Testimonials
Written by TW:
"There are rare moments in life when you meet someone whose kindness, compassion, and understanding change not only your world but your whole life. For me, Kathy is that person. From our very first conversation, I felt seen, heard, and supported. Before I found the Blog and joined the DID Forum, I felt like I had to struggle alone and was so lost in the darkness. Living with DID often feels overwhelming and isolating. Then I discovered the spaces that Kathy built—her Blog, the Forum, and then the retreats. It was Kathy and the resources she created that helped me find my way out of the darkness and I was no longer alone. Her knowledge and many years of experience have allowed me to understand myself and my journey, and her hope has made me believe that healing is possible if you are willing to do the work.
The Blog, DID Forum, and retreats she created are more than just websites—they are lifelines and sources of hope. It is rare to find spaces that not only encourage open communication but also provide support and a genuine sense of belonging. These treasured spaces are the only places where we can be seen, accepted and supported
When Kathy created the forum, she established a place where judgment is replaced by encouragement, and fear is gently turned into hope. The forum has welcomed everyone by nurturing an atmosphere where every question is met with thoughtful responses, and each contribution is valued. The forum is more than an online space; it is a collage of voices echoing hope, compassion, and the courage to speak the unspeakable. Members of the forum demonstrate the courage it takes to show up, the strength it takes to heal, and the kindness it takes to care but also by the commitment to growth, understanding and resilience.
Before joining the forum, I felt like my story didn’t matter. But here, I found the courage to speak the words that never could be spoken and the strength to challenge old “childhood” rules. I found knowledge that replaced confusion and support that eased my pain. I found friends who became the best support system I have ever had in my life—people who truly understand and stand by me through the hardest times and celebrate with me on the successful things in my life.
Support within the forums and retreats transcends the superficial. It is threaded through late-night messages of reassurance, heartfelt responses to disclosures, and the gentle guidance offered by forum members who are on similar journeys as we are. It is found in communal laughter, in tears shed together, and in the unwavering reminder: you do not walk this path alone.
Kathy and my forum friends gave me the gift of believing that my voice matters. Her forum is proof that every story deserves to be heard. She has empowered us not just to heal ourselves, but to reach out and support others who are also struggling. My self-confidence has grown, my anxiety has lessened, and my belief in the future feels real—thanks to Kathy’s and my forum friends’ unwavering support.
Kathy strength is quiet yet powerful. It is evident in the moments where words are unnecessary, as she simply sits with you in your struggles and pain. She leads not from a distance, but with her whole heart. She is the heart of these spaces, and her example inspires all of us to keep moving forward, together.
I am far from alone in this. I’ve read so many stories from fellow survivors whose lives have been changed by Kathy’s compassion and understanding. I see people who once doubted themselves now standing tall, thanks to her encouragement and support. I see hope restored, and so much growth within our forum community.
I am constantly inspired by Kathy’s advocacy. She doesn’t just support us here—she encourages us to speak up, to educate, and to shine our own lights into the world. Because of her, I now have the tools and the courage to advocate for myself and others. The awareness she spreads, both inside and outside the forum, is making a real difference in how DID is understood and supported.
Healing is never linear, and there are still dark days. But because of Kathy and the priceless spaces she has created, I know that there will always be a place where I am welcomed, supported, and understood. Kathy’s dedication stands as a reminder that positive change is possible, that every voice deserves to be heard, and that self awareness and perseverance is the most enduring foundation for growth. Her dedication is a light that will never fade, and I am endlessly grateful. This community will long shine as a guiding light—for survivors, and all who journey together—embracing the power of compassion and connection. Kathy’s light shines on us all, and it’s a light that I carry with me, even on my darkest days.
Kathy, thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, for me and for all of us. Your wisdom, gentle caring and hope have changed lives—including mine. The light you’ve brought into the world will never stop shining, and your legacy will continue in every story shared and every survivor who finds comfort in this community. With all my heart, thank you." ~ TW
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Written by PPP:
"A One-of-a-Kind Experience — The Discussing Dissociation Retreats
The Discussing Dissociation Retreats have been some of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. They bring together everything that makes the community special: safety, connection, learning, and laughter all in one place.
There is simply no better way to understand your own system than to witness another system in action. The retreats create space for that kind of shared discovery. Every part of a system, be they adults, teens, or kids, are welcomed and valued. You’ll meet happy insiders, sad insiders, artistic ones, playful ones, grouchy ones, tough ones and every kind in between. Each part finds a place to connect, heal, and be understood in a fun, supportive, and protected atmosphere.
The activities are thoughtfully designed to encourage both inner and outer connection: adventure walks, creative art projects, group discussions, safe and silly games, team-building puzzles, and outings that remind us what joy and trust feel like. Every exercise offers another opportunity to learn about your own system and to witness the beautiful variety of others.
What makes these retreats so unique is the atmosphere of genuine togetherness and respect. Everyone comes together to learn, play, and heal — not just through words, but through shared experiences. It’s a rare thing to see healthy friendships modelled so naturally and to watch people who once felt isolated discover they truly belong.
Each retreat has evolved into one of the most powerful ways to build lasting bonds and kinship among attendees. It’s where laughter becomes medicine, creativity becomes communication, and community becomes a true circle of support.
For anyone wanting to deepen understanding, experience safety, and find joy in being fully seen — the Discussing Dissociation Retreats are an unforgettable opportunity to heal and grow in ways that stay with you long after you return home." ~ PPP
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Written by Melinda:
"We've been lucky enough in the past to have joined an in-person DID group. Entering that group was quite scary, however, as soon as I sat down and listened to people talk and noticed their body positioning, and their languaging, I knew I had found my people and I was no longer alone.
The Discussing Dissociation forum has been like that for us. It is a place of safety. It is a place of connection and of belonging. It is like finding a new family within which we feel like we can finally be ourselves.
It was quite scary in the beginning to join the forum, and I think that was true for all members up till the newest member today. Once we started engaging with others and sharing our own story, we found how welcoming others were, and how not alone we are in our journey.
It's still unbelievable to us how welcoming and affirming it is to belong to such a group. There is a wide variety of ages, beliefs, where we come from, whether the US or other countries. There is a wide variety of when each of each of us who made newly be diagnosed or those diagnosed years and years ago. And there may be some that are still not technically diagnosed, but are aware of their insiders. There are some that are just beginning to learn about their system, and others with vast experience. There are those who have suffered abuse of the hands of their families when they were young and growing up, there are those that were involved in ritualized abuse, there are those who are still in present-day abuse, among other scenarios.
What is beautiful about this community? As we learn and grow together, there is no shaming, there's only deep-held respect for each other.
The support within this community is unbelievable. Other survivors coming alongside, sharing their stories, their experiences as they learn to navigate their lives. Everyone here is so gracious, so supportive and caring, each in their own way.
From the earliest steps of joining up and introducing ourselves to having amazing interactions and helpful advice, as well as someone there to listen is, we can't put a price on. For us, we feel lucky to call each community member here our friend. Even while we don't know everyone as well as others but we get to know each other pretty well, especially as we've been here for 6 years. We know in some groups that it can feel like cliques form. However, that does not seem to be the case here. For those just beginning to join us, there are many here waiting to welcome and greet you all.
While we have been a part of other forums, they have been mostly peer-led, while here we do have administrative support as well as the guidance of Kathy Broady. Also, each member consents to treat each other respectfully and to follow the rules of the forum to keep everyone safe. We trust the safety within this forum and know that great lengths have been taken to ensure this is true for everyone. And while this doesn't happen often, there may be a few disagreements from time to time between members, and if it were to get out of hand ~Kathy is always there to step in and help address any situation that might arise.
There is such a wide variety of information of questioning thoughts of each of our experiences that we find ourselves learning something new every day. And for those that are new, it may seem overwhelming at first. But, you will soon find yourselves able to navigate the forum more easily and find others who are committed to understanding and sharing our journeys together here with you all.
We would definitely encourage anyone who is struggling with DID to maybe first check out the blog at discussingdissociation.com and then come join us here at the forum! We are waiting to welcome you here into our community!" ~ Melinda
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