What is it like to live with dissociative identity disorder? How does the brain respond to chronic, extreme trauma? Is recovery possible from such suffering?In this combined first and second volumes of her collected essays, Carolyn Spring writes candidly from a number of perspectives about her experiences of living with trauma-related dissociation, and her journey of recovery over ten years.Topics covered include such as shame, denial, child sexual abuse, the complex meanings of 'madness' and the multi-layered subjective experience of a dissociative mind. It is a series of standalone chapters or essays which build on one another to provide not only a unique insight into trauma, attachment and dissociation, but also the long and arduous - but ultimately fulfilling - recovery journey.REVIEWS"A powerful, insightful read. Carolyn's honest, brave, intelligent and poetically written essays about living with and recovering from DID are a real gift. I read it from cover to cover, and then began all over again.""Superbly helpful. This book is excellent both as a resource for professionals and a helpful aid to accompany those recovering from trauma, from someone who has pieced their life back together. It's been one of the most helpful books for myself as someone recovering with DID to see so much of my confusion mirrored and explained and then reassured with options and working strategies.""Inspires hope. Beautifully and intelligently written, giving hope and optimism for the future for all trauma survivors, and a must read for therapists.""Inspiring. This book was both interesting and inspirational in both content and subject matter. Having heard the author teach, I can vouch for her eloquence as much in writing now as in her spoken word. Her message is one to be spread. Her experiences and journey of self-awareness and acceptance give others hope and therapists a unique insight into trauma work.""Beautiful. Such poignancy and elegantly written, an inspiration to recovery, its journey and what that can look like. Thank you - it's great to feel connected and seen.""Excellent. This is an amazing account and glimpse into the world of someone who suffers with dissociative identity disorder as a result of extreme childhood trauma and the recovery process. Excellently written, poignant, challenging at times. Wonderful insight into the therapeutic process from the client's perspective. I have gained so much from reading this. Highly recommended."