Welcome to our group!
Christian Carers Network Victoria Inc (CCNV) is a support group that began in 1998 and evolved from meetings held by the Victorian Branch of Health Care In Christ, of Christian professionals in the health industry which incorporated counsellors and health care professionals as well as ministers and chaplains and prayer counsellors. It became evident that a number of the members of this group, were working with people who had suffered traumatic events in their lives. These clients were experiencing dissociative episodes, being only a part of a co-morbidity of other disorders such as depression, drug addictions, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and suicidal tendancies.
Although there appeared to be support within the community for many of these other issues, there seemed to be little understanding or support for those with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).
Mr George Patriki assembled and chaired the first meeting of this group, and continued to run it for a number of years, under the Victorian directorship of the late Dr John Ouw (Psychiatrist). Dr Ouw in his compassion for these people dedicated much of his practice to assisting those with this disorder.
Dissociative Identity Disorder, although listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition (DSMIV) is not a mental illness. It can be well treated with long term therapy.
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
The primary characteristic of this disorder is the existence of more than one distinct identity or personality within the same individual. The identities will ‘take control’ of the person at different times, they are unable to recall important personal information, particulary about traumatic events which is more than normal forgetfulness.
How does someone become dissociative?
DID usually develops in childhood as a result of severe psychological, physical, sexual & /or spiritual abuse.
How can the Christian Carers Network Victoria help me?
The CCNV does not as an organisation participate in therapy with clients, but offers support to those who do. We can support the workers, by educating them to have understanding and compassion in working with their clients.
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