Comment by Theresa on 04 Oct 2009 at 10:50 am

When the incident happened at the drug store and you were attacked you said an alter took over. Why didn’t you press charges?I read a magazine article that talked about that attack and how you dissociated. Was that in the book too? I am seriously thinking of going to school for psychology with an interest in law. The book was very interesting. Thank you for writing it.

Dear Theresa,

There was a time when I worked the night shift alone at a drug store where my alters would do various tasks. As in most stores, theft was a common problem.  A woman attacked me with a paring knife that she actually took from the store. When confronting someone who has been stealing I would switch to a stronger alter, when I needed to defend myself, I would switch to an alter who could defend me, just as I would switch to survive the abuse I had suffered all my life. Switching was always to protect me from an unpleasant situation. Switching is a coping mechanism.

After the attack, I switched back and I didn’t remember being attacked. I didn’t feel right about reporting the attack at that time. How could I? I feigned being in shock and was given time to pull myself together. Being alone in the store helped. No one would’ve noticed my switch. By the time the police arrived I was back to myself. My alter, Miles, had taken care of me during the attack and the attack was out of my immediate awareness. Of course, I had cuts, minor stab wounds, and bleeding, so there was proof that something had happened. Just what, I didn’t know. All I recalled was a woman coming at me with a knife, bringing my arms up to cover my face, and then I went away. My wounds were minor and on my forearms. Something frightened her away. Maybe it was Miles

At first I assumed the store cameras had picked up the attack and I wouldn’t need to explain. Unfortunately, and to my surprise, the mounted cameras were fake and meant to deter potential thieves. I was saddened that I couldn’t recall what happened. My memory was there, just not remembered by me.

Being a patient of Dr. Baer at the time, I called him and we decided it was best to leave it alone. Dr. Baer hypnotized me over the phone and asked if any part knew what happened. Miles came forth and explained to Dr. Baer in detail what had happened. Dr. Baer then had me remember Miles’ description so that I was able to share the details with the store manager and police. Multiples have a hard time explaining! If I had tried to explain immediately, it may have looked as if I were hiding something or falsifying the attack. I simply couldn’t take that chance. It was in my best interest to let it go at the time.

Thank you for your questions.

Karen