Dissociation is an incredible tool that our body and minds have learned to utilize in extremely distressing situations. A coping strategy that was helpful once, often may not be in 10, 20, 30 etc years. Unfortunately, coping strategies don't develop in the linear ways that human beings are expected too. Despite the traumatic events that may have caused dissociation, humans do have more access and resources available to them in adulthood. These extra resources can mean learning and implementing more helpful strategies that align with who you are present day. It is my greatest honor to work with humans with these magnificent coping strategies. While we learn new strategies, we will work to integrate the fragmented parts into the whole being that you are.
Licensed Professional Counsellor, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Dissociation is often linked to a trauma response. Trauma is a reaction that individuals have in response to an event that they perceive as overwhelming. Responses to trauma can be so overwhelming that completing daily tasks, such as going to work or getting out of bed may be a struggle. A significant symptom of trauma is feeling as if the traumatic event is still happening, sometimes, even years after the event occurred. In order to protect from the perceived traumatic event, it is understandable that people may choose to "check out" or "dissociate" from the experience. One of the downfalls of dissociation is that individuals are brought further away from the present moment, which is safe and non-threatening. In our work together I provide strategies to cope with dissociation in order to feel safe and gain renewed hope for the future.
Dissociation disorders come from dissociating from ourselves as a coping mechanism to deal with a painful childhood or reality. People with dissociation are often creative and sensitive, and floating above it all was a way to diffuse and deal with unsafe emotional, physical and sexual violations experienced often in earlier life. To heal from dissociation, we work to re-integrate reality and work on healing some core issues where your boundaries and feeling safe were violated repeatedly. In a safe and shared presence, we work on slowly coming back into your body, feeling the sensations and emotions that arise, and address the deeper relationship going on within. Once we work on healing what keeps you running from yourself, dissociation naturally heals itself once you feel safe enough to stay in your body.
I will work to create a safe and predictable place. We will work on grounded as this is a way to bring yourself into the present and out of past trauma. Many people are reporting feelings depersonalization since COVID. You are not alone.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Social Worker, BBA, MDiv, MSW, CMAT, CSAT
In the face of traumatic experiences, we dissociate in order to cope with those experiences. Healing your dissociations involves healing your trauma and restoring you to your full personhood free from the memory fragments, compartmentalization and physical tension that you experience.
Reach out today to get the care that you deserve.
12 Years Experience
