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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Meet the specialists

 

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

— Scott Hoye, Psychologist in Chicago, IL

I have observed dissociative symptoms can often be overlooked in treatment, even though this is a typical response to complex trauma. I have participated in multiple trainings related to dissociation, including receiving the Certificate of Complex Trauma and Dissociation through the ISSTD in 2023.

— Alisa Huffman, Clinical Social Worker in Seattle, WA
 

I have worked with folks with Dissociative Systems for 8 years! Once I learned EMDR and noticed most folks experienced some sort of dissociation, I knew I had to learn more. Dissociation is NOT the problem. I specialize in working with Military/First Responders, Queer/LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities experiencing dissociation or with a dissociative system. I do not push my clients toward integration. You are the leader of your system, I just help guide you to healing!

— Kristen Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Gahanna, OH

Has it been hard to stay present, connected, or embodied? Do you sometimes lose access to memories, skillsets, or other capacities? Have you felt like there are "many different people" inside you, who strongly influence you (or even "take control over you") from inside? I am trained and experienced with supporting folks who struggle with dissociative experiences and dissociative identities, with a non-pathologizing and non-judgmental approach.

— Jonathan Lee, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
 

I'm a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (level 2) and I've been working with Dissociative Identity Disorder for 5 years. Before trauma work is done, we first focus on stabilizing your system and equipping you with skills and techniques to improve regulation and decrease the chaos. I'm trauma-informed and non-confrontational in my approach. See the video at my website for more information about DID.

— Alicia Polk, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, MO

At InnerCalm Wellness, we offer specialized treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with dissociative symptoms. These conditions often cause individuals to feel detached from themselves or reality, making daily life overwhelming. Our team combines evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), TMS, and Spravato, to help clients reconnect with themselves, manage their symptoms, and regain control of their mental health for lasting recovery.

— Jonathan Solaimanzadeh, Physician in Hicksville, NY
 

I provide trauma-informed therapy for clients living with complex PTSD and dissociative disorders to understand and accept all parts of themselves, learn to discern and trust themselves and others, and heal from the past to embrace a more hopeful future.

— Katie Adams, Counselor in Winter Park, FL

I have gained much experience working with plurals/systems/DID in my career, and will gladly assist with understanding the complexity and dynamics at play with multiples and make sure everyone is seen, respected, and loved.

— Jackie Rodriguez, Licensed Master of Social Work in Austin, TX
 

I previously worked in an intensive outpatient program and have experience working with individuals who live with dissociation in many forms. No matter where you are in your journey of understanding and living with a form of dissociation, I will meet you where you are and offer hope and tools for living a healthy life.

— Dawn Warren, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Austin, TX

As a trauma and embodiment specialist, dissociative disorders are a special area of interest for me, as well as a particular area of expertise.

— Dr. Nevine Sultan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Houston, TX
 

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 have taken advanced trainings on the treatment of trauma and dissociation and integrate EMDR, parts work and sand tray with clients who experience dissociation. I am an active member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.

— Mary Bernard, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in DeLand, FL
 

Dissociation is something we all experience from time to time, but we often overlook it in therapy. In my work, I help clients identify their dissociative experiences and learn to work to regain full awareness of life through mindfulness practice, working with dissociative parts, and sensorimotor work.

— Alexandra Mejia, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Albany, NY

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 frequently work with plurality, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Otherwise Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), etc. My goal is to facilitate consistent communication collaboration, and cooperation among your parts (sometimes called "headmates," "alters," other terms). To me, "integration" or fusing a system (into a singlet) is not a necessary therapeutic goal.

— Georgie Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA

I have worked with folks with Dissociative Systems for 8 years! Once I learned EMDR and noticed most folks experienced some sort of dissociation, I knew I had to learn more. Dissociation is NOT the problem. I specialize in working with Military/First Responders, Queer/LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities experiencing dissociation or with a dissociative system. I do not push my clients toward integration. You are the leader of your system, I just help guide you to healing!

— Kristen Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Gahanna, OH
 

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

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