Can alters or parts really be nonhuman? What about alters who are demons, animals, or even inanimate objects like rocks?
It’s really the same principle as discussed in the video about alters who are older than the body. Alters or parts can be anything the imagination can devise. These parts with nonhuman identities may be filling a need or they may develop because of what they saw or were told. For instance, if a young child is repeatedly told by an abuser that they are evil or have the devil inside, it’s logical that a part may experience themselves as a demon. An alter may be an animal because the child sees that animal as fierce or strong and wants that for themselves. Or in the case of ritual abuse, the alter may be drugged and tricked into believing they are an animal. The same is true of inanimate object alters. They aren’t actually a rock. They are part of a human. But they may represent themselves as a rock if they see rocks as tough and unfeeling, incapable of being hurt by others, for example. The form of the alter should be viewed as symbolic and as having meaning rather than literally. That said, respect that alter’s belief. At least early in recovery, there’s no need to tell them they aren’t how they experience themselves and that’s likely to alienate them from you. Over time, an alter can be helped to realize that they are not a demon or a cat or a rock. But as you are getting to know them and forming a relationship with them, please respect their belief.