Neuro-Affirming Dissociation Spectrum 101
A resource for both therapists and clients about the dissociation spectrum!
Dissociation is:
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A disconnection (from the present moment, from distress, etc.)
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A common and often helpful neurobiological response
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A spectrum of experiences
Dissociation is not:
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Bad, rare, or dangerous
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A personal failing or reflection of lack of effort
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Separable from oppression
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Easily understood as existing in one specific way
Dissociation as an umbrella term to describe any way in which people might disconnect from something. Multiplicity and plurality both describe the experience of having multiple and separate in some way parts, known largely as Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The way dissociation shows up is variable and depends on a variety of factors, including trauma, epigenetics, culture, neurotype, race and ethnicity, social stratification, and other extremely important factors.
Dissociation is a topic near and dear to my heart! If you're a therapist who has questions about it or an organization interested in learning more, I offer consultation so please don't hesitate to reach out below!