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 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 also specialize in trauma-related dissociation and dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder (DID). I provide plural positive treatment for DID systems and plural populations.

— Kathleen "Kade" Flach, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Campbell, CA
 

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 ,

I am always seeking new training and education regarding dissociation and dissociative disorders. My approach towards dissociation is that it isn't something to be "fixed" but rather the brain doing what it is supposed to be doing when something traumatic and overwhelming happens. I work with clients to help them achieve a sense of agency and autonomy.

— Elizabeth Seabolt Esparza, Psychotherapist in Houston,
 

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

As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, my focus is on working with dissociative disorders, including Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly called "multiple personality disorder"). In this work, you and I will focus on decreasing the effects of the dissociation on your present day life rather than on remembering the details of the traumatic events, which could be re-traumatizing. We can't change the past, but we CAN change how it affects you now.

— Alicia Polk, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, MO
 

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 am an active member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. I have completed training and consultation in the assessment and treatment of dissociative disorders.

— Dawn Cooperstein, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tucson, AZ
 

I use intuitive artmaking with dissociative clients to create safety and build communication within their systems. I prioritize learning from clinicians with lived experience.

— Sarah Rizzi, Art Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA

I have completed several trainings to assist me with diagnosis and treatment of this relatively common experience for individuals who have experienced significant traumatic events. As a forever student, I also pay to consult with experts in the field of dissociation and trauma to be sure that my clients are getting the best care possible.

— Nicole Eul, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
 

I am certified in trauma and trauma informed stabilization treatment which helps people struggling with dissociation and fragmentation to become more present and aware.

— Kelly Price, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Complex trauma or traumatic histories are at the heart of dissociative disorders. People often struggle in fear, feeling broken, and as if there are not in control of themselves or their lives. You may feel alone, isolated, unwanted, and worthless. But there is hope for change and healing. I work with all kinds of dissociative disorders, and have a major focus on working with individuals living with Dissociative Identity Disorder. If you are struggling with DID-- please reach out.

— James Nole, Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

I've worked with depersonalization and derealization of dissociative disorders as well as alternate identities of dissociative identity disorder, all a form of detachment and dissociation due to trauma. With the challenging nature of these disorders for clients, I feel much respect and admiration is due for their creativity in coming up with necessary survival skills and resiliency. We work to find safe ways to track, ground, and communicate between parts of the self.

— Kelley Goodwin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA

Dissociation is a gift that allows us to survive trauma, but in excess this gift can turn into a curse. I am particularly passionate about helping clients manage and reduce dissociation via telehealth. I have received advanced training in severe dissociative disorders with an Emdria approved agency. I also plan to receive EMDR certification this March after a year of consultation with an expert clinician specializing in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

— Taylor Archer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in , AZ
 

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

I have experience with, and passion for working with people who struggle with dissociation including Dissociative Amnesia, Depersonalization / Derealization, OSDD, and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). https://praxisthriving.com/dissociation

— Kristen Henshaw, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
 

I treat dissociative concerns through a “parts work” lens which honors and explores each of the internal parts of a system. We often set goals of working towards improvement on internal collaboration and communication between parts. I work with dissociation across the spectrum including structural dissociation diagnoses such as DID and OSDD.

— Angela Harris, Mental Health Counselor in Dallas, TX

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

— Scott Hoye, Psychologist in Chicago, IL

I frequently work with systems, which some people call Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or being plural. My goal in working with systems is to provide consistent communication and cooperation among your parts (sometimes called "headmates" or other terms). I do not consider "integration" or dissolving a system (into a singlet) a legitimate, respectful, therapeutic goal. My goal is to facilitate collaboration, communication, and connection among dissociative parts.

— Georgie Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in SAN DIEGO, CA