Understanding Dissociation: A First Step Towards Healing

Dissociation is a psychological experience that many people have without realizing it. It can range from mild daydreaming or zoning out during a boring task to more severe disruptions in memory, identity, and perception. At its core, dissociation is one of the mind’s ways of coping with overwhelming stress, often rooted in past trauma. While occasional dissociative moments are normal for everyone, some individuals experience symptoms that are frequent and distressing, interfering with daily life functions. These more serious experiences may be part of what professionals call dissociative disorders. 

There are several types of dissociative disorders, including but not limited to Dissociative Amnesia, Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Each involves a different form of disconnection. Someone with dissociative amnesia might forget key parts of their personal history. A person dealing with depersonalization or derealization may feel detached from their body or the world around them, as if watching life unfold from afar. Those with DID may experience distinct shifts in identity, where different parts of themselves take over in ways that may feel out of their control. These conditions can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms often overlap with other mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, depression, or borderline personality disorder. 

Since dissociation can be quite complex, counseling can offer a safe and structured environment to explore these experiences and move towards healing. Therapists often begin by helping clients understand their symptoms and build coping tools for managing distress. Later stages of treatment may involve processing traumatic memories and working toward a more unified sense of self. Treatments like talk therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and trauma-focused approaches such as EMDR or IFS can all be part of this healing process.  

When first speaking with a counselor about dissociation, it can help to share any past experiences with trauma, memory gaps, or feeling “not yourself.” Try to notice when dissociation tends to happen — are there certain triggers, times of day, or emotional states that seem to lead to these disconnected episodes? You don’t need to have all the answers going in, but it should be safe to have some guesses about what you experience; therapy is a place for self-discovery and self-expression, not perfection. What matters most is showing up with curiosity and a willingness to explore your inner world. 

Dissociation may feel isolating or confusing, but it is also deeply human. The mechanism behind it speaks to the mind’s remarkable ability to protect itself when faced with pain. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right support and treatment, it’s absolutely possible to feel more grounded, connected, and in control. Healing may not be quick, but every step you take is a powerful move toward reclaiming your life. 

Hanna Knudsen, MS CMHC, LCPC 

Reference

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.