Dissociation can take many forms. You may sometimes feel disconnected from yourself or the world around you, as though things aren’t quite real. You may lose track of time, have gaps in your memory, feel emotionally numb, or experience different parts of yourself in ways that are confusing or difficult to understand.
Dissociation often develops as a way of coping with experiences that were overwhelming, particularly when they occurred repeatedly or early in life. What once helped a person survive can later become confusing or disruptive, affecting relationships, memory, emotions, and one’s sense of self.
For some people, dissociation is relatively mild. For others it can be more complex and may include experiences associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Whatever form it takes, experiencing dissociation does not mean that you are “crazy.” It does mean that finding a therapist who understands dissociation and is comfortable working with it can be especially important.
Therapy for dissociation requires patience, curiosity, and trust. The work is not about forcing memories to emerge or trying to eliminate parts of yourself. It begins with understanding your experience, developing greater internal safety and communication, and moving at a pace that feels manageable.
I have spent many years working with trauma and dissociative disorders and understand that reaching out for therapy can itself feel frightening. You do not need to explain everything—or even fully understand what is happening—before beginning. We can start with what you know and discover the rest together.
Safe Harbor Therapy 