Absolutely. It’s a protective adaptation. I always let clients know we’re not going to kick the crutch out from under them. Dissociation subsides as the healing progresses because it isn’t needed anymore. It takes time to recognize the coping tools that worked at the time to survive, that that aren’t working anymore because the circumstances have changed. I have deep respect for those who are able to venture into the light when that feels life threatening on so many levels.
I appreciated this post. The stare is haunting. I see it in trauma clients who dissociate to cope, and recognized your reference to dissociation as a means to the look of radiance. The facial features have a Botox effect.
It's such a complicated issue to unpack in therapy. Dissociation garners so much approval in high control and it honestly protects and keep one safe. Learning to integrate and reassociate (is that even a word?) requires that much more courage, even in small daily moments. "Be present" is as terrifying as it is simple.
Absolutely. It’s a protective adaptation. I always let clients know we’re not going to kick the crutch out from under them. Dissociation subsides as the healing progresses because it isn’t needed anymore. It takes time to recognize the coping tools that worked at the time to survive, that that aren’t working anymore because the circumstances have changed. I have deep respect for those who are able to venture into the light when that feels life threatening on so many levels.
Concepts that are simple can be anything but easy. We eat the elephant one bite at a time, for as long as it takes.
I appreciated this post. The stare is haunting. I see it in trauma clients who dissociate to cope, and recognized your reference to dissociation as a means to the look of radiance. The facial features have a Botox effect.
It's such a complicated issue to unpack in therapy. Dissociation garners so much approval in high control and it honestly protects and keep one safe. Learning to integrate and reassociate (is that even a word?) requires that much more courage, even in small daily moments. "Be present" is as terrifying as it is simple.