I’ve been talking a lot about Chicago because of course, I’d like to see you in Chicago.   Having you join me live and meeting you in-person at the Royal Sonesta for the P4² DID Conference would be awesome.  No doubt. 

However, of course, I also understand that not everyone can get to Chicago to be there live and in-person, and that’s why, OF COURSE, there is a virtual ZOOM option.   

In fact, our very own Laura —  the Email Consultant for Discussing Dissociation, and also the Forum Manager for DDCF, DDEF, and SSPA — will be our P4² Zoom Leader.

So….. do you want to be a Roomie with me?

Or a Zoomie with Miss Laura?

Kathy or Laura?  Laura or Kathy? 

Actually, we’ll both be there, so you’ll get time with both of us. 🙂 

But is the Zoom Option Worth It?

Oh, absolutely!

There is still so much that can happen over Zoom.  You’ll be able to see all Conference Presentations on Saturday and Sunday, be present for the Friday evening Meet-n-Greet with the Art Presentation (and maybe for some of Saturday evening as well), participate in Q&A’s, see the videos, have conversations with other Zoomies, and of course, be right there to give Miss Laura all kinds of hassle.  (Yep, I’m confident in her ability to handle all of y’all out there in Zoom land!).  Laura is a hoot and a half, so y’all will be in for a good time, no doubt.   

While we aren’t able to show all the live-event conference activities virtually, (ie: the Friday Adventure Walk around the city of Chicago), the majority of the Inside-the-Sonesta elements of the conference will be zoomed live.  In case of technical difficulties, you’ll have pre-prepared videos to watch.   You won’t miss out — you will still get all the information, the experience, the fun.  Our conference coordinator is doing her best to be ready to weather any storm.   

So YES!   The virtual option will definitely be an amazing, worthwhile opportunity.

But don’t take my word for it.  Here is a P4 2020’s Zoomer’s true story experience.   Check this out:

A Zoomie’s P4 2020 Take-Aways

The P4 DID Conference in Phoenix Arizona 2020 was based on the four “P”s:  Possibility, Process, Practicality and Potential. 

At the end of the weekend, I learned, experienced and shared well beyond any expectation that I had for these four “P”s.  Equally important to me was that those two days fueled a whole host of new understanding, accepting and system work in the year that followed. 

What I took away as a Zoom attendee last year can best be described by my P4 Take-Away words – Powerful, Passionate, Playful and Pivotal. 

Powerful 

After reading Kathy’s Discussing Dissociation blog articles here for many years, I knew that she would be a powerhouse of personality, pragmatism and point-on knowledge (yup a whole lot more “P” words).  I was anxious to see her in “live action” though and she did not disappoint.  She rattled off so much information in a mix of rapid-fire thoughts to giggly exchanges to compassionate understanding that I felt like I was watching a choreographed theatre production not a series of conference presentations. 

Kathy’s talks were built upon the foundation of Dr. Patino’s insightful lecture on the workings of the brain.  I took notes so I could go back over what he was sharing with my therapist because I felt that we could both benefit from his insights.

The capstone of the conference was the consulting team work of Kathy and Laura.  When not teasing one another to lighten the exchanges of often heavy content, they worked in unscripted harmony to address the questions asked by those present (in the room and on Zoom).  It was intriguing to watch two talented professionals work with such coherence of thought and purpose.  Each would add to the words of wisdom of the other until layers upon layers of information and insight were offered.

Passionate

I was in awe with how the speakers (Kathy, Laura and Dr. Patino) talked with such passionate understanding about trauma and DID.  While their collective decades of experience and research was clearly evident, they spoke from a place of genuine compassion and empathy.  It was hard for me to fathom how these singletons could be so dedicated to us multiple folks and it inspired me to be equally caring and committed to my healing journey in the year that followed.

It was the passion of my fellow DID mates, however, that resonated deeply with me at the conference.  I had never met another person with DID before although I had shared plenty with folks on the DD blog website and the DDCF and DDEF in asynchronous time.  I had come to appreciate what an immensely powerful experience it was to share with others who knew my journey and unspoken words.  However, I had never been “in-the-room” – even if that room was via Zoom – talking with DID folks in real time before and that was simply incredible!

On day two of the conference, Kathy and Laura opened the floor to free flow discussion and I watched the blossoming of understanding out of pain that happened time and again as attendees courageously asked their questions and shared their process.  I was blown away to be witness to their system work and to see and hear some of their inside folks.  All of the dimensions of DID were there for me to see in others and it was a life-changing experience for me.

Playful

In the midst of very tough and deep discussions about trauma and DID would come a well-spring of giggles, laughter, fun activities and kid-breakthrough moments.  Imagine that.  Attending a serious conference about trauma and DID and having fun!

Well, you know that having fun is a skill that many of us have to learn as well and Kathy, Laura and Dedra are great teachers on that front.  Just try and stop them! 

Personally, I believe that this is an important measure of a consummate professional – knowing how to find just the right balance and rhythm in working with trauma survivors.  The conference team seemed to have an astute understanding of the need to bring lightheartedness into the dark places throughout the two days and I very much appreciated them doing so! It went a long way to helping me relax and feel safe with the content of the conference. 

It was also just darn fun to watch and participate in the light-hearted banter and activities.  Everyone was welcome to join in – roomie, Zoomie and insiders.  My little ones were especially excited to be included.

Pivotal

My last takeaway from the conference is the pivotal nature of what I learned; what I saw and heard from others; the break-through moments I experienced personally; watching the therapeutic work that Kathy and Laura engaged in with attendees and in video presentations made for the conference; and the expressions of art, music, and poetry.

My mind, heart and soul were bursting with gratitude, understanding and ideas … lots and lots of ideas about my own work.  I took notes throughout the conference, not only based on what the speakers had to say, but questions, ideas, thoughts, reactions (mind and body), memory triggers, intentions, wishes and new directions that I felt throughout the two days.  I used these notes to inform and inspire my work in my everyday live with DID and, most especially, in my therapy sessions. 

What I took away from the conference I believe was pivotal in helping me to reframe and bravely tackle some deep and defining trauma and life issues with my therapist.  I had a new perspective and understanding coming away from the conference that helped me to dig deeper and experience more.  It was like I was given a shot of healing adrenaline — not just me, the dominant outside person, but my inside folks as well. It was truly a pivotal two days for us all!

What words describe your take-aways from the P4 2020 conference in Arizona?

~ ~ ~

Wow!  Thank you, Zoomer 2020, for your very kind words!  I appreciate hearing your take on your P4 conference experience, and of course, I’m extra impressed with all the P-word choices.  You’ve picked some good ones!  It’s fantastic to hear that your P4 weekend had such a lasting impact on your healing process.  It really became something much bigger than “just a conference” for you.   I’m really glad to hear that and thank you for being willing to share that with others.

Oh, and I assume you are Zooming it for P4² as well?

How to Register for the ZOOM option of the P4² DID Conference

Registering to attend P4² via Zoom is the same way as registering for the live event. 

Go to our dedicated conference website:    P4DIDConference.com

Click on the Registration tab:   Register Here

Click through the registration process until you reach the option to select Zoom Meeting or In Person.   Pick Zoom Meeting, of course.   Follow the rest of the registration pages, and you’ll be in!

So Laura ….  You got this?

I think she does!

Come on, Zoomers…. plan for a fun-filled weekend at P4²!

I already know Laura has a few plans to make the Zoom experience wonderful for you.

Are you ready to join her? 

See you in Chicago!

Warmly, 

Kathy

Copyright © 2008-2021 Kathy Broady MSW and Discussing Dissociation