How to navigate DID in therapeutic space?

Hi everyone,

I’m a licensed therapist and I’m hoping to learn from this community a bit.

I recently started working with a client who has DID. They’ve been incredibly patient in the work we’re doing, and I want to make sure I’m showing up as competently and respectfully as possible.

My primary modalities are grounded in a person-centered approach. I use more EFT (greenberg) in general but in many ways, IFS maps intuitively onto how my client describes their internal system, but I’m very aware that DID is not just a metaphorical “parts” experience. I don’t want to over-pathologize, over-structure, or accidentally collapse their lived reality into a framework that doesn’t quite fit.

I’ve read some of the more formal/clinical resources (e.g. the treatment guidelines from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation), and while I appreciate their structure and information, I tend to work relationally and experientially, and I want to be careful not to impose a lens that doesn’t honor my client’s autonomy or system language.

What I’m specifically looking for:

• Resources (books, trainings, creators, papers) that explain DID and system terminology in a way that aligns with lived experience.
• Guidance on respectful, affirming language around systems
• Perspectives from people with DID about what therapists did that was helpful vs. harmful.
• Any nuance around using IFS-informed language with DID clients -- what translates well and what absolutely doesn’t.

My main goal is to reduce the burden on my client to educate me. I want them to feel like they can show up fully without having to explain every term or defend their experience. At the same time, I don’t want to assume expertise I don’t yet have.

If you’re comfortable sharing resources or personal insight, I’d really appreciate it. I’m here to listen and learn.

Thank you.