Dissociation
“I am a person who has learned how to dissociate from my body, how to leave it behind when the world is too much to bear.”
Dissociation is a psychological process where a person feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. This can range from mild detachment, like daydreaming, to severe dissociation where a person feels like they are outside their body or detached from reality. It often occurs as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming stress or trauma.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a more extreme form of dissociation, where a person has two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with its own way of thinking, feeling, and behaving. These identities may take control of the person’s behavior and memory at different times, often as a response to traumatic experiences. People with DID often struggle with memory gaps, which can lead to confusion, distress, and a fragmented sense of self.
Depersonalization and derealization are types of dissociative experiences that are often grouped together. Depersonalization involves a sense of detachment from one’s own body or thoughts, making the person feel like they are observing themselves from the outside. Derealization is the feeling that the world around them is unreal or distorted, as if they are in a dream or watching life happen through a glass.
The struggles associated with these conditions can be deeply disorienting. People with dissociative disorders, including DID, often experience difficulties with memory, identity, and emotional regulation. These disruptions can lead to a sense of confusion, emotional numbness, or feeling disconnected from reality, making it hard to function in daily life. Those with depersonalization or derealization may feel like they’re "going through the motions" of life but are disconnected from their experiences or others, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation.
When working with clients experiencing dissociation, DID, depersonalization, or derealization, I focus on helping you understand the underlying causes of these experiences in a way that feels manageable and empowering. I focus on helping clients understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, offering practical strategies to manage distress and gain a stronger sense of presence in their lives. Together, we can identify and challenge negative patterns or triggers that lead to dissociation and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
I use a variety of techniques to help clients ground themselves when feeling detached or disconnected. Through mindfulness practices and sensory-focused exercises, we can work to reconnect with the present moment and foster a sense of stability. I also help clients build emotional regulation skills, supporting them in managing intense emotions and reducing the impact of dissociative states.
I prioritize creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, work through trauma, and foster self-compassion. Throughout our work together, my goal is to help you feel more grounded, regain a sense of agency in your life, and develop the emotional resilience needed to navigate challenges.
Disclaimer
I respect and support individuals who identify as plural or part of a system. Integration is not a goal I impose on clients. Instead, I prioritize creating a safe, affirming space where all parts of the self can be heard and supported according to the needs and preferences of the client.
