‘This tough subject is handled with extraordinary compassion, and written in a compellingly clear, warm style that will engage laypeople and psychotherapy professionals alike. The twelve‐year connection between patient and therapist recounted here is a complex, looping, juddering rollercoaster ride; a journey readers will feel deeply invested in, and much compassion for.’
Joanne Owen, LoveReading.co.uk
‘It takes a unique kind of courage to go to deep places with a client who becomes a constellation of clients. Gill Frost has that courage, allied to the bravery of Vivian, Little Vivvi, Izzy, and others. The result is a compelling account of therapy that touches the soul.’
Alistair Ross, Associate Professor – Psychotherapy, Oxford University
‘This book is a gift to people living and working with dissociative identity disorder. The genuineness and power of this story captures the innate drive to survive a childhood that is beyond horrendous. ‘The Girls Within offers a unique insight into how different personalities have developed, how important each role was in survival, and how logical they are within the context of Vivian’s childhood. The beauty of this story is tangible on every page and will offer hope and insight to survivors, therapists, and many others.’
Melanie Goodwin, co-founder and chair of First Person Plural
‘Gill Frost, with her client Vivian and internal family, have written a remarkable book. This engaging narrative describes the inevitable challenges to the therapist’s assumptions, theoretical framework, and technique presented by DID. A crucial component was the use of an energy psychology modality. The resulting text is a very significant contribution to the literature in the three areas of trauma, DID, and energy psychotherapy.’
Phil Mollon, PhD, psychoanalyst and energy psychotherapist, author of ‘Multiple Selves, Multiple Voices’
‘This is an inspirational book which tells gripping, interweaving real‐life stories. First, it is about the respectful relationship between a thoughtful therapist and a courageous patient (and parts of a patient) with dissociative identity disorder. Second, with the subject hardly included in UK trainings, it helpfully shows Gill Frost’s responsible and reflective ways of making sense of what is happening, the hopes and hurdles. Third, we witness the hard work and integrity of all “the girls within” as they dare to tell their stories and offer their pieces of the jigsaw. At times harrowing, although never gratuitously, and ultimately hopeful, the unfolding account of “the girls within” will help professionals and survivors alike.’
Dr Valerie Sinason, 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award ISSTD
“You’ll think AIT sounds weird and whacky, but give it a try. The process is subtle, and at first you may not be sure it’s doing anything. However, as energy becomes unblocked it can be emotional and freeing.
· I’ve stopped jumping at every sudden movement and sound.
· I like being comforted now, which is a major change.
· I’ve stopped wanting lots of biscuits – two really is enough!
· I’ve even started to like my body and being a woman.
· I would like to recommend AIT without reservation.”
Laura. Psychologist. Midlands, UK
“AIT is a means of opening up the boxes inside. I thought I’d lose control if I opened them, but it was safe. By the end of all the sessions there were no more boxes; no trace of debris left behind. It has changed me, and my life. I’d be willing to speak to anyone who has doubts, or needs to talk about AIT.”
Angela. Leamington Spa, UK
“I was reluctant to try AIT, having had various mainstream types of counselling and therapy over the years for childhood abuse. I found AIT to be gentler than other therapies and unbelievably effective. For 20 years I had medically uncontrolled migraines several times a week. I haven’t had a migraine since my third session five years ago. It has been truly transformative.”
Dr Fiona Taylor. Scotland
“It is extremely gentle yet phenomenally powerful. I can’t get my head round how powerful it is, and the speed of it. The process gives instant access to your body, soul and energy. AIT is amazing. It’s transformed who I am; the real me has come to life!”
E.K. Warwickshire, UK
“I haven’t found AIT weird – I’m more inclined to complimentary therapies. It’s focused and makes sense, and it fits perfectly with talking therapy. It’s amazed me; I’ve been carting stuff around for so many years. I’ve been astounded by how much better I feel in such a short space of time. There’s been a complete turn around, a profound effect on every area of my life. I see and respond to things differently. The anxiety switch has been turned the other way.”
R.R. Midlands, UK
“If you embrace AIT and free yourself to trust it, your body will do the work. Listen to the whisper of your body. Trust your body to tell you the truth about what you need and how to do the work. It’s clear if you listen.”
I.F. Midlands, UK