Comment by Kieran on 20 Feb 2012 at 4:47 am

Hi Karen,

I live in Sweden and found this site after reading your book. I have relations in California and she sent me Switching Time to help me with my healing. At first I felt insulted but read it anyway. I am in AWE of you and let it be known your sharing here is just what I needed to seek help for myself. I had many confused thoughts and did not know what to do with them. I was ashamed to talk to a therapist and thought I would wait until I felt better first. What I thought would destroy me has now given me hope. Thank you. You have saved my life. If you can do it, so can I. Do you ever feel threatened by people who criticized you while you were healing? Is there a secret to your strength?

Good day!

Dear Kieran,

Thank you for sharing! I can see how you may have felt insulted having a friend gift you a book that may have triggered unpleasant feelings, but I’m glad you chose to read my story despite that. My story may be a harsh read at times, but it is also a story of inspiration and survival. I’m glad to hear that your confused thoughts settled down. That’s one of the reasons I chose to share my story–to help those who needed a clear understanding of what multiplicity is and give the hope that comes from healing. Early in my therapy, I felt ashamed and didn’t want to tell my therapist for fear of being judged.  But once we built rapport, trust followed, and I felt I could share without embarrassment. I waited a year or so too long and found that I was being naive to assume Dr. Baer couldn’t handle me. Then one day Dr. Baer said that there was nothing I could say that would change the way he thought of me. It was then I knew I could trust him and started to let go of my feelings of shame. It was at that time my healing truly started.

There is no secret to my strength other than to share with a trusted someone, let go of your pain of the past, and look towards your future while staying grounded in the moment. I no longer allow myself to feel intimidated by toxic or pessimistic people. I believe those who criticize me are the ones in need of help.

I’m glad to know you now have hope! Please keep in touch!

Wishing you all my best!

Karen