Family Px: Exploring the personalities
of a dissociative (did) system
Scroll down to see images and text
Tommy (baby)
What’s to say? Tommy was a baby who never got to grow up. We liked the way he giggled – a baby giggle. So, we made sure nothing bad ever happened to him so that he wouldn’t forget how to giggle. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
What’s to say? Tommy was a baby who never got to grow up. We liked the way he giggled – a baby giggle. So, we made sure nothing bad ever happened to him so that he wouldn’t forget how to giggle. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Sarah (9 years)
Sarah’s favourite place in the whole world was the backyard with her bubbles. So long as she focused on making them and then watching them float up higher and higher into the sky, the other stuff going on around her could be ignored. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Sarah’s favourite place in the whole world was the backyard with her bubbles. So long as she focused on making them and then watching them float up higher and higher into the sky, the other stuff going on around her could be ignored. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Mary (9 months)
Poor Mary. Born into a family that saw children as commodities able to generate money. She didn’t know this yet. Her debt was being incurred and, soon, someone would come to collect and that happy face would turn to sadness. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Poor Mary. Born into a family that saw children as commodities able to generate money. She didn’t know this yet. Her debt was being incurred and, soon, someone would come to collect and that happy face would turn to sadness. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Angela
(15 years)
Angela also experienced the sexual abuse. However, she was stronger than the others who often became overwhelmed. She would step forward and protect them by doing whatever was asked. For a long time, some inside thought she was strange and avoided her because it seemed like she liked to be hurt. But they realized she pretended to like it so that it wouldn’t be as bad and so that the adults doing the hurting outside wouldn’t know that she was protecting the little ones. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
(15 years)
Angela also experienced the sexual abuse. However, she was stronger than the others who often became overwhelmed. She would step forward and protect them by doing whatever was asked. For a long time, some inside thought she was strange and avoided her because it seemed like she liked to be hurt. But they realized she pretended to like it so that it wouldn’t be as bad and so that the adults doing the hurting outside wouldn’t know that she was protecting the little ones. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Audrey (13 years)
Like Marsha, Audrey dealt with the sexual abuse. Audrey was able to cope with the pain “down there” involved in those assaults. She is 13 years old in this photo but she came when the body was 8 years old. Consequently, when Cheryl was about to give birth to her baby, it was Audrey who came into the body to deal with the pain of childbirth. This division of labour, also meant that the pain did not trigger off memories of the sexual abuse. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Like Marsha, Audrey dealt with the sexual abuse. Audrey was able to cope with the pain “down there” involved in those assaults. She is 13 years old in this photo but she came when the body was 8 years old. Consequently, when Cheryl was about to give birth to her baby, it was Audrey who came into the body to deal with the pain of childbirth. This division of labour, also meant that the pain did not trigger off memories of the sexual abuse. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Bear
Thank God for Bear! He is big and hairy and can stand on his back legs and growl furiously and loudly. When he is mad, he is even bigger and scarier. Bear only makes an appearance when someone is going to hurt Dottie. Bear loves Dottie and will do anything to make sure that no one ever hurts her again. So, if you intend to harm any one of these guys – but especially Dottie - watch out for Bear! (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Thank God for Bear! He is big and hairy and can stand on his back legs and growl furiously and loudly. When he is mad, he is even bigger and scarier. Bear only makes an appearance when someone is going to hurt Dottie. Bear loves Dottie and will do anything to make sure that no one ever hurts her again. So, if you intend to harm any one of these guys – but especially Dottie - watch out for Bear! (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Bertha (old)
No one knows how old Bertha is. “Could be older than time itself,” they think when she is not around. If you wanna know something about what is going on inside, all you gotta do is ask Bertha. Just don’t get on her bad side. She knows everyone – well at least everyone we know, she knows. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
No one knows how old Bertha is. “Could be older than time itself,” they think when she is not around. If you wanna know something about what is going on inside, all you gotta do is ask Bertha. Just don’t get on her bad side. She knows everyone – well at least everyone we know, she knows. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Camille (19 years)
Camille discovered at a very young age the joy of making marks on pieces of paper or of molding bits of things into other more spectacular things. She is an artist and uses her art to not only help the system cope with the stress of being a little kid, but to also keep track of memories. To do this, Camille must spend a lot of time scrutinizing how things actually look. Because of that, many people think she is just a daydreamer. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Camille discovered at a very young age the joy of making marks on pieces of paper or of molding bits of things into other more spectacular things. She is an artist and uses her art to not only help the system cope with the stress of being a little kid, but to also keep track of memories. To do this, Camille must spend a lot of time scrutinizing how things actually look. Because of that, many people think she is just a daydreamer. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Cheryl (17 years)
Cheryl is a teenager. She hangs out with her boyfriend, George all the time. She and George mess around but never went past 2nd base. George often assumes they will go farther because, unbeknownst to her, Sherry and he have been “going all the way” for a long time now. Cheryl got pregnant and doesn’t understand how that happened. Her parents forced her to marry George. Like with getting pregnant, sometimes she wakes up with bruises on her body or a hurt lip and she doesn’t know how it happened. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Cheryl is a teenager. She hangs out with her boyfriend, George all the time. She and George mess around but never went past 2nd base. George often assumes they will go farther because, unbeknownst to her, Sherry and he have been “going all the way” for a long time now. Cheryl got pregnant and doesn’t understand how that happened. Her parents forced her to marry George. Like with getting pregnant, sometimes she wakes up with bruises on her body or a hurt lip and she doesn’t know how it happened. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Crybabies (baby)
Everyone cries. But when it is not OK to cry (‘cause you’ll get “something to cry about”) we send these two off into the back where they can wail without beingnoticed or heard. This way, it is easier for folks like Darin or others to stay onthe outside and do what they need to do which includes not crying. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Everyone cries. But when it is not OK to cry (‘cause you’ll get “something to cry about”) we send these two off into the back where they can wail without beingnoticed or heard. This way, it is easier for folks like Darin or others to stay onthe outside and do what they need to do which includes not crying. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Dale (35 years)
Dale is the internal engineer. He is responsible for designing and creating the objects that create the dissociative barriers and the actual storage compartments for memories or feelings. Dale did not go to university to learn how to do this. But he does a fine job of making sure that walls and containers are built sturdy. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Dale is the internal engineer. He is responsible for designing and creating the objects that create the dissociative barriers and the actual storage compartments for memories or feelings. Dale did not go to university to learn how to do this. But he does a fine job of making sure that walls and containers are built sturdy. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Darin (5 years)
Darin is a boy. Not a girl. Darin likes boy things. He finds all kinds of treasures and hides them in his hiding spot where no one can find them. He spends a lot of time looking at and touching these treasures. He likes how they feel in his fingers. Boys don’t cry. Darin comes forward to help out when someone is gonna get punished for crying and they have to stop. He knows how not to cry. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Darin is a boy. Not a girl. Darin likes boy things. He finds all kinds of treasures and hides them in his hiding spot where no one can find them. He spends a lot of time looking at and touching these treasures. He likes how they feel in his fingers. Boys don’t cry. Darin comes forward to help out when someone is gonna get punished for crying and they have to stop. He knows how not to cry. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Doreen (16-30 years)
Like Dorothy, Doreen loved (LOVED!) school. Came at grade 11 and was around right through university. She loves learning and challenging her own idea and thoughts. She was, and remains, a voracious reader. The web has replaced the library as her most favourite place to hang out. When anyone needs to know something, like how to bake a cake, where Africa is, or the principles of quantum mechanics, they always come to Doreen to find the answers: she has them all. Doreen dressed conservatively desperately trying to stop the boys from thinking that she wanted to hang out with them, kiss them, or do other things with them. Doreen did not know about Sherry. After university, Doreen passed the bar and became a lawyer in a small local firm. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Like Dorothy, Doreen loved (LOVED!) school. Came at grade 11 and was around right through university. She loves learning and challenging her own idea and thoughts. She was, and remains, a voracious reader. The web has replaced the library as her most favourite place to hang out. When anyone needs to know something, like how to bake a cake, where Africa is, or the principles of quantum mechanics, they always come to Doreen to find the answers: she has them all. Doreen dressed conservatively desperately trying to stop the boys from thinking that she wanted to hang out with them, kiss them, or do other things with them. Doreen did not know about Sherry. After university, Doreen passed the bar and became a lawyer in a small local firm. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Dorothy (10 years)
OMG! Dorothy loved school and she was good at it. She loved writing essays, figuring out math problems, making demonstration models, and studying for tests. Mostly she loved when she got a test back and found out she got another “A.” Dorothy started out helping Laura with school and eventually did more than her. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
OMG! Dorothy loved school and she was good at it. She loved writing essays, figuring out math problems, making demonstration models, and studying for tests. Mostly she loved when she got a test back and found out she got another “A.” Dorothy started out helping Laura with school and eventually did more than her. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Dottie (3 years)
Dottie was a presenting personality. That meant she predominantly held an outside position in the system and coped with a range of necessary activities. For instance, Dottie learned to eat, walk, talk, have baths, play with the cat, and walk beside her mom and dad down the street. She also learned that some of the rules included not crying, not making noise, not giggling too loud, not making a mess, and not making a fuss when she was told to go to bed. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Dottie was a presenting personality. That meant she predominantly held an outside position in the system and coped with a range of necessary activities. For instance, Dottie learned to eat, walk, talk, have baths, play with the cat, and walk beside her mom and dad down the street. She also learned that some of the rules included not crying, not making noise, not giggling too loud, not making a mess, and not making a fuss when she was told to go to bed. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Ery
Plain and simple: Ery is afraid. Ery takes this feeling (along with fearful, terrified, horrified, scared, alarmed, distress, dread, panic, trepidation, etc.) that no one else inside ever wants to feel and absorbs them whenever they come up. Ery is the embodiment of the feeling called “afraid.” (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Georgia (1.5 year)
Everyone knew that Georgia was still very small. Even when she was just learning to walk, outside folks were already making her do things that she didn’t like. Someone decided that helping her learn to walk might help her get away. So a bunch of us helped her every day. She got pretty good at it. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Gopa (Unknown)
We are not sure if Gopa is a guy or a girl. This one doesn’t have a body and we only know when Gopa is around by the feeling we get in our gut and the pressure that happens on the right side of our head. Gopa is important. Sometimes it is necessary to become invisible. But Gopa also has a perspective on life that can only come when one is not hampered by the physicality of being human. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
We are not sure if Gopa is a guy or a girl. This one doesn’t have a body and we only know when Gopa is around by the feeling we get in our gut and the pressure that happens on the right side of our head. Gopa is important. Sometimes it is necessary to become invisible. But Gopa also has a perspective on life that can only come when one is not hampered by the physicality of being human. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Ike (4 years)
Ike is a joker who tries to make every one laugh. Especially, when they are sad. He might be little – but that does not impede his ability to make light of just about any circumstance. He also functions to distract outside people when there are transitions from one personality to the other so it is not noticed. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Ira Moria (3 years)
Ira Moria was named after her very best friend who died after being hit by a car as she crossed the road. Everyone missed her so very much. The idea of escaping the pain that they went through by just being dead was easy for everyone. Dead felt good. Everyone inside protected this part that lay dead in a very protected area. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Ira Moria was named after her very best friend who died after being hit by a car as she crossed the road. Everyone missed her so very much. The idea of escaping the pain that they went through by just being dead was easy for everyone. Dead felt good. Everyone inside protected this part that lay dead in a very protected area. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Jabez (14 years)
Jabez just wants to die. That’s all he thinks about, all he works on, and all he spend his time on. He has several plans that he considers fool-proof. Jabez has tried to do this on a couple of occasions. He only failed cause other personalities (like Bertha) kept interfering. They would either block him from getting into the body by locking him in an internal room or by taking over before he could complete his task. Ok, so the plan was fool-proof – figuring out how to get them to leave him alone was another issue. The other thing he would do was whenever George (outside husband to Cheryl) was beating up Jean or Cheryl Jabez would step in hoping that George might kill him. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Jabez just wants to die. That’s all he thinks about, all he works on, and all he spend his time on. He has several plans that he considers fool-proof. Jabez has tried to do this on a couple of occasions. He only failed cause other personalities (like Bertha) kept interfering. They would either block him from getting into the body by locking him in an internal room or by taking over before he could complete his task. Ok, so the plan was fool-proof – figuring out how to get them to leave him alone was another issue. The other thing he would do was whenever George (outside husband to Cheryl) was beating up Jean or Cheryl Jabez would step in hoping that George might kill him. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Jean (20 years)
Jean, like any good mom, takes care of the children inside and sometimes the outside ones. She makes sure that all the kids are fed, washed, in bed on time, and that they keep out of trouble and are bustled off to safe internal territory when bad things are happening outside. She is very gentle and soft and always knows what to say to make them feel better, safe. She always takes care of the kids and comes to their aid when they are sick or scared or hurt. Along with Cheryl and Rhonda, Jean is also a battered woman. She knew that George (outside husband) hit them, but never stuck around to see what happened. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Jean, like any good mom, takes care of the children inside and sometimes the outside ones. She makes sure that all the kids are fed, washed, in bed on time, and that they keep out of trouble and are bustled off to safe internal territory when bad things are happening outside. She is very gentle and soft and always knows what to say to make them feel better, safe. She always takes care of the kids and comes to their aid when they are sick or scared or hurt. Along with Cheryl and Rhonda, Jean is also a battered woman. She knew that George (outside husband) hit them, but never stuck around to see what happened. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Laura (12 years)
Laura is a presenting personality who learned about life through board games of strategy. If only she could perfect the application of them in the outside life which always seemed way more complicated. She arrived at 8 years during Elementary school around Grade 4 and went on to Junior High School. She represents the first absolute division between those who knew about the sexual abuse and those who dealt with the normal day-to-day life on the outside. Laura knows nothing about how others are being sexually abused. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Laura is a presenting personality who learned about life through board games of strategy. If only she could perfect the application of them in the outside life which always seemed way more complicated. She arrived at 8 years during Elementary school around Grade 4 and went on to Junior High School. She represents the first absolute division between those who knew about the sexual abuse and those who dealt with the normal day-to-day life on the outside. Laura knows nothing about how others are being sexually abused. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Linda (infant)
This is the core personality who was born on May 24, 1962 in the wee hours of a Tuesday morning. She was exactly nineteen days old when the father stuck his penis by her mouth and then the mother became enraged tossing her into the crib like a sack of potatoes. Linda left the body and has not been back in the body since then. We protect her by taking care of the outside life so that she remains always tucked away and safe. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
This is the core personality who was born on May 24, 1962 in the wee hours of a Tuesday morning. She was exactly nineteen days old when the father stuck his penis by her mouth and then the mother became enraged tossing her into the crib like a sack of potatoes. Linda left the body and has not been back in the body since then. We protect her by taking care of the outside life so that she remains always tucked away and safe. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Madison (35 years)
One day, a few of the kids were enthralled watching their friend’s father comfort her after a fall. His name was Madison. As they longingly watched how he lovingly enveloped her and took care of her owie an inside-Madison was created. So, now when the lil ones get hurt, he comes forward to care for their wounds, He protects them when they are in danger and takes them away inside. When all seems lost he comes along and wraps them up in his big arms and tells them silly stories. Madison is very, very tall and has a big voice that booms when he is upset for the kids. Some of the girls tho’ are still afraid of him cause he is a boy. So they ask for Jean. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
One day, a few of the kids were enthralled watching their friend’s father comfort her after a fall. His name was Madison. As they longingly watched how he lovingly enveloped her and took care of her owie an inside-Madison was created. So, now when the lil ones get hurt, he comes forward to care for their wounds, He protects them when they are in danger and takes them away inside. When all seems lost he comes along and wraps them up in his big arms and tells them silly stories. Madison is very, very tall and has a big voice that booms when he is upset for the kids. Some of the girls tho’ are still afraid of him cause he is a boy. So they ask for Jean. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Marley (3.5 years)
Marley loves to dance and wears her dance costume everywhere. In fact, no one can get her to take it off. The music lifts her little soul and makes her happy especially when people around her are fighting using loud scary voices. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Marley loves to dance and wears her dance costume everywhere. In fact, no one can get her to take it off. The music lifts her little soul and makes her happy especially when people around her are fighting using loud scary voices. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Marni (13 years)
This is a younger photo of Marni. Now, she is really old: maybe even a hundred years or so. She started out taking care of the younger kids, but now she oversees many of the folks inside. She knows stuff and can make decisions that are good for everyone. So, we let her make decisions. She is tough as nails and what she says goes! (copyright Bernadine Fox)
This is a younger photo of Marni. Now, she is really old: maybe even a hundred years or so. She started out taking care of the younger kids, but now she oversees many of the folks inside. She knows stuff and can make decisions that are good for everyone. So, we let her make decisions. She is tough as nails and what she says goes! (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Marsha (8 years)
Marsha came at 5 years of age to help the lil ones who found it difficult to cope with going to elementary school. However, Marsha also had been one of the personalities who experienced the sexual abuse and trying to juggle dealing with school and the stuff happening at home was too much for Marsha. Eventually she moved back and someone else came forward to deal with going to school and she continued to deal with the stuff going on at home. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Matilda & John (old)
These two old goats are scarey. They reprimand the kids to keep them in line. “Spare the rod spoil the child” is their favourite motto. They punish by starving or withholding certain foods, sending off a constant barrage of negative comments, corporal punishment with the strap, paddle, belt or whatever is handy. They can spew off insults or running commentaries on what the others inside are doing wrong: stupid, good for nothing, worthless, no wonder no one loves you, etc. etc. Sometimes, they would act this way towards the outside children. The inside feared them and it took awhile for everyone to understand that these folks cared about them and didn’t want them to be in trouble. Eventually, they learned to help in more loving way. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
These two old goats are scarey. They reprimand the kids to keep them in line. “Spare the rod spoil the child” is their favourite motto. They punish by starving or withholding certain foods, sending off a constant barrage of negative comments, corporal punishment with the strap, paddle, belt or whatever is handy. They can spew off insults or running commentaries on what the others inside are doing wrong: stupid, good for nothing, worthless, no wonder no one loves you, etc. etc. Sometimes, they would act this way towards the outside children. The inside feared them and it took awhile for everyone to understand that these folks cared about them and didn’t want them to be in trouble. Eventually, they learned to help in more loving way. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Maxine (20 years)
Maxine is a young woman who sits between Sherry and Bruce and is mostly not sure if she is a woman or man. She struggles with gender identity issues. Although she was “born” a woman she feels like a man and many times finds herself very attracted to her girl friends. Helps with work and graduated with Doreen from university. She smokes, plays poker, drinks beer and helps Doreen with her law practice. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Millicent (old)
Millicent makes all the internal rules. She has been around longer than anyone we know (inside or out). She is very stern and doesn’t have much time for being upset or crying. When she says something goes this way or that – it does. No one argues with Millicent. They just do as they are told. Millicent keeps a record of all the events that occur so that this can be fed to whoever is on the outside dealing with the world (presenting personality) if it becomes necessary. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Nathan
Nathan learned to tell time at 7 years of age. He learned it so well that he is able to tell the exact time of day, any day, regardless of whether or not there is a clock around that he can reference. Nathan loves clocks and time pieces. He collects them all the time even if they are broken. Nathan’s job is to remind others, especially those upfront, about their appointments and other time-related activities such as waking up, watching TV shows, getting to class on time, etc. etc. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Nathan learned to tell time at 7 years of age. He learned it so well that he is able to tell the exact time of day, any day, regardless of whether or not there is a clock around that he can reference. Nathan loves clocks and time pieces. He collects them all the time even if they are broken. Nathan’s job is to remind others, especially those upfront, about their appointments and other time-related activities such as waking up, watching TV shows, getting to class on time, etc. etc. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Nobody (7 years)
Nobody was very shy and didn’t talk to too many folks inside or out. We could never get a good photo of him. He liked being by himself, always had his hand over his mouth and wanted to be alone. He worked in the garage fixing things. Liked animals too. Horses were his favourite and sometimes he would sneak off to the track and hang out there just to be near them. Anything but being with people was just fine with him. Nobody had experienced sodomy of which he told no one (inside or out). (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Nobody was very shy and didn’t talk to too many folks inside or out. We could never get a good photo of him. He liked being by himself, always had his hand over his mouth and wanted to be alone. He worked in the garage fixing things. Liked animals too. Horses were his favourite and sometimes he would sneak off to the track and hang out there just to be near them. Anything but being with people was just fine with him. Nobody had experienced sodomy of which he told no one (inside or out). (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Perry (30 years)
Perry protects knowledge or memory storage by guarding or suppressing information, dissociated memory, knowledge, or feelings. He guards the entrances to different parts of the system(s) and special levels or rooms. Perry ensures that some personalities either cannot get outside or to certain places within the system and also ensures that outside individuals (friends or therapists) do not have access to parts of the inner system and/or personalities. He will signal “ danger” if walls will be breached or if personalities are being contaminated by accessing memories they shouldn’t have. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Perry protects knowledge or memory storage by guarding or suppressing information, dissociated memory, knowledge, or feelings. He guards the entrances to different parts of the system(s) and special levels or rooms. Perry ensures that some personalities either cannot get outside or to certain places within the system and also ensures that outside individuals (friends or therapists) do not have access to parts of the inner system and/or personalities. He will signal “ danger” if walls will be breached or if personalities are being contaminated by accessing memories they shouldn’t have. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Poppa (old)
Poppa is very wise old man who loves children but never hurts them like some other grown-ups do. He knows how to fix problems. In fact, he is so smart, I don’t think there is a problem he doesn’t know how to solve once he puts his mind to it. Mostly, he makes sure the kids are okay. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Poppa is very wise old man who loves children but never hurts them like some other grown-ups do. He knows how to fix problems. In fact, he is so smart, I don’t think there is a problem he doesn’t know how to solve once he puts his mind to it. Mostly, he makes sure the kids are okay. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Rachel (15 years)
Rachel is one of those prim and proper types. She never does anything wrong. She never breaks a rule and comes forward when the rules absolutely must be followed regardless of what those rules are. Most of us can’t stand going to church but Rachel adores it. She has learned and memorized the scriptures. The parents say we must eat liver. It grosses us all out but Rachel will sit down and eat the liver. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Rhonda (18 years)
When Sherry got pregnant with Cheryl’s boyfriend George, Rhonda is the one who decided to have the baby and, consequently, married George. She didn’t actually give birth to “Willow” the baby – she just became the mommy to her. Rhonda was the presenting personality when the baby was born on Aug 7th, 1980 until 1986 when Willow went off to school. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
When Sherry got pregnant with Cheryl’s boyfriend George, Rhonda is the one who decided to have the baby and, consequently, married George. She didn’t actually give birth to “Willow” the baby – she just became the mommy to her. Rhonda was the presenting personality when the baby was born on Aug 7th, 1980 until 1986 when Willow went off to school. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Sherry (17 years)
Sherry dates a lot of boys. She often hangs out with George (Cheryl’s boyfriend). Unbeknownst to Cheryl, they go way past 2nd base. But Sherry goes way past 2nd base with lots of boys. George got mad about that – but Sherry doesn’t care. He was Cheryl’s boyfriend, anyway. Eventually, Cheryl married George – but Sherry didn’t. Sometimes Sherry took money from some of these guys to help Doreen pay for the tuition at university. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Tilly (6 years)
There were many many times that folks were asked to do grown-up things long before they had even grown out of their baby fat. Tilly hated them all and decided at 6 years old that she (like Peter Pan) would never grow up.
Poem from “Now We are Six” by A. A. Milne E.P.Dutton & Company NY 1927 “The End” (p102). (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Verena (4 years)
Verena loves music it is in her bones and makes her body move to the rhythms that filter in through her ears making her brain forget anything she might have seen or experienced that is painful or scary. Music made it all go away. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Verena loves music it is in her bones and makes her body move to the rhythms that filter in through her ears making her brain forget anything she might have seen or experienced that is painful or scary. Music made it all go away. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Vernon (old)
Vernon is essential an internal janitor. His job is to maintain the internal walls and barriers along with keeping things on the inside cleaned up and repaired. No one wants inside folks tripping over memories that they shouldn’t have. He will alert Perry if the dissociative walls have been breached. When there has been a dissociative spill, he will clean it up and help Dale and Perry get everything put back where it belongs. Vernon has lots of tools, hooks and clasps. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Vernon is essential an internal janitor. His job is to maintain the internal walls and barriers along with keeping things on the inside cleaned up and repaired. No one wants inside folks tripping over memories that they shouldn’t have. He will alert Perry if the dissociative walls have been breached. When there has been a dissociative spill, he will clean it up and help Dale and Perry get everything put back where it belongs. Vernon has lots of tools, hooks and clasps. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Young Bear (adult)
Young Bear is native and shares a spirituality that honours the inter-connectedness of all living things (including all personalities). He helps everyone see how each part is valuable regardless of what their function is (good or bad). (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Young Bear is native and shares a spirituality that honours the inter-connectedness of all living things (including all personalities). He helps everyone see how each part is valuable regardless of what their function is (good or bad). (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Florence (14 - adult)
Seeing an outside doctor was frowned upon in her family because they had a duty to report suspected childhood abuse. Rarely were they allowed to see one. From a tender age of 14 years, Florence studied the human body and learned about injury and disease along with home-treatment options. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Seeing an outside doctor was frowned upon in her family because they had a duty to report suspected childhood abuse. Rarely were they allowed to see one. From a tender age of 14 years, Florence studied the human body and learned about injury and disease along with home-treatment options. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Duerf (adult)
Duerf studied the long-term consequences of severe, childhood, sexual trauma. As few psychologists, therapists, and/or counsellors truly understood the nature of being traumatized. Duerf figured out how it impacted on each part and the whole. He took what was an External Locus of Control influenced by dissociative chaos and implemented a strong Internal Locus of Control within the personalities. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Duerf studied the long-term consequences of severe, childhood, sexual trauma. As few psychologists, therapists, and/or counsellors truly understood the nature of being traumatized. Duerf figured out how it impacted on each part and the whole. He took what was an External Locus of Control influenced by dissociative chaos and implemented a strong Internal Locus of Control within the personalities. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Twiggy (12 years)
So often being sexually traumatized and exploited leaves one feeling out of control. Sometimes hanging on to one form of control (eating just 4 crackers per day) allows one to believed they will survive. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
So often being sexually traumatized and exploited leaves one feeling out of control. Sometimes hanging on to one form of control (eating just 4 crackers per day) allows one to believed they will survive. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Scott (25 years)
There is always a need for someone whose ability at seeing everything, identifying key signifiers and connecting the dots allows the whole to stay safe. Scott is always on alert and vigilant. He has an uncanny ability to recall details and is skilled at interpreting what is happening around him. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Sweet (adult)
Sweet kept a log and plotted out how certain bits of learning were “taught” to certain parts through repetitive trauma and, consequently, he was able to plan and monitor the deconstruction of that same learning during the healing process. This was essential for changing future behaviour. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Opal (14 years)
Many professionals and others perceive cutting as self-mutilation or self-harm. Opal understood it differently. Florence tried to explain to her that cutting released dopamine which would dull physical pain. All Opal knew is that if others were under extreme emotional duress, her cutting made it go away so that they could survive. She cut to help others feel better. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Donald (3 years)
There are many ways that being deaf is useful. It stops one from hearing things one simply doesn’t want to know. And, it helps to insulate others from the world around them when it was overwhelming. Sometimes getting close to Donald was helpful. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Coltin Percy Scholes (CPS) (adult)
CPS studied pharmaceuticals and other forms of medication. He learned how they were processed in the body and was able to assist at times in making sure certain medications got to, or were kept away, from certain personalities. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
CPS studied pharmaceuticals and other forms of medication. He learned how they were processed in the body and was able to assist at times in making sure certain medications got to, or were kept away, from certain personalities. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Gus (25 years)
Gus loves food. He loves everything about food: the colours, the textures, the multitude of tastes, hot or cold, sweet or spicy. He doesn’t care to know (like cutting) that eating could also release dopamine and help everyone inside feel better. He just loved food. (copyright Bernadine Fox)
Gus loves food. He loves everything about food: the colours, the textures, the multitude of tastes, hot or cold, sweet or spicy. He doesn’t care to know (like cutting) that eating could also release dopamine and help everyone inside feel better. He just loved food. (copyright Bernadine Fox)