Photo by Irene Giunta on Unsplash 

Editor's Note: This article discusses reactions to trauma and may be triggering for some readers.

I call it my "tell." 

Sometimes when I am talking to a client with a history of trauma, I feel lightheaded or dizzy. It took me awhle to figure out why. I's usually a sign that the person I'm sitting across from is experiencing dissociation. It's a useful tool because dissociation can be difficult to see from the outside. Many people who experience it never knew it has a name. 

Traumatic dissociation is hard to see and hard to describe. Beneath its quietness lies a rich world that provides vital information about a person's traumatic experience, an experience survivors live in every day. I developed this series to shine a light on one of trauma survivors' more mysterious struggles.

In this series, I will include a number of articles covering different topics related to dissociation. In my first, I discuss the problems with defining and explaining dissociation. I also offer up my own term and definition for the experience. Next, I begin a discussion of how dissociation frequently can be misunderstood by others and why it is important to learn more about it. I then focus on psychological diagnoses given to people with traumatic dissociation. 

I look forward to covering many topics. To help surivivors understand their experience, I plan to discuss The Language of Dissociation. The language of dissociation includes ideas such as the Window of Tolerance, Bii-phasic response, the Polyvagal Theory, Parts, Alterations of Consciousness and Emotional Hijacking, I also hope to cover Shame and Dissociation, The Pathways of Dissociation, Dissociation from TheSurvivor's Perspective, The Biology of Dissociation, and Relational Trauma and Dissociation.

Information is wonderful, but at some point, I'm usually asked the question, "so what can I do about that?" That is why I am also looking forward to discussing tools and treatment for dissociation.

The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. This blog is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed practitioner. Please consult with your own therapist or healthcare provider regarding any suggestions and/or recommendations made in this blog. Although the author has made every effort to ensure that the information in this blog was correct at publication time and while this publication is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject mater covered, the author assumes no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated by name or direct reference, any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The use of this blog implies your acceptance of this disclaimer. 

© Nancy B. Sherrod, PhD