#system maps

Our first one looked a lot like this, just some colored names and circles that touched or overlapped. Our therapist had drawn the basic ANP/EP diagrams to help explain dissociative parts in DID, and asked what we thought it might look like for us. 

During the early months of therapy we doodled a lot of variations to explain how we were feeling, some that showed how we felt about each other now, or where we felt our pasts were connected. They helped us clarify how we thought about ourselves and each other.

You’re welcome. Please let me know if this doesn’t answer your question. I’m not certain I understand what you’re asking completely.

Some system maps come from the script used. Some scripts are easily mapped. For example, The Wizard Oz, Alice in Wonderland and in the future the Harry Potter series. I can think of others but, don’t want to get off topic.

The above mentioned stories can be mapped as they have “two worlds” in them which assists with dissociation and programming. They also have different locations where alters can be placed. So, if you were to look at a map of The Land of Oz you would have a good idea how someone internal landscape layout.

The programmers will build from the scripts keeping documentation of everything they have placed in the system.

So, this is us. At least its our best guess at visualizing the nature of our dissociative selves. The triangle is when we were a toddler, the rest followed. The larger stars are elaborated parts with distinct senses of self, memories of our life, preferences, attitudes and beliefs, with significant amnesia/blackouts, responses to triggers, and in some cases, my "old" accent from the homeland. Oh, and two fictives, though they both find the word repulsive.

The smaller stars are IFS dissociated parts of self. Exiles stuck in trauma responses, and protectors desperately trying to keep them contained. Fragments of my past that were severed. Solutions to problems that just wouldn't stop. And there are hundreds of them. We've unburdened, witnessed and retrieved a dozen or so in therapy so far.

System maps cover the entire system. The map will show what alters are in what area, their names, task/job ect. The map will show landscapes, landmarks, buildings and other areas of importance. If a system has five levels with four quadrants on each level the map may be set up like an atlas. With a map showing the level (state) then smaller maps of each quadrant (counties) then maps of each area in the quadrant (city).