What Is Dissociation? A Trauma Response You Might Be Missing
Dissociation is a common—but often misunderstood—mental health response, especially in people who’ve experienced trauma. It happens when your mind disconnects from your thoughts, feelings, or surroundings as a way to cope with overwhelming stress.
At Arise Counseling Group, many of our clients have experienced dissociation without realizing it. Understanding what it is—and how therapy can help—is the first step toward healing.
What Does Dissociation Feel Like?
People experiencing dissociation often describe:
Feeling "checked out" or numb
Being disconnected from their body or environment
Losing time or struggling with memory
Feeling like they’re watching life happen from outside themselves
These symptoms can come and go, or feel constant. Dissociation might seem small, like zoning out during a meeting, or more severe, like not remembering parts of your day.
Why Does Dissociation Happen?
Dissociation often begins as a survival strategy in response to trauma—especially when someone feels powerless or overwhelmed. Common causes include:
Childhood abuse or neglect
Emotional or psychological trauma
Car accidents or sudden loss
Ongoing stress or unsafe environments
Even if the danger is long gone, the mind may still rely on dissociation as a coping tool.
Is Dissociation a Mental Health Disorder?
Dissociation itself isn’t always a disorder. But when it’s frequent or disruptive, it can be part of conditions like:
PTSD
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
A trauma-informed therapist can help identify what’s happening and support you through recovery.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy helps you feel safer in your body and more present in your life. At Arise Counseling Group, we use approaches like:
Talk therapy & trauma processing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Grounding & mindfulness techniques
Somatic therapy
These tools support healing, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
Ready to Feel Connected Again?
Dissociation isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign your mind has worked hard to protect you. But you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode.
If you recognize signs of dissociation in your life, reach out to Arise Counseling Group. We're here to help you reconnect, heal, and thrive.
-Tanner Moffat