“The process of dissociation is an elegant mechanism built into the human psychological system as a form of escape from (sometimes literally) going crazy. The problem with checking out so thoroughly is that it can leave us feeling dead inside, with little or no ability to feel our feelings in our bodies. “
~Alexandra Katehakis, Mirror of Intimacy: Daily Reflections on Emotional and Erotic Intelligence
What is Dissociation?
You may have periods where you feel spacey, in a fog, checked out, or even recognize other personalities inside yourself. As a therapist specializing in dissociation, I provide compassionate support. There is hope for healing, self-discovery, and integration.
Trauma is the root cause
Dissociation is a complex psychological response. It involves a disconnection between various aspects of a person’s identity, memory, consciousness, or perception of reality. Dissociation usually occurs from one or more trauma experiences. It can manifest in several ways, including:
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): The presence of two or more distinct identity states, often referred to as “alters.” Each alter with its own unique characteristics, memories, and behaviors, characterizes DID, formerly known as multiple personality disorder.
- Depersonalization: Individuals experiencing depersonalization may feel detached from their own body or emotions. They feel as if they are observing themselves from a distance or living in a dream-like state.
- Derealization: Derealization involves a sense of detachment from one’s surroundings, where the external world may appear unreal, distorted, or unfamiliar.
- Amnesia: Memory gaps or amnesia episodes may occur. This is where individuals have difficulty remembering significant periods of their life or specific events.
- Brain Fog: An event or experience doesn’t feel clear, like you are looking through a steamed up mirror. This can happen in the present moment. Brain fog occurs in more mild forms of dissociation when the first four items on the list do not occur.
How Can I Help You Heal from Dissociation?
My mission is to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment. You can work through the emotions from the trauma originally causing the dissociation to reclaim a sense of wholeness. I focus on post traumatic growth. Here’s how I can assist you:
- Specialized Therapy: I offer specialized therapy for dissociation, tailored to your unique experiences and needs. I use somatic techniques which utilize body movement – tapping with fingertips or moving the eyes. These movements release emotions trapped since the trauma event. Together, we will explore the roots of your dissociation, promote integration, and facilitate healing and growth.
- Validation and Empowerment: Here, you’ll find a safe and nonjudgmental space. We validate your experiences and empower you to take control of your healing journey.
- Developing Coping Strategies: Learn effective coping strategies to manage dissociative episodes, reduce distress, and enhance your overall well-being.
- Integration and Self-Discovery: Explore the process of integration, where we work towards a more cohesive sense of self. I’ll help you connect with all aspects of your identity.
- Support for Loved Ones: If you have loved ones who are supporting you through your dissociative experiences, I can provide guidance and education to help them better understand and support your journey.
How long does treatment take?
This varies by person and depends on if dissociation is from one incident or from many incidents. I’ll ask if there is one incident where you first remember “checking out”. If there is, we will usually start processing that incident using tapping or brainspotting. Or if that incident is too overwhelming, we will use a less triggering incident. This may take anywhere from one session to 7 or 8 sessions. As we work on different incidents, some sessions will focus on how you are feeling as a result of processing. While other sessions will focus on the processing itself. The client guides each session based on what they would like to work on. Clients with severe dissociation typically are in therapy for at least one to two years. Individuals resolve milder forms more quickly.
How do I get started?
Start by emailing me. You can ask questions in your email or you can send me your phone number with a good time to contact you. I’ll call to answer your questions. Once you’ve decided you are ready, I will need your email address and phone number so I can send you a link to the platform I use for telehealth and for document completion. Ready to begin your journey toward healing?
My email address is: diana@welcomelifecounseling.com.
Remember, healing from dissociation is possible, and you are not alone. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more integrated future. You can reconnect the fragments of your identity and find a sense of wholeness.