![[CC] Boxes, Labels & Checklists; the pros & cons of seeking a DID diagnosis by Katie Keech @pluralevents](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rFwMenFztQQ/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Plural Positivity World Conference 2023
Katie Keech
Title: Boxes, Labels & Checklists; the pro's & con's of seeking a DID diagnosis
Session description: When pieces start to come together and we suspect that we might be a part of a plural system it can be confusing to try to make sense of it. This is particularly challenging when we’re also managing the impacts of PTSD symptoms that don’t seem to make sense. Finding something that might be a direction towards feeling more in control can be exciting, even if it’s also a little scary.
It can be hard to know if what we suspect is true and the desire for confirmation through a diagnosis can feel like a compass in a sea of chaos. There can be a sense of pride in having outside confirmation that what we suspect is happening inside ourselves is, in fact, happening.
It can also be challenging to connect with providers. Aside from financial barriers, it can be difficult to find someone who understands how to assess you, and there are different clinical personalities and styles which may not mesh well with you.
In this workshop we will look at stories of what drove different DID and OSDD systems to receive a diagnosis for themselves, what it meant to them, what things it took for them to get to that, and if there were periods where they dropped the search for a provider entirely. We will fold in some statistics around access and lack of access to supportive and informed services.
Presenter bio: Katie Keech, MFT (They/Them) has over twenty years of professional experience in both community mental health and private practice. They have managed emerging adult community mental health programs and forensic programs.
In the late 1990’s they were diagnosed with DDNOS. After much clinical and personal work, they identify as part of a plural system. In private practice they currently specialize in severe dissociative disorders and complex PTSD as well a neurodivergence from a neurodiversity affirmative framework.
Katie is also the visionair and co founder of The Refractory, a recently started think tank for clinicians with lived experience DID/OSDD/Plurality, which aims to transform the mental health landscape and has already 75 members! They are a beacon of hope for many in the community who felt hurt, shamed or scared after recent events by certain clinical establishments.
Katie is also a Fully Professed Member of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc., a 43-year-old global order of queer drag nuns. As Sister Freda they support queer and other communities through fundraising and activism. In their free time they play bass guitar, paint expressionist portraits, and attempt to write graphic novels.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects "original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression". This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
In response to past infringements of our community members' content, we have established this disclaimer and are committed to enforcing these restrictions. This is directly tied to our ongoing petition that has garnered the support of over 2,000 individuals. We are devoted to protecting the integrity of our presenters and their content. For more information about our petition, please visit our [Change.org page](https://chng.it/rSZ88Nt9).
For more information about our conference, check out our [website](powertotheplurals.com/ppwc).
We deeply appreciate your respect and recognition of the dedication and effort of our team, presenters, and the community we serve. Your understanding and respect speak volumes to the value we aim to provide everyone we work with. To support our cause, please consider making a [donation](powertotheplurals.com/donate).
Donation request: Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit today.
Plural Positivity World Conference 2023
Katie Keech
Title: Boxes, Labels & Checklists; the pro's & con's of seeking a DID diagnosis
Session description: When pieces start to come together and we suspect that we might be a part of a plural system it can be confusing to try to make sense of it. This is particularly challenging when we’re also managing the impacts of PTSD symptoms that don’t seem to make sense. Finding something that might be a direction towards feeling more in control can be exciting, even if it’s also a little scary.
It can be hard to know if what we suspect is true and the desire for confirmation through a diagnosis can feel like a compass in a sea of chaos. There can be a sense of pride in having outside confirmation that what we suspect is happening inside ourselves is, in fact, happening.
It can also be challenging to connect with providers. Aside from financial barriers, it can be difficult to find someone who understands how to assess you, and there are different clinical personalities and styles which may not mesh well with you.
In this workshop we will look at stories of what drove different DID and OSDD systems to receive a diagnosis for themselves, what it meant to them, what things it took for them to get to that, and if there were periods where they dropped the search for a provider entirely. We will fold in some statistics around access and lack of access to supportive and informed services.
Presenter bio: Katie Keech, MFT (They/Them) has over twenty years of professional experience in both community mental health and private practice. They have managed emerging adult community mental health programs and forensic programs.
In the late 1990’s they were diagnosed with DDNOS. After much clinical and personal work, they identify as part of a plural system. In private practice they currently specialize in severe dissociative disorders and complex PTSD as well a neurodivergence from a neurodiversity affirmative framework.
Katie is also the visionair and co founder of The Refractory, a recently started think tank for clinicians with lived experience DID/OSDD/Plurality, which aims to transform the mental health landscape and has already 75 members! They are a beacon of hope for many in the community who felt hurt, shamed or scared after recent events by certain clinical establishments.
Katie is also a Fully Professed Member of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc., a 43-year-old global order of queer drag nuns. As Sister Freda they support queer and other communities through fundraising and activism. In their free time they play bass guitar, paint expressionist portraits, and attempt to write graphic novels.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects "original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression". This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
In response to past infringements of our community members' content, we have established this disclaimer and are committed to enforcing these restrictions. This is directly tied to our ongoing petition that has garnered the support of over 2,000 individuals. We are devoted to protecting the integrity of our presenters and their content. For more information about our petition, please visit our [Change.org page](https://chng.it/rSZ88Nt9).
For more information about our conference, check out our [website](powertotheplurals.com/ppwc).
We deeply appreciate your respect and recognition of the dedication and effort of our team, presenters, and the community we serve. Your understanding and respect speak volumes to the value we aim to provide everyone we work with. To support our cause, please consider making a [donation](powertotheplurals.com/donate).
Donation request: Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit today.
![[CC] Boxes, Labels & Checklists; the pros & cons of seeking a DID diagnosis by Katie Keech](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rFwMenFztQQ/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Boxes, Labels & Checklists; the pros & cons of seeking a DID diagnosis by Katie Keech
Plural Positivity World Conference 2023
Katie Keech
Title: Boxes, Labels & Checklists; the pros & cons of seeking a DID diagnosis
Session description: When pieces start to come together and we suspect that we might be a part of a plural system it can be confusing to try to make sense of it. This is particularly challenging when we’re also managing the impacts of PTSD symptoms that don’t seem to make sense. Finding something that might be a direction towards feeling more in control can be exciting, even if it’s also a little scary.
It can be hard to know if what we suspect is true and the desire for confirmation through a diagnosis can feel like a compass in a sea of chaos. There can be a sense of pride in having outside confirmation that what we suspect is happening inside ourselves is, in fact, happening.
It can also be challenging to connect with providers. Aside from financial barriers, it can be difficult to find someone who understands how to assess you, and there are different clinical personalities and styles which may not mesh well with you.
In this workshop we will look at stories of what drove different DID and OSDD systems to receive a diagnosis for themselves, what it meant to them, what things it took for them to get to that, and if there were periods where they dropped the search for a provider entirely. We will fold in some statistics around access and lack of access to supportive and informed services.
Presenter bio: Katie Keech, MFT (They/Them) has over twenty years of professional experience in both community mental health and private practice. They have managed emerging adult community mental health programs and forensic programs.
In the late 1990’s they were diagnosed with DDNOS. After much clinical and personal work, they identify as part of a plural system. In private practice they currently specialize in severe dissociative disorders and complex PTSD as well a neurodivergence from a neurodiversity affirmative framework.
Katie is also the visionair and co founder of The Refractory, a recently started think tank for clinicians with lived experience DID/OSDD/Plurality, which aims to transform the mental health landscape and has already 75 members! They are a beacon of hope for many in the community who felt hurt, shamed or scared after recent events by certain clinical establishments.
Katie is also a Fully Professed Member of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc., a 43-year-old global order of queer drag nuns. As Sister Freda they support queer and other communities through fundraising and activism. In their free time they play bass guitar, paint expressionist portraits, and attempt to write graphic novels.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
In response to past infringements of our community members content, we have established this disclaimer and are committed to enforcing these restrictions. This is directly tied to our ongoing petition that has garnered the support of over 2,000 individuals. We are devoted to protecting the integrity of our presenters and their content. For more information about our petition, please visit our [Change.org page](https://chng.it/rSZ88Nt9).
For more information about our conference, check out our [website](https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc).
We deeply appreciate your respect and recognition of the dedication and effort of our team, presenters, and the community we serve. Your understanding and respect speak volumes to the value we aim to provide everyone we work with. To support our cause, please consider making a [donation](https://powertotheplurals.com/donate).
Donation request: Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit today.")
![[CC] Autism, Dissociation and the Trauma Of A Thousand Cuts by Casa Thymia Collective](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rS5bu5kYxag/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Autism, Dissociation and the Trauma Of A Thousand Cuts by Casa Thymia Collective
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
Casa Thymia Collective
Autism, Dissociation and the Trauma Of A Thousand Cuts
Session description: Goes into detail about the reality of being an autistic child, parental reactions, school and bullying, the ways in which we respond to upsetting events, dissociative disorders and trauma. Alludes to but does not describe adverse childhood experiences including abuse and neglect, medical emergencies, bereavements, divorce, etc.
TW (TRIGGER WARNINGS) for the session: Goes into detail about the reality of being an autistic child, parental reactions, school and bullying, the ways in which we respond to upsetting events, dissociative disorders and trauma. Alludes to but does not describe adverse childhood experiences including abuse and neglect, medical emergencies, bereavements, divorce, etc.
Presenter bio: Casa Thymia Collective are a multiply neurodivergent adaptive plural system based in the UK. They share a middle-aged white bendy transgender body, create art and music, and work training social workers about autism. They have a diagnosis of DID and receive complex trauma therapy on the NHS.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: https://powertotheplurals.com/donate")
![[CC] Indigeneity & Plurality by Arcana & The Imaginarians Galaxy](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rTFiC3VE7FE/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Indigeneity & Plurality by Arcana & The Imaginarians Galaxy
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
Arcana & The Imaginarians Galaxy
Indigeneity & Plurality
Session description: Discussing the intersectionality between indigeneity, plurality and queerness and my own personal experience with it.
TW (TRIGGER WARNINGS) for the session: Possible mentions of antinative racism, colonization of indigenous peoples & overall pluralphobia.
Presenter bio: Native (Mikmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Abenaki, Metis & Huron-Wendat) • Ashkenazi Jewish • Cistrans Transmascfem Intersex Genderfluid Two Spirit
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: https://powertotheplurals.com/donate")
![[CC] Panel session: 5 Self-diagnosed Systems talk about why they are self diagnosed](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/r_qA3xnA7xU/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Panel session: 5 Self-diagnosed Systems talk about why they are self diagnosed
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2023
Title: Panel session: 5 Self-diagnosed Systems talk about why they are self diagnosed
This panel session was recorded in response to the ISSTD and McLean sessions on self-diagnosed systems and rise of social media. To counter these harmful and stigmatizing narratives, we decided to allow self-diagnosed Systems a chance to explain why they chose or were forced to self diagnose DID or OSDD. This panel was hosted by Stronghold System, founders of TPA. The 5 participants are not named here to avoid potential harassment, but they will introduce themselves to you in the session!
Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-address-ableist-and-sanist-content-at-the-isstd-conference-and-mclean-hospital
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
In response to past infringements of our community members content, we have established this disclaimer and are committed to enforcing these restrictions. This is directly tied to our ongoing petition that has garnered the support of over 2,000 individuals. We are devoted to protecting the integrity of our presenters and their content. For more information about our petition, please visit our [Change.org page](https://chng.it/rSZ88Nt9).
For more information about our conference, check out our [website](https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc).
We deeply appreciate your respect and recognition of the dedication and effort of our team, presenters, and the community we serve. Your understanding and respect speak volumes to the value we aim to provide everyone we work with. To support our cause, please consider making a [donation](https://powertotheplurals.com/donate).")
![[CC] From Ashes we Rise—A history of peer support and psychotherapy by Crystals Multifaceted](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rdAZ5Ne-0tE/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] From Ashes we Rise—A history of peer support and psychotherapy by Crystals Multifaceted
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2023
Crystals Multifaceted
Sunday Keynote: From Ashes we Rise—A history of peer support and psychotherapy
We would like to inform you that this session will touch on sensitive topics such as complex trauma symptoms, child abuse, misdiagnoses, eugenics, and forced hospitalization. We urge you to exercise self-care and make use of the resources available should you need any support.
Session description: A journey through history on the ways that society has supported or harmed people with Complex Posttraumatic Stress and Dissociative Identity Responses. Although there continues to be disparities and lack of resources, progress has been made. This event will highlight the tenacity of the human spirit and ways that people who’ve experienced trauma have risen from the ashes to create community empowerment which in turn changed the world.
Presenter bio: Crystals recognized and has been getting to know and work together as a collective for over 13 years. She/They identify as traumagenic and have found that while being a “we” is not without challenges, it is also rewarding and has been a brilliant way of responding to an unbearable situation. Crystals started Multifaceted Journeys in 2022 to provide support to plurals, education for providers, and bring awareness of the prevalence of plurality to the world. Much of the work they do is focused on emotional acceptance and comes out of their own learning, supportive therapeutic experiences, and time spent in supportive communities.
Crystals graduated from John F. Kennedy University with a MA in Counseling Psychology. They’ve spent many years in the mental health field both as a client and as a counselor. This gives them unique insight into the healing process. They use a plethora of creative modalities including visual art, fiction writing, drama, and sand tray to help people access and express the deeper aspects of themselves.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
In response to past infringements of our community members content, we have established this disclaimer and are committed to enforcing these restrictions. This is directly tied to our ongoing petition that has garnered the support of over 2,000 individuals. We are devoted to protecting the integrity of our presenters and their content. For more information about our petition, please visit our [Change.org page](https://chng.it/rSZ88Nt9).
For more information about our conference, check out our [website](https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc).
We deeply appreciate your respect and recognition of the dedication and effort of our team, presenters, and the community we serve. Your understanding and respect speak volumes to the value we aim to provide everyone we work with. To support our cause, please consider making a [donation](https://powertotheplurals.com/donate).
Donation request: Every one of our 100+ conference sessions was made possible by donations from people like you. If youve watched and benefited, please donate $5 to help us create more.")
