DID, High-Control Systems, and Plural Identity
From Beyond The Surface by Samantha Sellers
May 13, 2026 · 1h 9m · Episode 111
About this episode
A conversation exploring dissociative identity disorder and its intersection with high-control environments, emphasizing the need for genuine support in mental health.
Psychologist Joh Knyn joins Sam for a thoughtful and nuanced conversation about dissociative identity disorder. A topic that is so often misunderstood, sensationalised, or flattened into something it isn't. Together they explore the intersection of DID and high-control environments, unpacking how trauma shapes plural identity and what genuine, affirming support actually looks like in a therapeutic context. Joh brings both clinical expertise and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are, and the conversation makes a compelling case for why the mental health field needs to rethink how it approaches and affirms plural identities rather than pathologising them. For listeners who live with DID, love someone who does, or work in a helping profession, this episode offers something rare; a conversation that takes plural experience seriously and holds it with the care it deserves. Who Is Joh? Johanna Knyn is a psychologist based in Australia who works mostly with complex trauma and dissociative identities. Her work focuses on helping both clients and clinicians make sense of experiences that are often misunderstood — including dissociation, plurality, and the impact of…
People in this episode
Host: Samantha Sellers
Guest: Joh Knyn
Topics covered
- dissociative identity disorder
- high-control environments
- plural identity
- trauma
- mental health
- therapeutic support
Keywords
- DID
- plural identity
- trauma
- mental health
- psychology
- high-control systems
- therapeutic support
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for DID: The Workbook
Places: Australia
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