"Petals of a Rose is currently the best educational film that we have available to educate professionals and the general public about dissociative identities."
— Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, REAT, RYT-500
Dylan grew up with a mother who has Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Given that DID has often been inaccurately and negatively portrayed in film and television, Dylan envisioned and created this film to realistically depict a day in the life of a woman with DID in an engaging and educational way.
Making a Difference
Petals of a Rose has already made an impact in initial screenings to communities of individuals with DID/other dissociative conditions and therapists who treat them.
"Petals of a Rose sensitively captures the unique experience of Dissociative Identity Response, focusing on the lived experience that results from trauma without exploiting victimization. The film brilliantly portrays the impact of trauma on daily life, everyday functioning, and attempts at relational connections with others. While only a short glimpse of one story, this is a narrative shared by us all. Petals of a Rose has the full endorsement of the System Speak podcast community, and the deep appreciation of the clinical community for presenting an example and explanation of dissociation that can easily be shared with survivors, supporters, and clinicians in training. Well done... five stars!"
Emma Sunshaw
Creator of the System Speak Podcast
Author of If Tears Were Prayers
Petals of a Rose was first screened for the System Speak Community, a private community of people with DID and other dissociative conditions. They were absolutely blown away by how accurately the film portrayed their own lived experiences and struggles with DID.
Many commented that it was a surreal experience as they have never before had an opportunity to watch their own condition in this way. One survivor commented, “It helped us to feel not so alone in all this, others get what we go through, Beautiful work!” The film provided hope to this community that, indeed, they could be accepted and loved despite their past traumas and struggles with DID.
Listen to the feedback provided by the community on the System Speak Podcast Episode 393: Holly’s Movie Group. Additionally, hear Emma Sunshaw’s interview of Dylan and his mother, Holly, in System Speak Podcast Episodes 415 and 412.
For more information visit System Speak
"Petals of a Rose is a real gift to the dissociative community. The story is told in a non-exploitive, realistic way that brings a voice to all those living with dissociative identities. Dylan's first-hand experience and his passion for this community are evident in this amazing film!"
Jaime Pollack
Founder, Director An Infinite Mind
Petals of a Rose was screened on February 19, 2023 at the Healing Together Conference hosted by An Infinite Mind. Healing Together is a one-of-a-kind annual conference for people living with dissociation and DID, their loved ones, and mental health professionals. The film was screened in front of a live audience in Orlando, and to virtual attendees in 18 countries around the world, with a live Q&A session with Dylan and his mother, Holly, immediately following.
The audience was blown away, declaring the film as groundbreaking - the only accurate depiction of DID ever made - with the potential to profoundly change the world’s perceptions of DID. Participants immediately started sharing the film with their families, friends, and therapists; posting it on social media; exploring how they could use it in trainings of therapists and others; brainstorming how to incorporate it into college courses, etc. We encourage you to do the same!
“That was incredible. Groundbreaking. It will change the world and make a difference. It needs to be out there and seen by as many as possible.”
— Healing Together 2023 participant
For more information visit An Infinite Mind
"Petals of a Rose is currently the best educational film that we have available to educate professionals and the general public about dissociative identities. Dylan demonstrates a high degree of understanding about dissociative identities and communicates what he has learned with a great degree of nuance through this film. Petals of a Rose is an important step forward in changing the way that media portrays dissociative identities, mental health, and relationships. I've been delighted to use Petals of a Rose for events hosted by my training group The Institute for Creative Mindfulness and I/we hope to be able to share Dylan's work for years to come!"
Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, REAT, RYT-500
Founder, The Institute for Creative Mindfulness
Author, Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Life
Clinical professional living with dissociative identities
Seeing the potential to educate, Dr. Jamie Marich, in connection with the release of her book, “Dissociation Made Simple,” hosted an online screening to a large audience of people with dissociative conditions, clinicians who treat them, and others. There was an overwhelmingly positive response with one participant stating, “I found myself laughing because the portrayal is accurate to my own experience, and also heart wrenching at the same time. Thank you for making this to accurately represent our lives!”
Recognizing the potential the film has to educate clinicians, Dr. Jamie Marich has begun using Petals of a Rose for events hosted by her training group.
For more information visit The Institute for Creative Mindfulness and Dissociation Made Simple
"Petals of a Rose is a potent depiction of how many of my clients describe their experiences with dissociative identities. In this brilliant production, the viewer witnesses the struggles of many with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) whilst gaining an appreciation for dissociative abilities and the wisdom that each part possesses in preserving the integrity and wellness of an individual or system with DID. Thank you!"
Layla Asamarai, PsyD, LP
"Petals of a Rose is a wonderful portrayal of what living with Dissociative Identity Disorder is like. As a clinician, who treats DID, and as a person who lives with DID this movie is exactly what we need more of to destigmatize the dissociative experience. I hope to use this with my clients as well as other clinicians to shift the narrative of dissociation and give it the accurate depiction it deserves; the ultimate survival skill."
Heather (LS) Scarboro+ LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Owner/Psychotherapist at Healing Selves Therapeutics, PLLC
To Learn More
The following is a research paper written by Dylan explaining how DID is depicted throughout the film:
Resources for additional information about Trauma and Dissociation:
An Infinite Mind
https://www.aninfinitemind.org
Beauty After Bruises
https://beautyafterbruises.org
Blue Knot Foundation
Carolyn Spring: Reversing Adversity
Dissociation Made Simple
The Institute for Creative Mindfulness
https://www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
https://www.isst-d.org/public-resources-home
Multiplied by One
The Plural Association
https://www.powertotheplurals.com
System Speak
https://systemspeakcommunity.com/