What is Dissociation?

Dissociation is a psychological response where a person feels disconnected from themselves
or their surroundings. It can manifest as feeling detached from reality, struggling with
memory gaps, or experiencing a sense of being outside one’s own body. While brief
dissociative moments are common, frequent or intense dissociation can significantly affect
daily life.

Why Does Dissociation Happen?

Dissociation is a natural defence mechanism, often triggered by overwhelming stress or
trauma. It can occur during traumatic events or develop over time as a way to cope with
prolonged distress. Many people who seek trauma psychotherapy have experienced
dissociation as a result of childhood trauma or neglect, PTSD, or other mental health
conditions. Some dissociative episodes last for a short time, while others persist for weeks or
even months.

Signs and Symptoms of Dissociation

Dissociation presents in different ways. You do not need a formal diagnosis to experience
dissociation, but it is helpful to recognise common patterns:

Dissociative Amnesia

• Gaps in memory, especially around traumatic events
• Forgetting personal information or skills
• Finding items you don’t recall acquiring

Dissociative Fugue

• Travelling to unfamiliar places with no memory of how you got there
• Briefly assuming a new identity

Derealisation

• Feeling like the world is unreal, distant, or distorted
• Objects appearing to change shape, size, or colour

Depersonalisation

• Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions
• Experiencing a floating sensation or distorted sense of self

Identity Alteration & Identity Confusion

• Switching between different personality aspects
• Speaking in a different voice or using another name
• Feeling as though multiple identities exist within you
• Struggling to define your sense of self

Triggers and Flashbacks in Dissociation

Dissociation can arise in various situations, including:

• As a response to trauma, whether from single events or ongoing abuse
• As a coping strategy for extreme stress
• As a symptom of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or borderline personality disorder
• As part of certain cultural or spiritual practices
• Due to substance use or medication effects

The Role of Dissociation in Survival

Dissociation is a protective mechanism. In life-threatening or highly stressful situations, the
brain may create a sense of detachment to prevent emotional overwhelm. For example, a
person in physical danger might feel “numb” to pain so they can focus on survival. However,
when dissociation becomes a long-term response, it can disrupt relationships, work, and
emotional well-being.

Dissociative Disorders

Frequent or severe dissociation can be part of a dissociative disorder, which may occur
alongside anxiety, depression, or PTSD. If you regularly experience:

• Feeling disconnected from yourself or the world
• Memory gaps or missing time
• A sense of different identities within you
• Out-of-body experiences
• Out-of-body experiences

It may be beneficial to seek Bromley trauma therapy to explore these experiences in a safe,
structured environment.

Trauma Psychotherapy for Dissociation

If dissociation is interfering with your life, trauma counselling can help. Psychodynamic
psychotherapy for dissociation focuses on the deeper emotional and relational patterns
underlying dissociative symptoms. Therapy can help you:

• Understand why dissociation happens
• Process trauma at a safe and manageable pace
• Reconnect with emotions and your sense of self
• Develop healthier coping strategies

Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is key to healing dissociation. In Bromley
trauma therapy, I provide a space where you can explore your experiences without fear or
pressure.

Finding Support for Dissociation

Dissociation can feel isolating, but support is available. If you or someone you know is
struggling, reaching out for psychotherapy for dissociation can be a vital step toward
healing. Trauma psychotherapy offers the tools to process past experiences, reconnect with
the present, and move toward a more stable, fulfilling life.

If you’re considering therapy, I’d be happy to discuss how we can work together. Get in
touch to explore how psychotherapy for dissociation can support your journey.