Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation: Tools for Patients and Therapists
Trauma-related dissociation is a common response to overwhelming stress and trauma, often resulting in individuals feeling detached from their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Dissociation can vary in intensity, from mild detachment to severe depersonalization and derealization, which can greatly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Dissociation can be challenging to manage, both for patients experiencing it and therapists attempting to treat it. Therefore, skills training for both patients and therapists can be a beneficial approach to help individuals cope with trauma-related dissociation.
Skills training for patients experiencing trauma-related dissociation typically involves psychoeducation about the dissociative experience, grounding techniques, and mindfulness practices. The goal of psychoeducation is to provide patients with a better understanding of dissociation and its impact on daily functioning. This can include education about the different types of dissociation, such as depersonalization, derealization, and dissociative amnesia, as well as the common triggers and symptoms associated with dissociation. By increasing awareness and understanding of dissociation, patients can develop a sense of control and agency over their experiences, which can help reduce feelings of helplessness and distress.
Grounding techniques are another key component of skills training for patients experiencing dissociation. These techniques aim to help individuals stay connected to the present moment and their surroundings. Grounding techniques can include sensory-based exercises, such as focusing on the feel of a chair or the sounds in the room, or cognitive-based exercises, such as reciting the alphabet backward. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or body scans, can also be helpful for patients experiencing dissociation as they can promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
In addition to skills training for patients, therapists can also benefit from training in how to treat trauma-related dissociation. Therapists may need to adapt their approach to therapy to effectively address dissociation. One such approach is to incorporate elements of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which has been shown to be effective in treating dissociation in patients who have experienced trauma [1]. TF-CBT typically involves a combination of exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques, which can help patients develop coping skills to manage their dissociation symptoms.
In addition to TF-CBT, therapists can also benefit from training in how to use grounding techniques and mindfulness practices to help their patients cope with dissociation. Therapists can incorporate grounding techniques into therapy sessions and teach patients how to use them outside of therapy. Mindfulness practices can also be helpful for therapists as they can promote a sense of calm and focus during therapy sessions, which can help therapists remain present and engaged with their patients.
Training in trauma-informed care can also be beneficial for therapists working with patients who have experienced trauma-related dissociation. Trauma-informed care involves a shift in focus from treating symptoms to understanding the underlying trauma and how it impacts a patient's daily functioning. This can involve creating a safe and supportive environment for patients, being sensitive to their needs and preferences, and providing education and resources to help them cope with dissociation and other trauma-related symptoms.
In conclusion, coping with trauma-related dissociation can be challenging for both patients and therapists. However, skills training for both can be a helpful approach to managing dissociation symptoms. For patients, skills training can involve psychoeducation, grounding techniques, and mindfulness practices, while therapists may benefit from training in TF-CBT, grounding techniques, and trauma-informed care. By developing a range of coping skills and therapeutic approaches, individuals experiencing dissociation can regain a sense of control over their experiences and improve their daily functioning.
References:
Cloitre, M., Courtois, C. A., Charuva