Dissociation is the mind's defense against persistent or severe trauma and neglect. It is when a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity. This process is an amazing defense/survival mechanism, but it also leads to patterns that interfere with normal functioning. Ego-state work, combined with EMDR works to heal the profoundly painful impact of this type of trauma, and leads to significantly enhanced resilience and the ability to experience joy, love and belonging - both internally, and in relationships with others.
When we dissociate from our bodies or the environment, our system is often attempting to protect and regulate itself from overwhelm. So we need to explore what is overwhelming the body and nervous system, and how to best respond. I also recommend a deep distress tolerance practice here--learning to accept and be with ourselves no matter how we are showing up.
Significant trauma may lead to the onset of a dissociative disorder. Our work together can help work on managing the significant emotional distress and trauma and improve affect tolerance.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, Psychotherapist, Psychoanalytic Candidate
As a psychoanalytically trained therapist, I delve into the unconscious mind to understand and treat dissociative disorders. Dissociation, where a person experiences a disconnect from their thoughts, emotions, or memories, can often stem from past traumas. Through our work together, we'll gently explore these unconscious memories and hidden emotional conflicts that contribute to dissociation. By bringing unconscious experiences to light, we can facilitate communication and integration between fragmented parts of the self, ultimately promoting healing and a stronger sense of wholeness.
These disorders call for therapies which have prove successful in encountering them and which will be selected based on the personality, characteristics, and needs of the client.
My private practice has been established for over 30 years and focuses on the unique needs of every adult, child and family that I see. Therapy is about helping you understand yourself better, solve problems that have effected your relationships and work and to help enhance your life in many ways.
Dissociation is one of the brain's most powerful tools to cope with threatening memories or information. A little dissociation can be healthy, but for some folks, they may begin encountering blank spots in their memory or the feeling that they are acting radically different in various situations. By calming the nervous system and processing underlying trauma, these dissociative symptoms can be alleviated.
Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Individual, Marriage, and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Dissociative processes can often be hard to put into words and even harder to understand the experiences that lead to the symptoms developing. Through an eclectic approach combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic approaches, and psychodynamic approaches, we can find the relief you are looking for.