Carolyn Spring - Reversing Adversity

Unless I learn to use the word no and have it mean something, I cannot meaningfully use the word yes. Read full article: http://ow.ly/70E230l4GRG

Who am I? Questions of identity in dissociative identity disorder. Read full article: http://ow.ly/T6Oc30l4GNz

Dissociative identity disorder is a creative coping mechanism for surviving otherwise unendurable trauma. Read full article: http://ow.ly/nxnD30l4GKH

What is child sexual abuse? Read full article: http://ow.ly/ubT630l4GHt

Child sexual abuse is not a death sentence, and it is not a life sentence. We can heal, and we can be free. Read full article: http://ow.ly/Mqm530l4GDt

Triggers are merely signposts to what has yet to be integrated in my memory and experience. Read full article: http://ow.ly/4mcF30l4GBK

It's one thing to name powerlessness as a factor in my life; another to feel it & insist on moving towards recovery. Read full article: http://ow.ly/x76d30l4Gx0

All my symptoms and all my behaviours were communications. Read full article: http://ow.ly/2jPu30l4Gv9

Denial and dissociation are two sides of the same coin. Read full article: http://ow.ly/jrcV30l4Gtu

I went through the worst as a child on my own: I survived THAT. So I can surely survive this now as an adult. Read full article: http://ow.ly/TG8f30l4GpH

What better way to free ourselves from an abusive past than to refuse to abuse ourselves in the present? Read full article: http://ow.ly/gTeR30l4H94

My revenge has been found not in becoming an abuser myself, but in becoming the best human being that I can be. Read full article: http://ow.ly/chQF30kRO6r

The idea that feelings could simply be felt, without being avoided or acted upon, was an entirely novel one to me. Read full article: http://ow.ly/VrHZ30kRO3o

The essence of trauma is powerlessness: that unavoidable, inescapable overwhelming of suffering. Read full article: http://ow.ly/ysKG30kRO0M

Never had it occurred to me consciously that it was my fault; always unconsciously did I believe that it was. Read full article: http://ow.ly/ro6c30kRNwp

After the loneliness of trauma, the presence of another human being is transformative. Read full article: http://ow.ly/7gng30kRNsr

Healing doesn’t come through perpetuating the lies of the abuser, but through embracing the truth. Read full article: http://ow.ly/yHw930kRNoc

We are not damaged goods. We are gold refined in a crucible. Read full article: http://ow.ly/JG9k30kRNmO

I have been learning that feelings hurt but that what hurts more is what we do to avoid them in the first place. Read full article: http://ow.ly/LsmE30kRNih

Our latest course, 'Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice' is coming to a venue near you in 2018! :-)
This course looks at those questions and dilemmas that so many counsellors and therapists working with this client group face:
* How should you engage with ‘parts’?... * How can you avoid ‘retraumatising’ the client? * How do you work with the client who can’t properly remember the trauma? * What do you do with the client who cannot stay present during a session? * How do you deal with dependency? * Is integration the goal? * How do you pace sessions? * What do you do if you can’t get the adult ‘back’ at the end of a session? * And many more
Next up is Huntingdon on 27 January, followed by Darlington on 3 February, Crawley on 3 March, Manchester on both 9 & 10 March (same day running twice due to the Saturday being nearly full already), London on 14 April, Bristol on 21 April, Rotherham on 12 May and Exeter on 7 July.
You can find full information and how to book on our website at: https://events.pods-online.org.uk/working -with-dissociative…. The day runs from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm and costs £85 (group discounts and some concessions also available).
Dissociative disorders can be scary and complex to work with (they're scary and complex to live with!) but this training will equip you with really practical tools and a deep understanding of the dynamics of this kind of work. Get trained and empowered to help folk who have suffered terrible trauma regain their lives!
See More

Was lucky to be at Stirling on Friday ...fabulous day and thank you Carolyn for being you and not afraid to speak the truth while holding on to hope.Excellant value for money .,resource pack was outstanding .would be good to see the team back up in Scotland again, Thank you

Top quality training and resources packed full of clear, useful information. I feel equipped in my own recovery and my peer work with others. I am impressed by the inclusive ethos of PODS UK, I was able to access the training despite my own DID struggles; which can make absorbing a full day course in an unfamiliar place a real challenge. The PODS staff supplied all the information I needed to plan for the day and manage my anxiety.



Carolyn does not shy away from the realities of recovery and her broad knowledge base brings much needed balance to the issues of power and responsibility. I think that this kind of bold, empathetic role modelling of what recovery can be is a powerful one - one our world needs.

This course was the best delivered. I would recommend it to all Counsellors and Psychotherapists regardless of client base.



Never seen a day so well organised.



All I can say is I would travel a great distance to go to the next one.

The best training I have ever invested in. The organisation of materials and the event itself was outstanding. The training was delivered to the highest of standards, and presented information in an accessible manner which allowed one to understand complex ideas whilst continuously reinforcing the subject matter. Carolyn is an inspiration.

Pods has sent me out the credit card sized cards explaining DID and the diagnostic criteria, it has helped in moments of crisis and I add it to personal Independance payment forms, applications for bus pass etc. It really has helped a lot thank you

One of the best days training I’ve ever had. An inspirational, hopeful day on suicide and self harm - thank you

I've attended two training days by PODS and would go as far to say it's the most professional training I've been on, anywhere. Carolyn is incredibly inspiring and keeps my attention 100%. I would recommend to anyone to attend training and become a friend of PODS. First Class.

I have been on the training today.

I was really interested in the subject, before attending. After the day of attending,this increased.The mix of personal history and theory were in good preportion. I thought it was very well delivered and kept my attention throughout. Thank you for the hard work put in.

I had heard a lot of good reviews about PODS training so I had high expectations and I wasn’t disappointed. Right from the initial email inviting us to wear layers and bring a cushion to be sure we would be comfortable, the friendly welcome, the full-to-bursting delegate pack (including a free £7 resource book), the soothing music, professional presentation with accompanying handouts, everything about this training was spot on. Carolyn is a warm and engaging speaker and held my attention for the entire day of training on a subject that is mentally taxing. She has a solid understanding of trauma and dissociation. This is all presented in an interesting way with Carolyn navigating incredibly sensitive subjects to ensure that as many people as possible are trauma informed so that people who experience dissociation have the best chance of a positive outcomes and be hopeful for a positive future.

I feel less isolated because PODS exists, despite only having connected on facebook and through reading resources.

Highly recommended as superbly organised. Welcome pack/handouts on arrival. Excellent teaching skills, well paced delivery, great use of illustrations with good use of PowerPoint. (No death by PowerPoint, refreshing.) Sound system was brilliant. There is open question time at the end. Lovely atmosphere created. Thank you to you and all the team. See you in June.

Great training offered by this well organised group. The resources are very good and support the training really well. I look forward to attending future courses.

Flawless, educational, informative and delivered by an exceptional fellow human being with feeling, humanity, humility, courage and humour. Carolyn and PODS are pioneers in this oft misunderstood and delicate arena. Surpassed my expectations by a mile. An absolute Gem � accessible to anyone rising to the challenges from personal experience and/or health professionals who may benefit from deepening their understanding/insight and enhance their capacity to offer valuable support.

Fantastic trainings! Exceptionally well organised, informative, interesting, and inspirational!

Exceptional! Highly recommend for clinical or person learning. Very comprehensive and well worth the money. Will be going to more training days held by PODS. Thank you for spreading the message of hope.

Carolyn is one gutsy and honest lady. Her workshop was inspiring and empowering. The whole day was highly organised, informative and welcoming. I attended on my own but never felt alone. Thank you.

Booked onto a training course in March and I seriously cant wait for it. In the meantime I've started some online training and it is absolutely amazing, thank you so, so much �

An amazing informative course delivered by a compassionate and inspiring individual

An abandonment dynamic caused traumatic annihilation of my entire young life and because of being left in the wilderness and this dynamic never being dealt with therapeutically the dynamic re-occurred has an adult essentially my entire existence up to now is traumatised - finding PODS and finding the right therapist was an opportunity to provide the positive narrative going forward that 'all of me' David fully deserves and having found PODS I discovered a renewed vocabulary of what my life has been put through. I have attended 3 courses so far in essence in the second period of my life being mentally/physically tortured and read Carolyn' great book and currently reading 'Out of the Depths' which is a truly stunning book. The mantra cards I have on my desk and are invaluable for gritting out a very tough life and putting in the most positive effort and outcome I deserve. I find Carolyn very open and honest about her life and having such a positive stance is inspirational to others like me who also have remarkable toughness gentleness and compassion to others and ourselves.

Was lucky to be at Stirling on Friday ...fabulous day and thank you Carolyn for being you and not afraid to speak the truth while holding on to hope.Excellant value for money .,resource pack was outstanding .would be good to see the team back up in Scotland again, Thank you

Top quality training and resources packed full of clear, useful information. I feel equipped in my own recovery and my peer work with others. I am impressed by the inclusive ethos of PODS UK, I was able to access the training despite my own DID struggles; which can make absorbing a full day course in an unfamiliar place a real challenge. The PODS staff supplied all the information I needed to plan for the day and manage my anxiety.



Carolyn does not shy away from the realities of recovery and her broad knowledge base brings much needed balance to the issues of power and responsibility. I think that this kind of bold, empathetic role modelling of what recovery can be is a powerful one - one our world needs.

This course was the best delivered. I would recommend it to all Counsellors and Psychotherapists regardless of client base.



Never seen a day so well organised.



All I can say is I would travel a great distance to go to the next one.

The best training I have ever invested in. The organisation of materials and the event itself was outstanding. The training was delivered to the highest of standards, and presented information in an accessible manner which allowed one to understand complex ideas whilst continuously reinforcing the subject matter. Carolyn is an inspiration.

Pods has sent me out the credit card sized cards explaining DID and the diagnostic criteria, it has helped in moments of crisis and I add it to personal Independance payment forms, applications for bus pass etc. It really has helped a lot thank you

One of the best days training I’ve ever had. An inspirational, hopeful day on suicide and self harm - thank you

I've attended two training days by PODS and would go as far to say it's the most professional training I've been on, anywhere. Carolyn is incredibly inspiring and keeps my attention 100%. I would recommend to anyone to attend training and become a friend of PODS. First Class.

I have been on the training today.

I was really interested in the subject, before attending. After the day of attending,this increased.The mix of personal history and theory were in good preportion. I thought it was very well delivered and kept my attention throughout. Thank you for the hard work put in.

I had heard a lot of good reviews about PODS training so I had high expectations and I wasn’t disappointed. Right from the initial email inviting us to wear layers and bring a cushion to be sure we would be comfortable, the friendly welcome, the full-to-bursting delegate pack (including a free £7 resource book), the soothing music, professional presentation with accompanying handouts, everything about this training was spot on. Carolyn is a warm and engaging speaker and held my attention for the entire day of training on a subject that is mentally taxing. She has a solid understanding of trauma and dissociation. This is all presented in an interesting way with Carolyn navigating incredibly sensitive subjects to ensure that as many people as possible are trauma informed so that people who experience dissociation have the best chance of a positive outcomes and be hopeful for a positive future.

I feel less isolated because PODS exists, despite only having connected on facebook and through reading resources.

Highly recommended as superbly organised. Welcome pack/handouts on arrival. Excellent teaching skills, well paced delivery, great use of illustrations with good use of PowerPoint. (No death by PowerPoint, refreshing.) Sound system was brilliant. There is open question time at the end. Lovely atmosphere created. Thank you to you and all the team. See you in June.

Great training offered by this well organised group. The resources are very good and support the training really well. I look forward to attending future courses.

Flawless, educational, informative and delivered by an exceptional fellow human being with feeling, humanity, humility, courage and humour. Carolyn and PODS are pioneers in this oft misunderstood and delicate arena. Surpassed my expectations by a mile. An absolute Gem � accessible to anyone rising to the challenges from personal experience and/or health professionals who may benefit from deepening their understanding/insight and enhance their capacity to offer valuable support.

Fantastic trainings! Exceptionally well organised, informative, interesting, and inspirational!

Exceptional! Highly recommend for clinical or person learning. Very comprehensive and well worth the money. Will be going to more training days held by PODS. Thank you for spreading the message of hope.

Carolyn is one gutsy and honest lady. Her workshop was inspiring and empowering. The whole day was highly organised, informative and welcoming. I attended on my own but never felt alone. Thank you.

Booked onto a training course in March and I seriously cant wait for it. In the meantime I've started some online training and it is absolutely amazing, thank you so, so much �

An amazing informative course delivered by a compassionate and inspiring individual

An abandonment dynamic caused traumatic annihilation of my entire young life and because of being left in the wilderness and this dynamic never being dealt with therapeutically the dynamic re-occurred has an adult essentially my entire existence up to now is traumatised - finding PODS and finding the right therapist was an opportunity to provide the positive narrative going forward that 'all of me' David fully deserves and having found PODS I discovered a renewed vocabulary of what my life has been put through. I have attended 3 courses so far in essence in the second period of my life being mentally/physically tortured and read Carolyn' great book and currently reading 'Out of the Depths' which is a truly stunning book. The mantra cards I have on my desk and are invaluable for gritting out a very tough life and putting in the most positive effort and outcome I deserve. I find Carolyn very open and honest about her life and having such a positive stance is inspirational to others like me who also have remarkable toughness gentleness and compassion to others and ourselves.

Was lucky to be at Stirling on Friday ...fabulous day and thank you Carolyn for being you and not afraid to speak the truth while holding on to hope.Excellant value for money .,resource pack was outstanding .would be good to see the team back up in Scotland again, Thank you

Top quality training and resources packed full of clear, useful information. I feel equipped in my own recovery and my peer work with others. I am impressed by the inclusive ethos of PODS UK, I was able to access the training despite my own DID struggles; which can make absorbing a full day course in an unfamiliar place a real challenge. The PODS staff supplied all the information I needed to plan for the day and manage my anxiety.



Carolyn does not shy away from the realities of recovery and her broad knowledge base brings much needed balance to the issues of power and responsibility. I think that this kind of bold, empathetic role modelling of what recovery can be is a powerful one - one our world needs.

This course was the best delivered. I would recommend it to all Counsellors and Psychotherapists regardless of client base.



Never seen a day so well organised.



All I can say is I would travel a great distance to go to the next one.

The best training I have ever invested in. The organisation of materials and the event itself was outstanding. The training was delivered to the highest of standards, and presented information in an accessible manner which allowed one to understand complex ideas whilst continuously reinforcing the subject matter. Carolyn is an inspiration.

Pods has sent me out the credit card sized cards explaining DID and the diagnostic criteria, it has helped in moments of crisis and I add it to personal Independance payment forms, applications for bus pass etc. It really has helped a lot thank you

One of the best days training I’ve ever had. An inspirational, hopeful day on suicide and self harm - thank you

I've attended two training days by PODS and would go as far to say it's the most professional training I've been on, anywhere. Carolyn is incredibly inspiring and keeps my attention 100%. I would recommend to anyone to attend training and become a friend of PODS. First Class.

I have been on the training today.

I was really interested in the subject, before attending. After the day of attending,this increased.The mix of personal history and theory were in good preportion. I thought it was very well delivered and kept my attention throughout. Thank you for the hard work put in.

I had heard a lot of good reviews about PODS training so I had high expectations and I wasn’t disappointed. Right from the initial email inviting us to wear layers and bring a cushion to be sure we would be comfortable, the friendly welcome, the full-to-bursting delegate pack (including a free £7 resource book), the soothing music, professional presentation with accompanying handouts, everything about this training was spot on. Carolyn is a warm and engaging speaker and held my attention for the entire day of training on a subject that is mentally taxing. She has a solid understanding of trauma and dissociation. This is all presented in an interesting way with Carolyn navigating incredibly sensitive subjects to ensure that as many people as possible are trauma informed so that people who experience dissociation have the best chance of a positive outcomes and be hopeful for a positive future.

I feel less isolated because PODS exists, despite only having connected on facebook and through reading resources.

Highly recommended as superbly organised. Welcome pack/handouts on arrival. Excellent teaching skills, well paced delivery, great use of illustrations with good use of PowerPoint. (No death by PowerPoint, refreshing.) Sound system was brilliant. There is open question time at the end. Lovely atmosphere created. Thank you to you and all the team. See you in June.

Great training offered by this well organised group. The resources are very good and support the training really well. I look forward to attending future courses.

Flawless, educational, informative and delivered by an exceptional fellow human being with feeling, humanity, humility, courage and humour. Carolyn and PODS are pioneers in this oft misunderstood and delicate arena. Surpassed my expectations by a mile. An absolute Gem � accessible to anyone rising to the challenges from personal experience and/or health professionals who may benefit from deepening their understanding/insight and enhance their capacity to offer valuable support.

Fantastic trainings! Exceptionally well organised, informative, interesting, and inspirational!

Exceptional! Highly recommend for clinical or person learning. Very comprehensive and well worth the money. Will be going to more training days held by PODS. Thank you for spreading the message of hope.

Carolyn is one gutsy and honest lady. Her workshop was inspiring and empowering. The whole day was highly organised, informative and welcoming. I attended on my own but never felt alone. Thank you.

Booked onto a training course in March and I seriously cant wait for it. In the meantime I've started some online training and it is absolutely amazing, thank you so, so much �

An amazing informative course delivered by a compassionate and inspiring individual

An abandonment dynamic caused traumatic annihilation of my entire young life and because of being left in the wilderness and this dynamic never being dealt with therapeutically the dynamic re-occurred has an adult essentially my entire existence up to now is traumatised - finding PODS and finding the right therapist was an opportunity to provide the positive narrative going forward that 'all of me' David fully deserves and having found PODS I discovered a renewed vocabulary of what my life has been put through. I have attended 3 courses so far in essence in the second period of my life being mentally/physically tortured and read Carolyn' great book and currently reading 'Out of the Depths' which is a truly stunning book. The mantra cards I have on my desk and are invaluable for gritting out a very tough life and putting in the most positive effort and outcome I deserve. I find Carolyn very open and honest about her life and having such a positive stance is inspirational to others like me who also have remarkable toughness gentleness and compassion to others and ourselves.