I was highly offended because I see myself as very feminine. She would tell me I was switching when I knew she was full of BS. I feel sorry for anyone that's buying into this. Doing so is a wasted life
Oh my gosh you are wonderful! Im in the uk and after waiting 10 years for apparently "specialised therapy" i ended up more messed up than I went in. My therapist had noooo clue! Thank you for being as kind and insightful as you are. Our community needs more allies like you This was a great vid.
Thanks for being here and for your kind words!
@@colleenjohnston1678if there is a way I can email you please let me know. I’m seeking some guidance on establishing a 1:1 relationship with someone who specializes in DID. I’m hoping I can get DVR to pay for it.
Oh gosh, I love that you say you’ll keep someone there with you *if they’ve told you beforehand that they want you to*. Thank you so much for being a safe enough person! ☺️
Thank you for your videos
When i switch or dissociate my gf can nearly always tell, sometime even before I even realise it myself if I do at all
I've never had safe people to tell & I don't trust people based on past experiences. I tell people that I have C-PTSD with severe dissociation which is true anyway. The only people who know I'm DID is my trauma psychologist & my mother. Not even my family doctor knows. I don't trust her to know. Sad but real for me.😢
Thank you for taking on this subject!! 🙏 When thinking about the subtleties of switching or what I experience as co-awareness, it has been helpful to remember that the whole purpose of the system of parts is to remain undetectable by the outside world. The point of the system is to remain secret and protect the secrets each part holds. I have been aware of my parts and doing parts work using different treatment modalities and therapists for several decades. I have found that the more love and acceptance I can give each part the more they are willing to cooperate and cohabitate for our highest good. In addition, the more calm I can keep my nervous system the less they each feel the need to be independently active. Peace love and healing to my fellow DID/OSDD travelers ❤❤❤
Yes! Thank you