Dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism that involves a disconnection between a person's thoughts, emotions, memories, and sense of identity. It is a way for the mind to cope with overwhelming or traumatic experiences, allowing the individual to detach from the present moment or from their thoughts and feelings.
There are different levels of dissociation, ranging from mild to severe. Mild dissociation is something most people experience from time to time, such as when daydreaming or getting lost in thought. However, more severe forms of dissociation, like dissociative disorders, can significantly impact a person's functioning and well-being.
When you dissociate, you might feel like you are watching yourself from the outside, like you're not fully connected to your body or your surroundings. It can feel like being in a fog, losing track of time, or feeling emotionally numb. Some people may experience dissociative amnesia, where they cannot remember important aspects of their life or traumatic events.
In a therapeutic context, a therapist might recognize signs of dissociation when a person seems detached, distracted, or unresponsive during a session. They may call your name or ask where you are to help bring you back to the present moment and reestablish a connection with your thoughts and feelings.
If your therapist mentioned that you dissociated during the session, it could be essential to discuss this further with them to gain a better understanding of what happened and explore any underlying reasons or triggers. Therapists are trained to address dissociation sensitively and help clients navigate these experiences.
If you find it difficult to talk about it in the moment, you can let your therapist know that you'd like to discuss it more during the next session or write down your thoughts and feelings to share with them later. Open communication with your therapist can help create a safe space for exploring and understanding your experiences better.