Patrick Suraci describes the mechanism of “splitting” that contributed to the development of Shirley’s personalities.

She was harsh.” She said that Shirley’s father (Wilbur) “stood in shaded corners with his head down.” Patricia stated Mattie “played the piano too loudly, bombastically, venting anger. Patricia describes Shirley’s mother as “strange, stern, raucous” and “someone to stay away from.” She states that Shirley’s mother (Mattie) “had a shrill voice and ridiculed Shirley.” Shirley’s mother repeated things over and over again. Mason relieved herself in a neighbor’s yard.” She states that her mother never came over to visit, but would come over and look (or peek) in the windows when they had company. Wilma states that she believes that some of what is written in the book did happen.īetty talks about Shirley’s mother.

Wilma is asked if she believes if Shirley was abused. Wilma stated, “We always said that her mother was an old witch.” She describes Shirley as having troubles concentrating in school and not knowing if she was day dreaming or that her attention was drawn away. Wilma and Betty were two of the few children that were able to enter Shirley’s household. He speaks with three women, Wilma Bode, Betty Christen and Patricia Alcott, who were classmates and playmates with Shirley in her childhood.

Suraci goes back to Shirley Mason’s home town to check on her story and validate it. She was able to live a full life, as shown in her interactions and discussions with Patrick Suraci, Ph.D. Connie Wilbur’s treatment was successful and that Shirley Mason (Sybil) never had a relapse or return of her MPD symptoms after her treatment with Wilbur. What is interesting about this book, is that it is written by a professional who has experience with the scientific knowledge of MPD. The people in the Sybil story are treated like human beings and they are allowed to speak about their own life stories. describes writing the book “Sybil in her own words” īiography of the author “Sybil In Her Own Words: The Untold Story of Shirley Mason”Īrt work from the book, “Sybil In Her Own Words: The Untold Story of Shirley Mason” Īfter reading the book “Sybil in her own words” by Patrick Suraci, Ph.D., I realized the importance of this book. Sybil In Her Own Words – The Untold Story of Shirley Mason Several articles have been written about the new book. The book is called “SYBIL in her own words: The Untold Story of Shirley Mason, Her Multiple Personalities and Paintings” Research studies have shown it to be caused by severe, repeated trauma.Īnother book published this year was written by a psychologist that knew Sybil and others in her life. One author has attacked the veracity of the Sybil story, calling MPD – DID (dissociative identity disorder) a “cultural construct.” The research shows that this isn’t true. The book “Sybil” by Flora Rheta Schreiber written in the 1970’s, has recently received media attention again.

Flora rheta schreiber