Empowering Therapy For Those Experiencing Dissociation
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Dissociative experiences are complex and often misunderstood. They can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, your emotions, or even your reality. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), or are seeking clarity around dissociative experiences, I’m here to provide a compassionate, informed, and affirming space for your healing journey.
What Are Dissociative Disorders? Dissociative disorders are often rooted in trauma, particularly when overwhelming experiences occur in childhood. Dissociation is the brain’s way of protecting itself, creating distance from painful or overwhelming experiences. While dissociation is a survival mechanism, over time, it can create challenges in daily life, relationships, and self-understanding. |
“As unsupported children, we have to dissociate because we are not able to effectively grieve.” ― Pete Walker
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Signs of Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders can manifest in various ways, including:
-Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions.
-Losing time or experiencing memory gaps.
-Feeling like different parts of you are in conflict or hold different perspectives.
-A sense of detachment from reality or feeling like the world around you is unreal.
-Difficulty maintaining a consistent sense of self.
My Approach to Dissociative Disorders
Healing from dissociative disorders involves building safety, connection, and understanding within yourself. My trauma-informed, client-centered approach creates a foundation of trust and compassion, allowing us to explore your experiences at a pace that feels right for you.
I draw on evidence-based and experiential modalities, including:
Parts Work: Dissociative disorders often involve distinct “parts” of the self, each holding unique emotions, memories, or roles. Together, we’ll work to understand and support these parts, fostering communication and collaboration within your system.
Somatic Therapy: Dissociation often involves a disconnection from the body. Somatic approaches help you gently reconnect with your physical self, build awareness of bodily sensations, and create a sense of safety in your body.
Depth Psychotherapy: Dissociative disorders are often linked to deep-rooted trauma and unconscious dynamics. Depth psychotherapy helps explore these layers, allowing for greater insight, healing, and integration.
Relational Therapy: Building trust within the therapeutic relationship is central to healing. Dissociative disorders often result from relational trauma, and creating a secure, supportive connection can be a powerful part of the recovery process.
Affirming Care for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Dissociative disorders don’t occur in isolation—they exist within the context of your identity and lived experiences. For queer and trans individuals, the intersection of dissociation and systemic oppression can add layers of complexity. I offer a space where your identity is fully respected, affirmed, and celebrated as part of our work together.
What Does Healing Look Like?
Healing from dissociative disorders is about integration—not erasing parts of yourself but creating a sense of harmony and understanding between them. While the path is unique for everyone, some outcomes of therapy may include:
-Feeling more grounded and present in daily life.
-Developing communication and collaboration among parts of yourself.
-Reducing distress and confusion around memory gaps or dissociative episodes.
-Building a greater sense of safety and trust within yourself and your relationships.
-Taking the Next Step
Experiencing dissociation can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy offers a space to explore your experiences, make sense of your inner world, and move toward a life of greater connection and self-compassion.
Offering in person therapy in Berkeley, CA and virtual / telehealth therapy to residents of California.
