Dissociation is increasingly discussed in the media, showing up in movies, TV shows, and podcasts. Famous examples include Fight Club (1999), Sybil (1976), and The United States of Tara (2009). However, media portrayals often exaggerate dissociation, leaving many wondering what it looks like in real life.
At Aligned Minds Counseling and Therapy in Edmonton, we help individuals navigate the realities of dissociation and find strategies to regain control over their lives.
What is Dissociation?
Dissociation happens when there is a disconnection between thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or identity. It can last a few minutes or persist for hours or even days. While mild dissociation is common—like zoning out during a drive or getting lost in a book—it can also be a response to overwhelming stress or trauma.
In extreme cases, dissociation may become a default coping mechanism for dealing with uncomfortable emotions or situations.
Common Symptoms of Dissociation
Symptoms of dissociation can vary from mild to severe. Below are some common experiences:
Depersonalization: Feeling detached from your body or mind, as though watching your life from the outside.
Derealization: Feeling disconnected from your surroundings, like the world isn’t real.
Identity Alteration: Acting like different people or using different names.
Dissociative Amnesia: Forgetting events, parts of events, or personal information.
Mild symptoms may not interfere significantly with daily life but can create a sense of detachment or disengagement. Severe symptoms, however, can impact relationships, work, and overall functioning.
Why Does Dissociation Happen?
Dissociation is the brain’s way of protecting you during traumatic or highly stressful situations. It acts as a “mental escape” when a physical escape isn’t possible. For some, dissociation resolves on its own. For others, it becomes a habitual response to stress, requiring intervention to break the cycle.
If dissociation is disrupting your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help. At Aligned Minds Counseling and Therapy, our Edmonton-based therapists specialize in addressing dissociation and related concerns.
How Therapy Can Help
Although dissociation itself doesn’t have a specific treatment, psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication can significantly reduce symptoms. Common therapeutic approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps increase self-awareness and change negative thought patterns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation and healthy coping mechanisms.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helps reprocess traumatic memories to reduce their impact.
Many therapists also teach grounding techniques to help clients stay present during therapy and in everyday life.
Grounding Techniques You Can Try
Grounding exercises help reconnect with the present moment. Here are some simple yet effective techniques:
Focus on Your Breath: Take slow, deep breaths and focus on the sensation of breathing.
5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.
Engage Your Senses: Try comforting activities like walking barefoot on grass, peeling an orange, or making coffee, and focus on the sensory details.
Finding Support in Edmonton
If dissociation is affecting your relationships, work, or overall well-being, it may be time to seek help. Aligned Minds Counseling and Therapy, based in Edmonton, offers compassionate support tailored to your unique needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a therapist experienced in treating dissociation and trauma-related symptoms. Let us help you take the next step toward healing.
References
American Psychiatry Association (2024). What Are Dissociative Disorders?
Brand, B. L. (2024). The Concise Guide to the Assessment and Treatment of Trauma-Related Dissociation (1st ed.).
International Association for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (2024). Dissociation FAQ’s.
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