Dissociation

Dissociation is a protective response to overwhelming stress or trauma, and while it may have helped you cope at one time, it can become confusing or disruptive in daily life. Therapy offers a supportive space to understand dissociation, reduce distress, and feel more present and connected.

Dissociation occurs when the mind disconnects from thoughts, emotions, memories, sensations, or surroundings as a way to manage overwhelm. It exists on a spectrum and can look different for different people. Some experience feeling spaced out or detached, while others notice memory gaps, emotional numbness, or a sense of being unreal or outside their body.

Common experiences of dissociation may include:

  • Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions

  • Losing track of time or feeling foggy

  • Feeling unreal or as if the world isn’t real

  • Difficulty recalling parts of conversations or experiences

  • Shifting between emotional states quickly or unexpectedly

Dissociation is not a flaw—it is an adaptive survival response.

Therapy for dissociation may be helpful if you:

  • Feel disconnected from yourself or your surroundings

  • Struggle with memory gaps or emotional numbness

  • Experience dissociation related to trauma, chronic stress, or neglect

  • Notice dissociation interfering with relationships, work, or daily functioning

  • Want to feel safer and more grounded in your body

Our work with dissociation is grounded in safety, stabilization, and collaboration. We move slowly and intentionally, prioritizing your sense of control and choice.

Therapy may include:

  • Trauma-informed and phase-oriented treatment

  • Grounding and present-moment skills

  • Nervous system regulation and somatic awareness

  • Building internal communication and self-compassion

  • Gradual processing of underlying trauma when appropriate

We do not push for memory recovery or emotional intensity before you feel ready. In therapy, we may focus on increasing awareness of dissociative patterns, developing tools to stay present, and building a sense of safety within yourself. Many clients also work on strengthening emotional regulation, improving continuity of memory and identity, and learning how to respond gently when dissociation occurs.

Healing from dissociation is about integration, not forcing change. At Be Sonder Therapy, we understand that dissociation often develops in environments where safety was limited or inconsistent. Our therapists offer a calm, predictable, and respectful space where your boundaries are honored and your experiences are taken seriously.