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Education Matters: Denial in Dissociation - Page 2

© Diane W. Hawkins, M.A.

When the key role which denial plays in both the origin and maintenance of dissociation is recognized, it creates a profound shift n therapeutic focus. No longer is it sufficient to precess traumatic memories with the parts that experienced them. Instead the need for the dissociative barriers between the trauma-bearing an denial-maintaining parts must be addressed if true healing is to occur. This entails identifying and resolving the intolerable conflicts which seemingly demand their existence. This can be a very threatening process, but it will bring the focus of therapy to the true issues maintaining the dissociation.

Giving up denial can be a process for the survivor, passing through progressive stages. Often in the beginning the whole idea of being multiple may be denied. When the reality of the split-off parts is finally accepted, the reality of some, or all, of the trauma may be denied. Perhaps abuse by one perpetrator is accepted but not by another, or the memories of sexual abuse are finally accepted but not those involving anything Satanic.

Eventually the reality of the trauma in its entirety may be accepted, but "owning" it may be resisted. In other words, the primary denial-bearing identity accepts that all the horrible things happened but wants to continue to remain separated from them. Only when this key identity is willing to identify personally with the events and their implications can the dissociative barriers come down.

Since this involves a major change for the denying Core/Host rather than the trauma-bearing parts, the therapeutic focus belongs much more heavily on these identities than previously recognized. Somehow their threshold of tolerance must be raised at a deep psychological level. What was once considered absolutely unacceptable must be embraced as "ownable".

Changing this perspective will involve identifying, challenging, and correcting many false beliefs. It will also mean coming face to face with horrendous emotions and deep-seated identity issues. The truth is that becoming whole requires tremendous motivation, ego strength, and courage on the part of the survivor. When God is your partner, however, He promised to supply the grace and strengt to enable you to do "all things."

Article originally printed in 'Restoration Matters', Fall 2001, vol. 7, #1, online at http:www.rcm-usa.org . © Diane W. Hawkins, M.A. , reprinted with the permission of the author.

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