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Integration is not a"psychic death sentence". Integration is the sharing of memories (not just/always traumatic ones) between parts. Integration lowers the dissociative barriers and helps improve communication with alters, which in turn creates functional multiplicity. -
Fusion is also not a "psychic death sentence" . Fusion is when parts meld together to create a part that holds not only the memories, but also often the qualities of those that fused. 'Final fusion' is the result of ALL parts eventually melding together to become one individual
Therapists not acknowledging different parts existence IS harmful bc it can discourage the sharing of memories amongst parts; which actually aids with functional multiplicity. Therapists referring to alters as 'parts' rather than individual people is NOT a"psychic death sentence'
Eg; our therapist, a specialist registered with the ISSTD, awknowledges alter names, but also encourages the sharing of memories between parts, the communication between parts, states "they are all parts of you" to whoever is fronting at therapy, because they are, we are -
We exist because trauma stopped us from forming one cohesive personality. Respect us as individuals in the sense that we all carry different emotions and memories of the life the body as a whole has led, but acknowledge we are parts of one collective brain.
Functional multiplicity isnt gained by ignoring other parts' memories & not trying to help yourself/ves gain better communication under the guise of being autonomous people. This ideology can lead to more dissociation and memory gaps while each part leads their own separate life.
People in your life reffering to each alter by name is fine, you shouldn't have to hide your individuality if you don't want to, however, they also need to respect that you are parts of a collective whole. You function this way because of trauma-
Your trauma resulted in more symptoms than just fragmented states of self. It wouldn't be called a disorder if your daily living wasnt impeded by it's existence.
If one part of your brain holds the ability to feel joy due to the memories they hold, and another only feels sadness and despair, it is reasonable to want to learn how to break down the amnesia between those alters, through, you guessed it, integration.
While yes, we are all are at different stages of accepting our disorder, perpetuating the idea that therapist must treat you as whole ass autonomous individuals is not healthy for your own well being due to aforementioned reasons.
