Dissociative Disorders Treatment

Dissociation occurs along a spectrum and can range from mild experiences like daydreaming or highway hypnosis to more complex conditions such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). While occasional mild dissociation is normal and generally doesn’t affect daily functioning, when dissociation progresses to amnesia or more serious symptoms, it can significantly disrupt your life.

Research provides evidence that dissociation often develops as a protective or survival response to trauma- the brain develops this coping mechanism to shield itself from overwhelming experiences. This protective mechanism, while initially helpful, can lead to difficulties in relationships, work, family interactions, and other important areas of your life.

You might be experiencing dissociation if you:

• Have gaps in your memory or cannot remember large parts of your childhood or significant life events
• Feel uncertain about who you are, or experience thoughts and emotions that don’t feel like your own
• Lose time and cannot remember where you’ve been or what you’ve done
• Feel detached from your body or as if you’re observing yourself from somewhere else
• Perceive your surroundings as unreal, fuzzy, or dreamlike
• Struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or difficulty managing emotions

If some of these symptoms feel familiar to you, know that they can be addressed with the right support.

As a psychologist at Trio Psychology, I specialize in treating the full spectrum of dissociative experiences, from mild dissociation to Dissociative Identity Disorder. My approach involves:

Ego State Therapy: I use this therapeutic method to help heal the wounded parts of self, promoting integration and wholeness. This work can be long term and challenging, but clients often experience powerful transformations, including:

• A greater sense of wholeness and connection with themselves
• Better ability to manage emotions
• Stronger sense of identity and self-understanding
• Resolution of related mental health concerns
• Deeper feelings of inner peace and stability

Experience You Can Trust: I’ve specialized in trauma therapy since becoming a registered psychologist in 2010, and I wrote my dissertation on Trauma, PTSD, and Dissociative Disorders. I’ve also completed many hours of consultation with Dr. Sandra Paulsen, who pioneered the use of EMDR with structurally dissociative clients. She’s a Fellow of the International Society for Trauma and Dissociation and wrote “Looking through the Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation: An Illustrated Guide for Therapists and Clients.”