Are you a trauma survivor who is having a hard time coping with the events of your past? Do you suffer from mood swings, lapses in memory, a dulling of the senses, or sometimes feel as though you aren’t real? Perhaps extended periods of memory loss leave you feeling confused, frustrated, or frightened. Or maybe people close to you have expressed concern about random, abrupt changes in your personality. Have you vacillated between feeling numb or detached and experiencing fits of intense rage? Are you struggling with suicidal thoughts, addictions, an eating disorder, or other self-harming behaviors? Do you wish you could gain clarity about your experience, learn healthy coping skills, and find relief?
Dissociation Treatment
Are You Concerned About Memory Lapses And Changes In Personality?
© Jessica Siciliano Designs
Understanding Dissociation And Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Dissociation is the brain’s way of protecting individuals from painful physical sensations, overwhelming emotions, and memories of traumatic events. People with dissociative symptoms tend to experience disturbances in consciousness, memory, feelings, perceptions, and sometimes identity. These disturbances may be brief (minutes) or prolonged (years) and can impact memory, block sensory information, cause physical and emotional numbness, and distort thinking, perception, and even one’s level of consciousness. While this may sound somewhat like science fiction, and some people question the validity of their dissociative experiences, these symptoms are very real and deeply unsettling for those who experience them.
Dissociation is controversial in the mental health field. Some therapists and even experts outright reject the concept of dissociation and, in particular, dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder. Arguments against the validity of the disorder include disbelief, accusations of fabrication, and claims that providers are “creating personalities” or inaccurately reporting their clients’ experiences and symptoms.
However, along with many other credible trauma therapists and experts, I firmly accept that dissociation occurs and understand valid and effective methods of treatment. I believe dissociation can happen to individuals who have experienced trauma and that the associated symptoms develop as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings, events, and memories.
Dissociation occurs on a continuum. On one end, it may be expressed through daydreaming, which is normal. On the other end, it may present as DID. In these cases—often due to prolonged and severe trauma—survivors may develop one or more distinct personality states as a way to cope with the aftereffects of trauma. When a person with DID switches between personality states, the change may sometimes be subtle and at other times more noticeable. Oftentimes, people with DID experience co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, unhealthy sexual behaviors, and eating disorders. Some are misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or schizophrenia. While symptoms vary greatly, dissociative symptoms generally include a dulling of the senses, feeling unreal, feeling detached from the body, a sense of observing oneself from outside, and memory loss that may last for brief or extended periods.
The good news is that there is help and hope. If you know or suspect that you may be experiencing dissociation or DID, I can help.
Dissociation Treatment Can Provide You With Guidance, Support And Coping Skills
© Jessica Siciliano Designs
As frightening as dissociation and DID may sound—and feel—it is possible to manage and even overcome symptoms, as well as learn how to function at a higher level. Many trauma survivors are able to process their trauma, maintain employment, develop healthy relationships, and experience greater joy and balance in their lives. Through dissociation treatment, determination, and hard work, you can address trauma-related issues, increase your tolerance for distress, and develop healthier ways to cope.
In dissociation treatment sessions, I can help you build greater awareness of what and how you feel, both emotionally and physically. With support, you can learn techniques for self-regulation, increasing self-awareness, and processing trauma. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and trusting environment where you can learn grounding skills, practice healthy emotional expression, and develop effective ways to cope with both everyday stressors and overwhelming experiences.
I also have the experience and training necessary to competently treat DID. I have provided care to individuals, couples, families, and groups of survivors and their loved ones whose lives have been impacted by DID. In cases of DID, I believe it is essential to provide psychoeducation and develop interventions specific to the condition, such as safety planning and building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. Addressing the parts, states, or fragments—however you identify the different aspects of yourself—is also an important part of therapy. In sessions, we’ll work collaboratively to draw upon your creativity and inner resources to resolve internal conflicts, reduce disruptive behaviors, and decrease distressing losses of time and memory.
While dissociation treatment can take time, and DID treatment may be a long-term journey, with patience and growing self-understanding, you can learn to better understand and accept your experience. From there, you can move forward with new, healthier, and more empowering ways of feeling, being, and living.
You may still have questions or concerns about dissociation treatment.
I don’t know if what I’m experiencing is really real.
Not only do many of my clients ask whether what they are experiencing is real, but many mental health professionals also question the validity of dissociation and DID. You are not alone in questioning your experience, even if you have already received a diagnosis. While it is not always clear-cut, dissociation and DID are real responses to trauma.
If you have experienced periods of memory loss and/or loved ones have expressed concern about your behavior, it is important to be proactive and seek professional help. Doing so can help you better understand your experience and provide direction, guidance, support, and relief.
I’ve heard that dissociation and DID treatment therapy are expensive and take a long time.
I urge you to consider therapy as a vital investment in your current and future well-being. Dissociation is unlikely to resolve on its own and, if left untreated, can negatively impact many areas of your life. DID can be a lifelong journey, and it is important to seek help if you are experiencing symptoms. While this type of therapy can take time, your motivation and willingness to engage in the process directly affect the quality and length of treatment. With proper support and effective care, it is possible to process trauma, manage symptoms, and regain control of your life.
I’m afraid that talking about my trauma and dissociative experiences will cause me to totally melt down.
While it’s common to fear talking about painful or frightening thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you are a survivor—and you most likely can do this. Dissociation and DID treatment is a process, and you will set the pace of our sessions. I provide a warm, safe therapeutic environment and will not push you to share details until you feel ready.
Although processing trauma, learning new coping skills, and increasing your tolerance for distress require effort and a willingness to experience some discomfort, there is real hope for healing. With the right therapist and approach, it is absolutely possible for you to experience relief.
DID And Dissociation Treatment Can Help You Build Resiliency And Experience Improved Functioning
I invite you to send me a message through the secure Contact form. I’m happy to discuss your specific needs and answer any questions you may have about DID, dissociation treatment, or my practice.
