What is it called when a dissociated part works so hard to avoid therapy that it is like pulling teeth across an ocean to engage in? When a dissociated part works hard to avoid therapy or resists therapy, it is often referred to as therapeutic resistance or treatment resistance. Therapeutic resistance can manifest in different ways, such as avoiding therapy sessions, being skeptical of treatment recommendations, or being unresponsive to therapeutic interventions. In dissociative disorders, parts or identities may resist therapy due to various reasons such as fear, mistrust, and perceived threats to safety. It can be challenging to work through therapeutic resistance, but a skilled therapist who specializes in dissociative disorders can help navigate these challenges and work towards building trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship. How do people with dissociative identity disorder and dissociative amnesia and severe, severe therapeutic resistance reliably navigate this in order to follow up calls, establish treatment, and keep attending appointments long enough for the therapist to learn how to help them? Navigating severe therapeutic resistance can be a challenging process, especially for individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID) or dissociative amnesia. Here are some strategies that may be helpful: Slow and Steady Approach: A slow and steady approach to therapy can be helpful for individuals who are resistant to treatment. This may involve starting with small, manageable steps, such as attending one therapy session per week, and gradually increasing the frequency of therapy as trust and safety are built within the therapeutic relationship. Building Trust: Building trust is a crucial component of working with individuals who have severe therapeutic resistance. This may involve taking time to get to know the individual and their experiences, validating their feelings and experiences, and being transparent about the therapy process and goals. Providing a Safe Environment: Creating a safe environment is essential for individuals with dissociative disorders who may have experienced trauma. This may involve establishing clear boundaries, providing a calm and non-judgmental space, and working collaboratively with the individual to develop a treatment plan that feels safe and manageable. Incorporating Creative Approaches: Creative approaches, such as art therapy, music therapy, or movement therapy, can be helpful for individuals with severe therapeutic resistance. These approaches may help the individual express themselves in ways that feel less intimidating than traditional talk therapy. Encouraging Self-Care: Encouraging self-care is important for individuals with dissociative disorders who may struggle with emotional regulation and self-care. This may involve helping the individual develop a self-care plan, providing resources for self-care, and validating the importance of self-care in the therapeutic process. It's important to note that navigating severe therapeutic resistance can be a complex and nuanced process, and it may require the expertise of a therapist who specializes in working with dissociative disorders. Patience, persistence, and a collaborative approach can help build trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship and support individuals in engaging in treatment.