Dissociation

During Dr. Michael Dadson’s early career, he was a fellow and board member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), providing comprehensive experience and research into trauma and Dissociation. Highly recognized, two of Dr. Michael Dadson’s research papers were published in the academic peer reviewed Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.

To book an appointment with Dr. Michael Dadson at his clinic Gentle Currents Therapy in Langley, British Columbia, or to receive a phone consultation click here.

Dr. Dadson relays:

• Dissociation is the involuntary mental process of disconnecting from one’s thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity. In other words, ”disconnecting” or distancing ourselves from our reactions can involuntarily affect the functions of our memories. “Splitting” our thoughts from our feelings, losing parts of ourselves, or the inability to recall aspects or all details of a significant life event are signs of dissociation. For example, the felt experience of a traumatic event can be terror, hopelessness, powerlessness and horror. The memory of these emotional experiences can be triggered, but split in memory from the historical event from which they arose. There are very painful traumatic reactions but they are without the thoughts, narrative or memories from which they come. In the same way, the contrary presentation can exist at a different time.

Researchers have identified how dissociation can interact with stress particularly traumatic stress. “One of the major complications that can be present with PTSD is the defensive response of dissociation”, notes Dr. Michael Dadson.

Dr. Michael Dadson discusses more on counselling for approaches for Dissociation here.

“It is very critical to understand if you begin to feel hopeless, have feelings of self-harm, or even suicide, please reach out to your doctor or one of the HOT lines below” indicates Michael Dadson.”

Suicide Help Line