Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders (DD) are mental conditions characterized by disturbances or breakdowns of memory, awareness, identity, or perception. Typically, dissociative disorders occur as a coping mechanism for the brain to deal with a situation too upsetting for the conscious mind to process. Dissociative disorders are thought to be primarily caused by trauma or abuse, causing the individual to escape reality in involuntary and pathological ways. They can also be caused by things like stress or substance abuse. There are three main types of dissociative disorders: 1. dissociative amnesia and/or fugue: selective amnesia of a specific time, person or event. 2. Dissociative identity disorder: an indistinct or distorted sense of identity. 3. Depersonalization disorder: a feeling of being detached from yourself. If you think you may be suffering from a dissociative disorder, reach out to one of TherapyDen’s experts today.

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Dissociation is not a dirty word. I have years of personal and professional experience working with dissociative responses and focus on normalizing the experience, building skills to minimize it when it is unhelpful, and helping folks let go of the shame that often comes with it.

— Esha Mehta, Social Worker in Greenwood Village, CO

I use a parts based method (AIR Network) to work with those with dissociative abilities. I believe that our bodies are designed to protect ourselves and the resilience of the human body to come up with techniques that help them survive abusive environments.

— Bethany (Bee) Thomas, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Eagan, MN
 

I have training and experience working with folx living with complex dissociation, structural dissociation, depersonalization and derealization.

— Chelsea Williams, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Bellingham, WA

My expertise is in treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders. I have a particular subspecialty in treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). I use egg state/parts work and I have extra competence in using the progressive EMDR approach for dissociative disorders.

— Rae Cuffe, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Miami, FL
 

As a trauma and embodiment specialist, dissociative disorders are a special area of interest for me, as well as a particular area of expertise.

— Dr. Nevine Sultan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Houston, TX

I have experience working with systems, which some people call Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). My goal in working with systems is to provide consistent communication and cooperation among your parts (sometitimes called "headmates" or other terms). I do not consider "integration" or dissolving a system (into a singlet) a legitimate, respectful, therapeutic goal.

— Georgie Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
 

I have gained much experience working with plurals/systems/DID in my career, and will gladly assist with understanding the complexity and dynamics at play with multiples and make sure everyone is seen, respected, and loved.

— Jackie Rodriguez, Licensed Master of Social Work in Austin, TX

I have eight years of experience in treating dissociative disorders, attachment issues, and complex PTSD.

— Scott Hoye, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
 

Dissociation is something we all experience from time to time, but we often overlook it in therapy. In my work, I help clients identify their dissociative experiences and learn to work to regain full awareness of life through mindfulness practice, working with dissociative parts, and sensorimotor work.

— Alexandra Mejia, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Albany, NY

Trauma is full of painful memories, feelings and body sensations, and any number of things can trigger those. It's natural for us to not want to feel or remember what happened. This can result in dissociation where we "check out" to varying degrees. This however can make it difficult to live our lives, engage in meaningful relationships, succeed in our jobs, and even participate in therapy. I have experience working with dissociative disorders to help you feel more present.

— Ashley Klein, Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, TX
 

I'm a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (level 2) and I've been working with Dissociative Identity Disorder for 5 years. Before trauma work is done, we first focus on stabilizing your system and equipping you with skills and techniques to improve regulation and decrease the chaos. I'm trauma-informed and non-confrontational in my approach. See the video at my website for more information about DID.

— Alicia Polk, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, MO

I believe that dissociative disorders are much wider spread than usually acknowledged and have been in community with people have structural experiences of dissociation. I consider myself an expert on both the literature on dissociation and community practices that have helped many explore and make peace with their identities.

— Grace Gautier, Social Worker in Chicago, IL
 

I have observed dissociative symptoms can often be overlooked in treatment, even though this is a typical response to complex trauma. I have participated in multiple trainings related to dissociation, including receiving the Certificate of Complex Trauma and Dissociation through the ISSTD in 2023.

— Alisa Huffman, Clinical Social Worker in Seattle, WA

Dissociative disorders are more common than many realize. Because I specialize in trauma, and dissociation is a very common and primal response to trauma, I have training in this area, with sensitivity to complex trauma, RA, and other somatic trauma responses.

— Anya Surnitsky, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,
 

Dissociation exists on a spectrum, and can be an intelligent survival strategy implemented to deal with trauma, significant pain or stress, or overwhelm. Helping survivors with dissociative symptoms and experiences, I utilize a trauma-informed and neurobiological lens - including structural dissociation model, sensorimotor psychotherapy (somatic), and mindfulness.

— Krystal Ying, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CA

I frequently work with plurality, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Otherwise Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), etc. My goal is to facilitate consistent communication collaboration, and cooperation among your parts (sometimes called "headmates," "alters," other terms). To me, "integration" or fusing a system (into a singlet) is not a necessary therapeutic goal.

— Georgie Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
 

I have training in depth psychotherapy, EMDR, and DBT, which can all be used to help people progress in their recovery from dissociative disorders. I have experience working with people who are diagnosed with dissociative disorders.

— Kristen Hornung, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Encinitas, CA

I have worked with folks with Dissociative Systems for 8 years! Once I learned EMDR and noticed most folks experienced some sort of dissociation, I knew I had to learn more. Dissociation is NOT the problem. I specialize in working with Military/First Responders, Queer/LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities experiencing dissociation or with a dissociative system. I do not push my clients toward integration. You are the leader of your system, I just help guide you to healing!

— Kristen Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Gahanna, OH