Dissociative Disorder (DD)
Dissociative disorders are the brains way of a coping with a situation or incident too upsetting for the conscious mind to process. A person with a dissociative disorder escapes reality in involuntary and pathological ways. There are several types of dissociative disorders (dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder, dissociative fugue and depersonalization disorder), all of which are thought to be caused by experiencing a trauma or abuse. Symptoms common to dissociative disorders include selective amnesia (of a specific time, person or event), depersonalization (a feeling of being detached from yourself), an indistinct or distorted sense of identity, and derealization (a feeling that something is off and the world and people around you are unreal). Individuals suffering from dissociative disorders often experience other mental health problems, like depression and anxiety. A mental health professional can help a person with a dissociative disorder to learn new ways of coping.
Local experts in Dissociative Disorder (DD)
Kip Williams (he/him)
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
Ph.D., LMFT
Complex trauma refers to multiple and repetitive traumatic experiences—including systemic oppression and ongoing abuse or neglect in childhood. It often results in feelings of disconnection and a fragmented sense of self that may continue for many years after the trauma occurred. Through trauma-sensitive mindfulness and somatic therapy, I help survivors gently reconnect with their body and emotions, fostering a sense of safety, wholeness, and post-traumatic growth.
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Gabriella Losada (she/her)
Professional Counselor Associate
Please note that I specifically work with depersonalization and/or derealization (DPDR) and that I do NOT have experience working with Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly, Multiple Personality Disorder). My knowledge of dissociative disorders includes personal experience, direct client work with people experiencing dissociation, and trainings such as "Treating Trauma" with Bessel van der Kolk and Pat Ogden
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Sam Wilson
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW, LCSW-C
Dissociation is generally a reaction to trauma and overwhelm and in my experience it always has some protective features. But what's adaptive in one situation can be harmful or unmanageable in another. Dissociation can rob us of the full experience of ourselves, our emotions, our sensations, even our intuitions. I use mindfulness techniques including wave meditation to practice reconnection in a safe way.
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Laura Z Weldon (she/her/they/them)
Qualified Mental Health Professional
ND, MS
Significant experience with derealization and depersonalization with or without a history of trauma. Some experience working with clients with DID.
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Kimberlee Harrison
Licensed Professional Counselor
CGP, CCTP-II
I have several years experience working with people who have dissociative disorders, particularly Dissociative Identity Disorder. I help clients work on cooperation and communication within their system, with a focus on safety.
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