Who We Are Now: Plural Life, Survival, and Becoming with Sandi James, Plural Psychologist
<p>📝 Episode Overview</p><p>What does it <em>really</em> mean to live as a system in a world obsessed with being “just one person”? This week, we’re joined by psychologist, researcher, and unapologetic plural <strong>Sandi James</strong>. Together, we dive deep into the lived realities of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and plural life—unpacking treatment trauma, internal disconnect, and the everyday magic (and chaos) of showing up in a world that often doesn’t see you.</p><p>Sandy shares unfiltered truths about:</p><p>* Surviving—and thriving—after treatment that missed the mark</p><p>* The funny and frustrating sides of dissociation (like dog-sitting for strangers!)</p><p>* The <em>real</em> reasons systems “drop off the planet”—and why connection <em>still matters</em></p><p>* Practical tips for co-fronting, calendar hacks, and making therapy work for <em>your</em> system</p><p>* How therapists and allies can better <em>show up</em> for plurals</p><p>Whether you’re a system, a clinician, or someone who loves and supports either—this conversation promises validation, laughter, and hope.</p><p>🕰️ Episode Timestamps</p><p>* <strong>00:00</strong> – <em>Welcome!</em> Meet Sandi James and today’s big questions</p><p>* <strong>01:00</strong> – Sandi’s story: treatment-resistant research, and why labels matter</p><p>* <strong>03:15</strong> – Deconstructing myths: “Manipulative,” “attention-seeking,” and “resistant”—what’s <em>really</em> going on?</p><p>* <strong>06:00</strong> – The clinical blind spot: “I don’t remember” ≠ lying</p><p>* <strong>07:00</strong> – Loneliness, masking, and the ache for connection in plural life</p><p>* <strong>10:30</strong> – Getting out the door: swings, surfboards, and sensory hacks</p><p>* <strong>13:30</strong> – Bright shoes and reclaiming the gaze: system pride in public</p><p>* <strong>16:00</strong> – Negotiating who fronts in social settings—and building internal trust</p><p>* <strong>21:00</strong> – System imposter syndrome: Who’s the “real” me, anyway?</p><p>* <strong>28:00</strong> – Holding space for others, even with internal doubt</p><p>* <strong>33:30</strong> – Calendar color-coding, alarms, and planning for plural life</p><p>* <strong>42:00</strong> – Partners who don’t know you’re plural: navigating silence and safety</p><p>* <strong>51:00</strong> – Friendships, “ghosting,” and parts with different social needs</p><p>* <strong>57:00</strong> – Hope for systems who feel like “too much”</p><p>* <strong>1:04:00</strong> – Harmony isn’t perfection: it’s persistence</p><p>* <strong>1:12:00</strong> – “I don’t want to go back—I want to discover who I am now.”</p><p>* <strong>1:16:00</strong> – Closing: Healing doesn’t require perfection or performance</p><p>💡 Who Should Listen?</p><p>* <strong>Plurals and systems</strong> seeking real talk and solidarity</p><p>* <strong>Therapists, case managers, and support teams</strong> wanting deeper understanding</p><p>* <strong>Friends & loved ones</strong> who want to show up better for the systems in their lives</p><p>🌈 Why You’ll Love This Episode</p><p>Prepare for laughter, honesty, and a gentle reminder: <em>you’re not too much, and you’re definitely not alone</em>. <strong>Tune in for validation, practical tips, and hope—no matter where you are on the journey.</strong></p><p><strong>Listen now, and re-discover what it means to be plural and becoming.💫</strong></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Healing My Parts at <a href="https://healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">healingmyparts.substack.com/subscribe</a>
