Written by: Autumn Walsh (She/Her) MSW, LSW, CCTS
Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience a disconnection between their thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. This can manifest in various ways, including daydreaming, memory lapses, and in more severe cases, dissociative disorders like Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder. It’s important to understand both the mechanisms behind dissociation and the implications it has for an individual’s mental health and interpersonal relationships.
The Mechanism of Dissociation
Dissociation acts as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to distance themselves from traumatic or distressing experiences. When faced with extreme stress, the brain may block out certain memories or feelings to protect the individual from emotional pain. This mechanism can provide temporary relief, allowing one to function in daily life despite adverse circumstances (van der Kolk, 2014). For instance, a child who experiences abuse may dissociate to avoid the pain of their reality, creating a psychological buffer.
The Adaptive Nature of Dissociation
Dissociation can initially be adaptive. In situations of acute distress, such as during traumatic events, the ability to dissociate can provide necessary psychological relief. This adaptive response enables individuals to survive crises. However, over time it becomes maladaptive when it persists in non-threatening environments. As exposure to stressors continues or increases, individuals may struggle to control their dissociative episodes, leading to significant impairment in their daily functioning.
Why Dissociation Becomes Maladaptive
As individuals move through life, chronic stress or repeated trauma can reinforce the dissociative response, making it a go-to strategy even in safe environments. For example, an adult who faced emotional neglect as a child may find that they often disengage in conversations or relationships, leading to feelings of isolation. This dissociative response, once a protective mechanism, can disrupt their ability to maintain healthy relationships and engage fully in their lives. The disconnection from self and others may generate feelings of loneliness, contributing to anxiety and depression.
Anecdotal evidence highlights the disruption caused by dissociation in personal relationships. Individuals often report feeling ‘frozen’ during social interactions, making it difficult to connect with friends or loved ones. One individual recounted, “I often zone out in conversations. My friends think I’m not interested, but I’m just not there mentally.” Such experiences underline how dissociation can distort interpersonal dynamics, leading to misunderstandings and emotional distance.
Therapeutic Approaches
Effective treatment for dissociation often involves various therapeutic modalities aimed at addressing the underlying trauma while facilitating the reintegration of dissociated aspects of the self. Evidence-based therapies include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals identify and challenge the cognitive distortions that contribute to their dissociation, fostering greater awareness of triggers and responses (Hernandez, 2021).
Trauma Focused Therapy
Approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have shown effectiveness in addressing trauma and its dissociative effects by processing distressing memories in a safe therapeutic
environment (Shapiro, 2018).
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
These encourage individuals to stay present, enhancing awareness of emotional and physical sensations, which can reduce the tendency to dissociate.
Somatic Experiencing
This body-centered therapy aids in releasing stored trauma by focusing on physical sensations, and helping clients reconnect with their bodies and emotions (Levine, 2010).
Conclusion
Dissociation serves a crucial, albeit temporary, adaptive role in managing overwhelming experiences. However, when it becomes a frequent response, it has the potential to harm one’s mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding dissociation and pursuing appropriate therapeutic interventions can help individuals reclaim their lives, leading to deeper connections and a healthier emotional landscape.
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of dissociation, exploring its mechanisms, adaptive origins, and implications for personal well-being and relationships. Understanding these dynamics can be crucial for individuals seeking to navigate their emotional landscapes effectively.
If you or someone you know are experiencing dissociation and think therapy could be helpful make an appointment with one of our therapists by emailing info@elementspgh.com or calling 412-336-8832.
The information contained in this blog does not replace professional treatment or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.
References
Hernandez, P. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy for treats dissociative disorders. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 22(4), 487-501.
Levine, P. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Press.
van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
