We do, because different traumas are held by specific alters in our system. Each of us also just needs different sorts of care, so pretending to be a single person would only hinder our healing process. Thankfully our therapist is great and is familiar with DID, and also doesn’t pressure us to integrate (since we are much happier living harmonically as our individual selves instead).

I can understand why someone would keep it private even with their therapist if they have a less experienced, or old-fashioned therapist, or if someone’s plurality doesn’t change their treatment. I didn’t even realize that it’s a divisive topic, it seems like a very personal decision that is best left up to the individual.

Edit to add: I also recognize that a system that originates from anything other than early childhood trauma may want to avoid sharing with a therapist just because gatekeeping and distrust is rampant among mental health professionals, from what I understand. I feel for those who have to fear being labeled as malingering just for sharing their honest experience. It’s one of many ways that the current mental health institutions are failing people.