Dissociative Disorders

I welcome system folx!

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.

Dissociative disorders are mental disorders that involve experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity. People with dissociative disorders escape reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life.

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.

Dissociation is a healthy phenomenon to a degree, but also a hallmark of trauma. Dissociation symbolizes difficulty integrating aspects of perception, memory, identity, and consciousness. This can make it difficult to know what we are thanking or feeling, and distances us from our experience. This can compartmentalize different parts of the self that are in conflict with one another. Working with different parts of the self to connect with each other in a way that is just safe enough.

I welcome all systems! You will not be judged for how your brain works.

Dissociative disorders, including DID, are at times hotly debated, even amongst mental health professionals. I have experience working with clients who have been diagnosed with DID, and you can expect empathy, support, understanding, and an approach that is tailored to you and not a blanket approach to your diagnosis.

Mental health and medical practitioners are typically taught little about dissociation, with the effect of making it challenging, and at times, invalidating to seek support for an issue few truly understand. I'm passionate about helping people who dissociate and want you to know that I know without a doubt that DID and other dissociative issues are real. Your experience will be honored and respected, and I have the knowledge and training to help you feel whole. You, and your parts, are welcome

I have experience and additional training specific to identifying and treating dissociative disorders including through EMDR therapy. Some of my clients are doing inner child work, some are DID and some have just noticed they lose time and 'space out' and are working to be more grounded. All of your parts and trauma responses have had a purpose in your life; but maybe you're in therapy because it isn't working for you anymore. We can fix that.

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.

The brain is a fascinating organ that produces amazing methods in protection. Dissociation is a method of protection that can interfere with daily living. Dissociative, depersonalization, and derealization disorders can be highly disruptive depending on how the brain has reacted to adverse experiences. Let me help you safely navigate the journey into the cause of your dissociation.

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.

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

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.

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.

Dissociation exists on a spectrum, and is often a survival strategy implemented to deal with significant trauma, pain, and distress. In helping survivors with dissociative symptoms and experiences, I utilize a trauma-informed lens including structural dissociation model, sensorimotor psychotherapy (body-oriented), and mindfulness.

I have taken continued education in Egostate/parts work and Inter Family Systems Therapy and use these therapies in my work with dissociative disorders. I have found them along with the techniques mentioned above under PTSD to be highly effective in helping individuals overcome past traumatic events and at the same time disconnect the past from present situations.

Dissociative disorders are mental disorders that involve experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity. People with dissociative disorders escape reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life.

My area of expertise is the Dissociative Disorders. I am a member in good standing of ISST-D (The International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation). I am trained in Dr. Frank Corrigan's Deep Brain Reorienting Therapy, & am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Sensorimotor Psychotherapist & Ego State Therapist. I work with experiencers of: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Dissociative Amnesia/Unspecified Dissociative Disorder OSDD/Depersonalization/Derealization PNES & FNSD