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D'Journey Louise
Meet our host, founder, and creator: DJ
DJ, also known as Christina Louise, is an author, advocate, Twitch streamer, and mental health ambassador committed to raising awareness about trauma, healing, and the power of authentic living. A former metrologist who served at military bases and NASA JSC, DJ transitioned to writing after a journey of self-discovery shaped by living with CPTSD and DID. They illuminate untold stories of resilience, transformation, and hope through their work.
As a Make It OK Mental Health Ambassador, a Field Advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and a RAINN's Speaker Bureau member, DJ uses their voice to challenge stigma, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire systemic change.
Their books encompass raw, introspective explorations of trauma and identity and empowering guides for personal growth and collective healing. Drawing from lived experiences and a passion for storytelling, DJ's work invites readers to connect, reflect, and rise above the limitations of oppressive systems.
Connect with DJ on social media at DJourneyLouise and join their mission to create a world where authenticity and advocacy spark meaningful change.
Mental Health Advocate
DJ has been a passionate advocate for mental health, traveling to the State Capitol to engage with legislators about suicide prevention and the urgent need for accessible mental health care. Through heartfelt letters, in-person meetings, and continued advocacy efforts, DJ works tirelessly to push for systemic changes that ensure better access to treatment for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, DJ also champions equality and inclusivity. Identifying as nonbinary and demisexual, DJ brings their lived experience to the forefront, striving to break down barriers, challenge stigmas, and create a more accepting world where everyone can live authentically.
Dissociative Identity Disorder
As a result of childhood trauma and CPTSD, DJ developed Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) as a way to cope and survive. DJ is the face of the Beau System, which is composed of distinct parts, each with a unique role: the Inner Child, the Inner Teen, the Inner Mother, the Inner Lover, and the Inner Protector. Together, these parts contribute to a rich tapestry of diverse expressions, perspectives, and ways of relating to the world.
Writing has been a transformative tool for DJ and the Beau System, with many of their books playing a pivotal role in the healing process for each part. Through storytelling and creative expression, DJ has fostered integration and understanding within their system and provided a voice for those navigating similar journeys.
Every DID system is unique, with varying numbers of parts, roles, and ways of functioning. DJ’s work seeks to shine a light on these complexities, reducing stigma and fostering compassion for those with DID and other trauma-related conditions.
Art as a Tool of Expression
Superconscious Realm of Experience
This is a painting I created three years ago titled Superconscious Realm of Experience. It is an acrylic pour using color shift paints of aqua, pink, black, and glitter. The method used to create it includes adding a thinning agent to the paints and letting them flow across the canvas as it is tilted. The flow of the paint on the canvas created an abstract view of a man's face.
This art was created in the spring of 2021 when most of the world was growing tiresome of masking due to COVID-19 guidelines, and many of us felt a sense of betrayal by those who preferred "freedom" instead of being conscious of others' needs. Creating art allowed me to process emotions and dream of a better tomorrow. The shapes formed during the creation process reminded me of expanding consciousness, how our minds can "get blown" by an idea, with this thought forming in my mind of how I could best convey the interconnectedness of life to others.
This painting reflects how our minds can expand by an idea or thought. When we broaden our knowledge by pursuing higher education, our perspectives follow, allowing a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of life, which is a huge reason for my studies in social work. Puente M. et al. (2023) state, "Through a critical understanding of social inequities, critically conscious beings can engage in transformative action to dismantle unjust systems."
Just as I am inspired to use my experiences and insights as an individual with a mental health condition to advocate for social change, drawing on empathy, resilience, and respect for the diverse stories that shape us all, others can see my work and become inspired by it as well, taking up advocacy work in their communities, further elevating the consciousness of the populous. This art piece hangs on the wall beside my bed and is a daily reminder to keep consciousness of the vulnerable at the forefront of my work.
This art piece shows I am creative, expressive, and unafraid of getting messy. I'm not worried about the perceptions of others and choose to live boldly, often creating a sharp contrast in a world of desaturation. I can find flow through difficulties in life by adjusting my perspective and allowing freedom in my movement, voice, and presence. I find balance in the light and the dark of human experience. I shine in certain lights and reflect them with ease. I am a messy, beautiful masterpiece.
Puente, M., Rogers, K. D., Crawford, J., & Matschiner, A. (2023). Interrogating the self en route to critical consciousness: Cultivating higher education leaders through a positionality-centered, doctoral-level course. New Directions for Student Leadership, (178), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.20548