50%
to 80% of multiples have at least one ISH.
Sometimes they are called the “Center personality” or “Memory Trace” personality.
They are often fairly passive and emotionless – but not always.
They are fairly knowledgeable about the whole system of personalities and can offer information and insight into the workings of the system. This makes them most helpful during therapy.
They may help
the system in a variety of ways – mediating conflict between personalities,
getting help when suicide is attempted, and providing nurturing and comfort to
distressed personalities.
They are often
quite objective and non-judgmental about things. And they can be empathic and
compassionate towards the other personalities and/or other people. They may
also be rather spiritual.
There is
usually one main ISH but there can be helpers for smaller groups within.
I have an ISH
called Patience who has been amazingly helpful to my whole system of
personalities throughout the years. We also have had other helpers for
sub-groups within our system.
[Letter
to therapist from Karen’s ISH] “I hope some of this information will help you
in treating Karen. Although I would totally understand and trust how you would
use this information, I feel Karen is not ready for it somehow, someday, I hope
we can talk. Although I hear everything being told to Karen, she doesn’t have
any idea of what my thoughts or actions are. Sincerely, Katherine. [Therapist
writes “It’s nice to have Katherine as an ally on the inside.]”(Switching Time see BOOKS, ARTICLES)
