Comment by Ken on 23 Oct 2010 at 10:01 am

Hello Karen,

I first would like to thank you for sharing your story. I know writing the book was more than a dual job between you and Richard Baer. I would encourage you to take credit for your part in writing it. I support the both of you for your bravery in writing a book that is very conversationable. I thought the book to be fascinating and added it to my class required reading list. My students had more to debate than I originally imagined. We spent nearly four days in intense discussion. I can’t begin to share that excitement in this brief letter. I encourage you to write more. My students gained an insight on many levels from abuse, relationships, life, death, law, parenthood and much more. Keep up the great work on your blog. Wish Richard Baer well. I am jealous of him for finding YOU. Yes, YOU, are the amazing one. Question: How did you feel upon shifting your doctor/patient relationship to business partners and friendship? Any regrets? Any advice for future authors? I can’t imagine the toll the book has taken on you. I admire you. Thank you. God speed.

Ken. Professor of Psychology

Dear Ken,

Thank you for sharing! I’m always glad to hear about the debates and conversations my story sparks. I’m amazed at how complex the brain is and how the brain can survive under extreme chaos and abuse. I believe more studies are needed. Knowledge brings forth awareness.

Thank you for encouraging me to acknowledge my part in sharing my story! That means a lot to me. I am currently writing the sequel to Switching Time in hope to bring out more of my story. I believe there is much more to be written on many different levels.

I admit, shifting our doctor/patient relationship to business partners and a respectful friendship was difficult, and at times still is. Regrets? No. I’m not sure if Dr. Baer has regrets, but I don’t. I’m saddened by some issues and happy about others. But I’m grateful that we address those issues in a timely fashion. Our relationship is unique; we share a special bond that comes from respect, trust, and long commitment.

Do I have any advice for future doctor authors when writing a book with a patient?  In my opinion, there needs to be someone to bounce off the frustrations and emotional changes when going public. The expectations that change when shifting the relationship need to be worked through. Having my story written has taken a toll on the both of us, but really no more than dealing with reality and life itself. There are good and bad times all around us, the difference is making sure we continue to communicate openly. Dr. Baer and I will always be a very important part of each other’s lives, no matter what. We continue to work together without outside help. My relationship with Dr. Baer continues to be a working relationship, which requires maintenance, discipline, and attention; the same way all good relationships do.

Thank you for your compliments and well wishes. I’m sure Dr Baer will appreciate hearing them. But please know Dr. Baer did not find me, I found him. I consider my work with Dr. Baer to heal me amazing! It was teamwork at it’s best! I could not have survived without his unconditional care and he could not treat someone like me without my help. It took not only the two of us, but seventeen alters, all working together to accomplish integration.

Wishing you all my best!

Karen