Switching Time

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

By: Richard Baer M.D.

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Wonderful

This book was a fascinating read! Definitely something that I’ll be reading again for years to come.
It should probably come with a Trigger warning though.

Fascinating and heartbreaking

Although this was at times very difficult to listen to because of the horrific abuse she endured, it was also such an uplifting story of survival. I'm glad I listened too it.

Like Sybil, only worse....

When I first started listening to this book, I started questioning some of the information. So much of it is hard to believe, or maybe, I just didn't want to believe people could be so horrible. But the more I listened to it, the more I was pulled in, understanding what this poor woman had been through as a child and how it affected her entire life.. The doctor who wrote this book does a very good job of explaining why Karen, the person the book is about, split apart, what she did to handle things, why she looked the way she did and how she coped with so many periods of her life unaccounted for.. It really is fascinating, and sad, all at the same time.. Such unbelievable abuse at the hands of her father, her grandfather, her mother, priest and a police man, all the people she should have turned to for trust... Fascinating what the mind is capable of doing in order to protect itself... Simply fascinating...

Not for the faint if heart

Any additional comments?

It's a very intense listen, very vivid descriptions of violent acts that took place in the life of the patient to bring her to the point she was. Fascinating all the same the way the human mind seeks to protect its self. It's a triumphant story for both dr and patient. Defiantly worth reading.

Excellent true, moving story of a multiple personality told by a psychiatrist.

A truly amazing story of a troubled patient who is cured by a caring psychiatrist. Through his care, he brings his patient back to a normal world in which she can function in society and realize that there are people who do care.

The most amazing story of MPD ive ever read

Shockingly, intense, emotional, had to listen to it twice.
The human spirit is an amazing and complex thing
Frightening to know other children have gone through this in the past , right now, in the future and know on will know its happening.
Thank God for this doctor, who stepped up the challenge

Heartbreaking

this is a heartbreaking novel. While some of it is hard to believe, I must believe this woman created multi personalities to deal with abhorrent amounts of physical and mental abuse. The abuse detailed in this book made me sick. Everyone that thinks children are resilient should read or listen to this.

What a horrific childhood, excellent book

It was overwhelming at times as i listened to this. Its incredible that she survived the unspeakable abuse. Thank God for a wonderful dr who was willing to understand and help her. A very good book, educational and inspiring. Worth every penny and credit

WOW, Is all I can say! Heart breaking but triumpha

The narrator was excellent, some parts were hard to hear but so worth it. Definitely recommend

Unbelievable story

This was the hardest book I've ever listened to, and the most eye opening at the same time. Equal parts horrifying and fascinating, I've gained a new appreciation for both those who undergo such difficult pasts and arduous therapy, as well as for the doctors who walk their patients toward a better future. Reader beware: this could be triggering for those who have experienced abuse as a child, especially sexal abuse; the descriptions are quite graphic and disturbing. Absolutely incredible book, in my opinion.