Life After MPD [Paperback]

Debra Lighthart (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2000

Life After MPD is a glimpse into Multiple Personality Disorder and life after it. It is about understanding, accepting, and healing. The road to recovery is difficult and painful; but possible. Life After MPD is a journey shared with hope and encouragement for you, your client, or someone you love. Everyone needs hope, encouragement, and support especially when they are on a path of healing. Life After MPD offers that promise. It also offers wisdom, insight, understanding, and is a gift of assurance and support; use it and share it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

My experiences living with and caring deeply about a multiple (someone with multiple personalities, now called Dissociative Identity Disorder) are the basis of my novel, My Name is Legion. How I wish that Life After MPD had been available then! Dr. Lighthart brings spirituality into the process of understanding , accepting, and healing. In sharing her own journey, Dr. Lighthart offers comfort, encouragement, support and hope to others. This book is perfect for multiples, the families and friends who love them, the therapists who treat them and for anyone who wishes to understand this complex phenomenon. By author Sheila Berry of spiritlink.com #2 "I found Life After MPD to be both confirming and comforting...I welcome the spiritual focus of your account. I cannot conceive of integrated success without the spiritual dimension. One of the things I appreciate about Life After MPD was that it was written simply, straight forwardly, yet intelligently. You maintained your own intellectual integrity while not insulting the intelligence of your reader. Your book should reach a wide audience...May the Holy Spirit go before you and bless your ministry of healing abundantly. By R.T., Washington, Medical Social Worker #3"...what is fair to sate, is that there is much to be learned from Debra's journey and her ability to identify and share what has made a difference in her healing. She shares the gifts of her insight, her spirituality, her journey, not for herself, but for others to benefit. She offers hope, understanding, encouragement, and techniques for recovery. I can't imagine much finer gifts to the reader, whether you be a person searching for answers to your own trauma and healing, or a therapist looking for additional ways to help another., Debra offers much to all. The reader is offered wisdom, empathy, and hope whether you are at the beginning of your quest for healing or somewhere further down the road... By Geraldine H. Ferry, M.S., M.A., L.M.F.T., L.P.C. #4 "Dr. Lighthart provides a rare inside look at what really happens when alter-personalities integrate into one...Life After MPD, devoid of any psychological theorizing, will be part of the literature on Spiritual Psychology for years to come. By Ralph B. Allison, M.D. Coauthor: Minds In Many Pieces: Revealing the Spiritual Side of Multiple Personality Disorder #5 "Dr. Lighthart shares the process of her integration through counseling and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in her life; to overcome complex circumstances, the healing that accompanies integrateion and teh love of others with Multiple Personality Disorder By Ellen Cottle RN, BSN #6 " This is a Christian-centered book of recovery from dissociation, by a therapist who also healed from DID. It follows the author step by step through therapy and recovery, into her new life. The spiritual side of her experience is provided in great detail. She provides considerable discussion about the ISH or Internal Self Helper aspect of the self (Dr. Lighthart believes everyone has this capacity within, not only persons who dissociate). Learning to value and trust that inner voice was a major part of her recovery. She engaged in both traditional family therapy (with her husband and children) and inner family therapy, with her alters. While they required individual therapy as well, the family therapy techniques helped inside parts accept and work well with each other. Eventually, Dr. Lighthart went through a ritual of integration, which is carefully described. Christian survivors will find this a very encouraging and helpful book that addressed the development of spirit within, and access to spiritual strength for healing. By Many Voices Publication --By Many Voices Publication

#1 ...I would like to take a minute and express just how much your book has impacted me and continues to do so even now several weeks after the first reading...I was apprehensive at first about reading your book. I ve worked very hard to shut off my spirituality and I really didn t want to open myself up to that deep hurt I ve carried. I came home and read the first few pages and then set the book aside. I wasn t sure I would finish reading it. The next day I picked the book up and read it in its entirety, almost without putting it down. I was so overcome by the deeply passionate and intimate relationship you have with God. It struck very DEEP inside me and resonated within the walls of my soul. I am in awe of how much Mary, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God were involved in your healing the roles they played and your invitation for them to be a very integral part. And I m in awe of how the depth of your personal relationship reaches out through the words and pages of your writing! It drew me in. I could feel the healing power of the Holy Spirit as I read reaching down inside. (I ended up asking [my therapist] to let us take the book again for a second reading). A previously unknown alter was so touched, she was able to make her way to the surface to journal her pain about feeling abandoned by God and then later communicate with [my therapist]...Reading your book has opened my heart to again look at spiritual things and to contemplate renewing (or perhaps experiencing for the first time) a relationship with God and allowing him to fully be a part of our healing. I ve read a lot of books on theology and done a lot of Bible studies designed to help me understand God s love and the place He can have in daily life. None of the reading I have done in the past has EVER been as convicting and loving or reached to the depths of the soul than what we experienced with your book. I know [my therapist] told you that your book really impacted me, but I m not sure he knows the full impact. I can t even say we know the full impact as of yet. Things are still being felt inside and will need to be worked through. We wanted you to know firsthand of our experience and to thank you for writing such a powerful book and not holding back on the issue of spirituality and it s place in healing from abuse. A General note-I, Dr. Lighthart removed the therapist s name and used [my therapist] to further protect the client s identity. By Nancy, someone diagnosised with MPD. #2 Life After MPD by educator and licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor Debra Lighthart is a deeply personal and revealing account of one woman s affliction with Multiple Personality Disorder, the nightmare childhood that fractured her personality, and the long road to recovery. Profound, reverently reflecting a faith in God, and gut-wrenchingly real and straightforward in its description of how abuse can lead to psychological trauma, and uplifting in its recounting of the journey to wholeness through the gradual accumulation of trust. Life After MPD is recommended reading for psychology students, counseling practitioners, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in multiple personality disorder conditions. By Midwest Book Review September 2002 issue. --By Midwest Book Review September 2002

#1 The journey of healing for those suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is never easy. These patients and the counselors who work with them know all too well that the road to psychological and spiritual wholeness can be arduous. There are times when the will to persevere and maintain hope are sorely tested. For these reasons alone, Dr. Lighthart s account of her path to healing from DID is a welcomed addition to the literature in this area. In a field where spiritual and religious issues are commonplace but seldom mentioned in print, I applaud Dr. Lighthart for being outspoken about this aspect of her treatment experience. My own work with those suffering from DID continues to confirm the Biblical adage that the truth will set you free. For these patients this truism is both psychological and spiritual. They have to squarely confront the truth of their own life narratives, particularly those aspects that were too painful to know growing up. They also often have to grapple with God s call on their lives can they begin to trust God to lead them through the wilderness of their own brokenness. These dynamics certainly are present in Dr. Lighthart s journey. She was not spared from great suffering as she faced her own traumatic past. Yet her faith and her openness to the guidance of God provided the anchor she needed to ride out the storms that could easily have derailed her healing. In the pages that follow, Dr. Lighthart eloquently describes an effective roadmap for healing from DID, one that relies upon the help of trained professionals, the support of family and friends, and a deep faith in God... By Christopher Rosik, Ph.D. #2 ...Debra Lighthart, shares a journey into a world glimpsed by most of us only in stories such as Sybil and The Three Faces of Eve. Lighthart courageously tells her own story about extreme childhood abuse and how she coped by dissociating and splitting into multiple personalities or alters. Although Lighthart refers to the abuse, this account focuses more on her healing...The heart of Lighthart s story describes her journey to healing through the integration of her many selves...Although Lighthart s story focuses on MPD, it is also about taking responsibility for our own lives and choosing to identify with the wholeness that is at the center of each of us. While Lighthart s story is specific, the message is universal and offers hope to all who read it. By Delisa Renideo #3 Life After MPD is an intimate look inside the illness known as Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder. The author, Debra Lighthart, is able to portray the everyday struggle for normalcy associated with this illness because she is a survivor of it as well as a licensed clinical counselor who now assists other victims of trauma and personality disorders. Dr. Lighthart s look inside this illness is priceless because of this dual role, but there are other aspects of her story that make this book unique and beneficial for all of us who suffer from PTSD...I would like to stress the value of this book for our support group. First of all it gives an intimate portrayal of what it is like to live with MPD, a consequence of the trauma we all can feel compassion for. Secondly it is beneficial in that it can renew a faith that would be an asset to our healing. Thirdly, it stresses the necessity of finding a therapist who accepts our reality, a task we have all discovered is not that easy. And, finally, it offers hope because we can see how a fellow-sufferer found healing and now leads a successful life and is using her experience to helps others. --By Patti Brown, reviewer for The Gift Within website.

About the Author

Dr. Debra Lighthart received her Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling from Cornerstone University, Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University; and, Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology from Charleston Southern University. Born and raised in the Midwest, Debra has spent her adult years living in South Carolina, Okinawa, Mississippi and Alaska taking time to visit S. Korea and Taiwan.  Between 1985 and 1996 Debra published numerous articles on spiritual development in the South Carolina Charismatic publication called Wellsprings.  Publications to her credit are: Life After MPD. A transcendental text for patient, professional, or loved one for treating and understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder or Multiple Personality Disorder (2000), Rough Around the Edges Volume One-Alaska Rustic Furnishings (2004), the first of a multiple volume series, and To Big For Momma's Pocket (2005), a children s book and a true story about a South Carolina possum. To Big For Momma s Pocket became available on CD in 2006. Further publishing credits are booklets on parenting, marriage, social services, and teaching children responsibility and respect. Highly creative with multiple interests, her skills span the range from being a professional operating her own business, to designing and creating home accessories in her spare time. Retired from counseling, she now provides healthy living coaching and consulting services, teaches some of her skills to others, and has more books and booklets planned for publication. Debra is a published author, artist, consultant, speaker, wife, mother, and grandmother.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Publication Consultants (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888125764
• ISBN-13: 978-1888125764
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,700,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Debra Lighthart was born and raised in the Midwest. She has spent her adult??years living??in South Carolina, Okinawa, Mississippi and Alaska taking time to visit S. Korea and Taiwan.????Between 1985 and 1996??Debra published numerous articles on spiritual development in the South Carolina Charismatic publication called Wellsprings.?? Publications to her credit are: "Life After MPD". A transcendental text for patient, professional, or loved one for treating and understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder or Multiple Personality Disorder (2000), "Rough Around the Edges Volume One-Alaska Rustic Furnishings" (2004), the first of a planned 5 volume series, and "To Big For Momma's Pocket" (2005), a children's book and a true story about a South Carolina possum. To Big For Momma's Pocket became available on CD in 2006. Further publishing credits are booklets on parenting, marriage, social services, and teaching children responsibility and respect.
Debra earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling. Highly creative with multiple interests, her skills span the range from being a professional operating her own business, to designing and creating home accessories in her spare time. Retired from counseling, she now provides healthy living coaching and consulting services, teaches some of her skills to others, and has more books and booklets planned for publication.
Debra is a published author, consultant, speaker, wife, mother, and grandmother.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Help for those in therapy, June 21, 2003

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Life After MPD (Paperback)

This is not a lurid account of multiple personality disorder such as "Sybil." Nor are there graphic details of the abuse that Debra Lighthart, a licensed clinical psychologist, suffered as a child. This is a journal-like book outlining the steps Lighthart took during her therapy to deal with MPD, a result of childhood trauma.

The most interesting part of the book is Lighthart's description about how the multiple identities ("alters") emerged. They were not all living in her, fully formed with her swapping people in and out through some kind of mental revolving door. Instead, she gives a very different view of discovering how these "alters" function, one taking tests, another drawing and painting, another emerging as a healer ("Turtle"), the part seeking health and unity. Some of the alters seem to solidify into discrete entities only when analyzed. It's not exactly like you see in movies. And this would probably be of great help to someone going through therapy for this disorder, or doing therapy for other childhood trauma or post-stress difficulties. This is a good read for a clinical psychology student or a patient.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Case Study in Mental Integration, June 25, 2003

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Life After MPD (Paperback)

This book will primarily appeal to mental health professionals and students in related fields. Some patients who may have Dissociative Identity Disorder or Multiple Personality Order may also wish to read the book, as potentially will their family and friends.

Beginning with Freud, mental health professionals have made it a practice to write somewhat disguised, anonymous case histories of their patients. These try to look "in" where no one can really go, someone else's mental processes and experiences.

I have always found case histories of mental issues that are written by trained mental health professionals who were the patients made for more valuable case histories. That's what drew me to this book.

Before reading this, all I knew about the subject was seeing the move, The Three Faces of Eve.

Dr. Lighthart is clearly a highly intelligent, sensitive, multitalented, imaginative and observant person. What she describes about her therapy makes an experience that is beyond my comprehension somewhat understandable to me. She chooses to say relatively little about the abuse she suffered as a child, which makes the book easier to read. Since she didn't really remember the abuse until going into therapy, you find yourself learning to perceive it in much the same way she did.

Of all the case histories I have read about mental healing, this is the only one I can remember that places spiritual values in a central role. I was pleased to see that the book explained why that is a helpful approach.

Overall, my reaction to the book was to reinforce my belief that with the right questions and mental processes we can solve any problem in a magnificent way.

The book's main draw back is that the writing is loosely, rather than tightly related to the subject of telling her story. So you'll find a lot of unnecessary repetition . . . such as the many references to Dr. Lighthart's discussions with her art instructor.

Overall, I found that I learned a lot about the problems she had in overcoming her challenges.

If you decide to read this book, take some time afterwards to get to know someone you love much better by asking about her or his childhood memories. Be supportive and loving as you do!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended reading for psychology students, September 8, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life After MPD (Paperback)

Life After MPD by educator and licenced Clinical Pastoral Counselor Debra Lighthart is a deeply personal and revealing account of one woman's affliction with "Multiple Personality Disorder", the nightmare childhood that fractured her personality, and the long road to recovery. Profound, reverently reflecting a faith in God, and gut-wrenchingly real and straightforward in its description of how abuse can lead to psychological trauma, and uplifting in its recounting of the journey to wholeness through the gradual accumulation of trust. Life After MPD is recommended reading for psychology students, counseling practitioners, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in multiple personality disorder conditions.