Question

What does it mean to dissociate? My therapist calmly called out my name and then asked me where I was. I was confused because I was present with him or so I thought. He told me that I disassociated. I will ask him but I thought I’d try Quora first.

Answer 1

Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon where there is a disconnection or detachment from one's thoughts, feelings, memories, identity, or even from the external world. It can involve a sense of feeling "out of touch" with oneself or one's surroundings. Dissociation can vary in intensity, ranging from mild moments of spacing out to more severe experiences where individuals may feel as if they are watching themselves from outside their bodies or experiencing a fragmented sense of self.

In your case, when your therapist calmly called out your name and asked where you were, it seems he noticed signs of dissociation during your session. It's important to remember that dissociation is a common response to various situations, and it can happen to anyone. There are different types of dissociative experiences, such as:

1. Depersonalization: Feeling disconnected from oneself or like an outside observer of one's thoughts, feelings, and actions.

2. Derealization: Feeling detached from the external world, as if things are not real or are distorted.

3. Dissociative amnesia: Experiencing gaps in memory, often related to traumatic events or experiences.

4. Dissociative identity states: Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, this involves the presence of multiple distinct personality states within one individual.

Dissociation is a coping mechanism that the mind employs when it perceives an overwhelming or threatening situation. It serves as a defense mechanism to protect the individual from distressing emotions or memories.

If your therapist noticed signs of dissociation during your session, it might be helpful to discuss it with him to gain a better understanding of what triggered it and how it may be impacting your well-being. Your therapist can help you explore any underlying reasons for dissociation and work with you on coping strategies or therapeutic interventions to manage dissociative experiences effectively. Remember that therapists are there to support you through these experiences and help you navigate them in a safe and constructive manner.