System Speak: Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders Guest: Sandra Simpson
Nov 24, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Sandra Simpson, a passionate advocate living with dissociative identity disorder, delves into the challenges and triumphs of her journey. She shares her experiences with misdiagnosis and child sex trafficking and highlights the important work of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel at McLean Hospital. Sandra discusses her advocacy goals, the innovative PhotoVoice project, and the powerful impact of lived-experience research. They also explore the balance of public vulnerability, family safety, and the transformative nature of learning about neuroplasticity.
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Late Diagnosis Led To Advocacy
- Sandra Simpson shares her late-in-life DID diagnosis after years of misdiagnosis and untreated trauma.
- She found trauma-informed care at McLean and now pursues advocacy through LEAP.
Lived Experience Improves Care
- LEAP uses lived experience to shape clinical research and destigmatize DID.
- Sandra emphasizes that people with DID bring valuable expertise to healthcare improvement.
Use PhotoVoice For Relevant Research
- Use participatory methods like PhotoVoice to generate relevant research questions with community members.
- Teach simple skills (e.g., phone photography) so participants can document and explain their lived challenges.