I think it depends on how far that therapist is willing to go in learning about DID, talking with other docs who have successfully treated it, doing some reading and getting supervision when it is needed. If you already have a good therapeutic relationship, it may be worth sticking around and seeing what they will be willing do offer to you. Sounds like a frank discussion would be in order. Good luck!
Karen

karens10 is right. Does your current therapist believe you have DID and is she willing to learn and work with you? If so give it a try.

We never had one that didn't know about it and how to deal but if they are empathetic and most of you trust them then that is what is most important. We have known ones who said they were DID docs who didn't really believe in it and tried to get people to recant, or ignored their alters. if she listens to littles and understands what is happening when protector alters are around then she/he is OK. Protector alters are not "BAD" because they do things that seem hurtful... its just the only way they know to help and they need help figuring out other ways...

We worked with a therapist for 8 years and we were his first MPD client. We would be with him now if we didn't move out of state. We was an excellent therapist for several reasons.
1.) he believed in MPD and was willing to learn
2.) he had extensive history of working with trauma survivors
3.) He was able to practice sound therapy with children, teens and adults (ie littles, middles, and bigs)
4.) He had experience with a variety of disorders like PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, all of which some or all of our alters experience.
5.) He was flexible
We truly believe that anhyone with these qualities can work with MPD's with or without experience.

I have to agree with what the others have said: it matters far more that the person is a generally competent therapist who is willing to learn than that they are already an expert. True, the most helpful therapist I have had was at Timberlawn, but I think that is more a reflection on some of the folks I have had here locally than on anything else. If you work well with the therapist and they are willing to learn, then being the "first" isn't necessarily a bad thing. Either way, you're the only one who can make the decision to stay or go -- unless the therapist decides not to continue working with you, as has happened to me. I just hope that you find someone you can work with, expert or not.

Annie

I have had 4 therapists, the first 3 did not even consider DID. I basically figured it out on my own after being diagnosed with PTSD and Major depressive disorder. I did a lot of reading and meditation, and through meditation I realized that I had something else going on, and then I researched therapists that specialize in trauma and dissociation, and found by far the best therapist of the 4, and I am making a lot of progress, so I am biased to say that finding someone with more experience is better. Just my 2 cents.

I had psychartrist that refused to believe in the exist of mpd until they day that I did the SCID-D I scorred 100% on all and he believe in mpd it was ashame though. I (James) who want the main was planning on changing hi mind? he retired soon after lol

We have been working with our current therapist for 8.5 years and he has a lot of experience with DID, however in the last year or so he has taken on a student intern and she has NO experience with multiples and passed judgment without even getting to know ME. She proceeded to tell Jaye that I was aggressive this past summer but seem more laid back now. This judgment has me in an uproar mainly because it is unjust and even our regular therapist has said he feels the same way.

Anyways personally I would go with one that has experience with DID and all its quirks!

Just my two Cents

JT

The therapist i work with now was a referral from the former president of the isstd but he has never had a private patient with did and frankly wasnt sold on the diagnosis and neither was i. we both were skeptical to say the least but as he has said several times just because some people who say they were abused as children are lying it doesnt mean all people who say they were abused as children are lying and we know for a fact that sadly many were abused. So, he accepted the diagnosis much easier than me and seems to be more willing to deal with it too. it seems his main strengths in dealing with me are compassion, patience which he has in abundance, flexibility, intelligence, kindness, an open mind, respect for me and my struggles and a keen sense of humor. Qualities that are important in any therapist I think. Id say his willingness to explore the disorder and ability to admit that we, in the collective sense, dont really know what happens when our psyche splits or how to heal it but can only do our best also is helpful he mentioned that just last night. I guess it just depends on the therapists willingness to challenge him/herself and to be open to learning and being supportive. I decided against a therapist who had a lot of experience with DID who was located much closer because I had the impression that she felt she knew it all when we spoke on the phone and I think now two years later that I made the right choice. I hope whatever you decide its the best possible fit for you.

Is this the same therapist that wanted you to move with him/her and live behind their house?

if so... be careful that they aren't just using you to further their career or write a book or something, and make sure they genuinely care about your well being and want to help you

I know sometimes therapist can be so intrigued by DID they can get their priorities and ethical boundaries mixed up

BUT as far as working with someone who has never worked with DID before.... I think its fine if they are willing to continuously learn... It is probably very hard to find a therapist that is very experienced with working with DID patients...