After my conversation with Janina Fisher about dissociative parts, my inbox exploded with questions about dissociation. So today, I'm answering three that showed up a few times

In this episode, we're covering:

• Why you might dissociate MORE in therapy than anywhere else (and why that doesn't mean therapy isn't working)
• How to tell the difference between zoning out and actual dissociation
• Why you can tell your trauma story without feeling anything, and what that really means

If you've ever driven home from therapy wondering why your brain keeps checking out, or if you've told your story a hundred times but can't seem to access the feelings, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

• Early warning signs of dissociation in your body (before it fully takes over)
• How to use orienting to stay present when things get heavy
• The difference between depersonalization and derealization
• Why emotional numbness is protection, not proof that nothing happened
• Three concrete ways to start rebuilding the bridge between your story and your body

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Episode with Janina Fisher on dissociative parts (listen if you haven't yet!)
• Window of tolerance
• State-dependent memory
• Dorsal vagal shutdown response

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

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Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.