Switching Time

A Doctor's Harrowing Story of Treating a Woman with 17 Personalities

By: Richard Baer M.D.

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Switching Time is the first story centering on multiple personality disorder to be told by the treating physician. It is the incredible saga of a young woman stranded in unimaginable darkness who, in order to survive, created 17 different versions of herself.

In 1989, Karen Overhill walked into the office of psychiatrist Richard Baer complaining of depression. She poured out a litany of complaints, but in the disengaged way of someone who has experienced a terrible trauma. Slowly, Baer began to peel back the layers, eventually learning that Karen had been the victim of childhood sexual abuse. As time passed, though, his patient worsened and began to talk continually of suicide. Details of her abuse accumulated until he saw, via hypnosis, the true dimension of what Karen had suffered.

Baer was at a loss to explain Karen's sanity, precarious though it was, until he received a letter from a little girl, Claire. One by one, Karen's "alters" began showing themselves: men, women, young boys, a toddler, black, white, vicious, nurturing, prim, licentious. And their "stepping out" confronted Baer with the challenge of a lifetime. Somehow, to save Karen, he would have to gain the trust of her alters in order to destroy them.

©2007 Richard Baer, M.D. (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"An important and insightful look into the world of a multiple." (Cameron West, author of First Person Plural)
"Vivid...loaded with fascinating details... richly rewarding." (Colin Ross, author of Multiple Personality Order and The Osiris Complex)

So sad, but so interesting

Wow- to be brief, if you're interested in the mind, psychology, multiple personalities, depression or people in general, you will probably find this hard to put down.
Having said that, if you don't like to hear about terrible things happening to people in a truly sadistic and disgusting manner (although compared to the violence we see on the news, TV and movies in general, it's probably not that shocking), then I might consider passing.
I can't stand violence, and to hear some of the things that happened to this poor woman made me sick to imagine, but it also made me truly understand her, and perhaps some other people out there who just don't seem to be with it. The reading was excellent. And the questions the book raised about the mind, at least to me, makes me wonder much more about what our minds are capable of, in both positive and negative aspects.
Highly recommended, but beware the more empathetic- it will hurt.

This book is a must read!

I know someone who may have this and this was an amazing introduction to the disorder and it was captivating from the very beginning. I would start listening and I had to force myself to press pause. Lloyd James does an amazing job at navigating an amazing book. I appreciate being able to follow the entire journey from beginning to diagnosis to repair and remission. This book is one I am so happy I bought and this will not be the last time I listen to it!

Overwhelming read! Impeccable narration!

This book was very well written and very immersive. Informative and insightful. I enjoyed delving into Dr Baer's perspective and thoughts at each turn. It was heart-wrenching throughout but something more people need to know. The narrator was great, he managed all of the voices so well.

Unbelievable

When Karen wakes up suddenly after giving birth, she is disoriented and unsure who she is or what to do. She recognizes no one. So begins a path for Karen that ultimately reveals who she is and why she 'loses' time.

The childhood of this brave woman is stolen from her and was so horrific she had to create 17 personalities to deal with the abuse. The sad thing is that so many people were involved, including those closest to her who should have been her protectors. Dr. Baer does an excellent job of telling Karen's story and details it pretty much as it unfolded for him. There are not many parts that are out of order and it is rewarding to see the progress made by this woman. I particularly liked the way he said he didn't know when he didn't know or was stuck or baffled by Karen's behavior. I also liked the way he let Karen lead the way when it came to reintegrating her personalities.

There is much insight and grace in this listen. I wish the best for Karen and her children. I hope she lives in peace today.

WOW

This has been a fascinating day. I have listened to the entire audiobook in one sitting. What courageous people “Karen” and Dr. Baer were! What horrendous things happened to “Karen” and yet she endured with the help of her alters. It is almost unbelievable and yet I am more convinced than not that occasionally multiple personalities save horrifically abused children.
I must add that the narrator, Lloyd James did a marvelous job portraying so many different voices so well.

A little long, but very good

Switching Time was about an extremely complex person, but the book itself was easy to follow. This book was very interesting and I would listen to it again.

Very Interesting Story

I bought this audiobook wanting a deeper dive into the psyche of someone dealing with MPD. This narrative does an amazing job at giving readers a peek into this person's life story and perspective. No matter the controversial opinions surrounding the truthfulness or existence of MPD, this story was a woman's reality. A very interesting and compelling listen.

A Must Read

Once you start listening you can't stop! I loved every minute. Leaves you thinking about Karen and what she's been through.

Amazing detail and insight on DID

By far the best illustration of this mental illness. fascinating book and story. I have recommended this book to colleagues that work with me in the mental health field.

Rescue the children

As a person who suffered ritualistic abuse as a child, I hesitated to listen to this book when my daughter recommended it. I decided to read it anyway and it was an interesting eye opener. Once I started to listen, I couldn't stop. I actually learned a couple of things and they helped me. it would be prayers answered if this book helps just one child escape being abused.