When survivors dissociate in session, some new therapists mistake it for disengagement. In truth, dissociation is survival.
Why Dissociation Occurs
When survivors dissociate in session, some new therapists mistake it for disengagement — a misunderstanding of dissociation vs resistance. In truth, dissociation is not avoidance but survival.
Therapist Response
• Grounding – Help the client reorient safely.
• Patience – Never push through dissociation aggressively.
• Compassion – Normalize dissociation as part of trauma healing.
Training Note
Teach supervisees to reframe dissociation not as resistance but as evidence of a client’s resilience.
👉 At Soteldo Psychotherapy Clinic, we provide training for psychotherapists to skillfully recognize and respond to dissociation.
