Psychology professor Pam Birrell will lecture on “The Inner World of Multiple Personality: Journey into Wholeness” as part of the Supernova lecture series tonight.
Birrell is a senior instructor in the psychology department and a licensed therapist with a private practice in Eugene. She has worked in community mental health and at the state hospital, where she has gained plenty of experience dealing with multiple personality patients.
“I’ve worked with many people who were diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder, now called Dissociative Identity Disorder. I’ve learned a lot about what it’s like to be multiple, about healing from it, and the causes of it,” Birrell said.
According to Psychology Today, DID is a psychological disorder in which two or more distinct identities frequently take control of an individual’s mind and body. The causes of DID are uncertain, though it is common in trauma victims. The medical community disagrees on many aspects of DID, including whether or not it is even a real diagnosis.
Supernova member and University junior Jeremy Swanburg, the lecture organizer, explained that multiple personalities have been very confusing to people in the past.
“This presentation is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about Dissociative Personality Disorder or who just thinks it sounds interesting,” he said.
The Supernova series strives to provide educational entertainment to students and community members. “We want to produce things that are interesting, but also academic,” Swanburg said. “Our main goal is to connect people to the faculty.”
Birrell is not only well-versed on DID, she also has an uncommon viewpoint on the disorder.
“I’ve come to see (Dissociative Identity Disorder) not as being crazy, but as people who are very creative and have overcome extremely difficult circumstance through incredible creativity,” Birrell said.
“She is unique in her field and there is arguably no one better on campus who knows more about or has dealt more with dissociative personality disorders than Pam,” Swanburg said.
Birrell’s presentation is open to the public, regardless of area of study or previous knowledge of the topic. Refreshments and a discussion will be provided following the presentation.
Birrell’s lecture is tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. in Straub 146.
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