Dissociation, Trauma, and EMDR Therapy
Common Types of Dissociation
Acadia Psychotherapy offers EMDR therapy and trauma-informed counseling in McKinney, TX, serving clients throughout Collin County and North Texas.
Dissociation is one of the most misunderstood trauma responses in mental health. Many people experience it but lack the language to describe what is happening, often fearing that something is “wrong” with them. In reality, dissociation is not inherently harmful. It is a protective function of the nervous system—an adaptive response your brain developed to help you survive overwhelming experiences.
At Acadia Psychotherapy, we frequently work with individuals who experience dissociation related to trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, and adverse life events. Understanding dissociation is often a powerful first step toward healing, especially when paired with evidence-based treatments such as EMDR therapy.
This article explores:
What dissociation is and why it occurs
The different types of dissociation
How trauma impacts the nervous system
The relationship between dissociation and EMDR therapy
Why dissociation is not a sign of weakness, but resilience
If you are seeking trauma-informed therapy or EMDR therapy in the Acadia area, this guide is written for you.
What Is Dissociation?
Dissociation is a mind-body response that occurs when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed and shifts into a protective state. Rather than fighting or fleeing, the brain creates distance—mentally, emotionally, or physically—from what feels unbearable.
From a neurobiological perspective, dissociation helps reduce emotional pain, sensory overload, or threat when escape is not possible. It is especially common in individuals who have experienced:
Childhood trauma or neglect
Chronic stress or emotional invalidation
Medical trauma
Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
Sudden loss or prolonged grief
Dissociation exists on a spectrum. Many people dissociate without realizing it, and not all dissociation is pathological.
Common Types of Dissociation
Dissociation does not look the same for everyone. Below are the most commonly recognized forms encountered in trauma-informed psychotherapy settings.
1. Depersonalization
Depersonalization involves feeling disconnected from your own body, thoughts, or sense of self. People often describe feeling numb, robotic, or as though they are watching themselves from the outside.
Examples include:
Feeling emotionally flat or detached
Difficulty recognizing yourself in the mirror
A sense of being “not fully here”
2. Derealization
Derealization affects how you perceive the world around you. The environment may feel unreal, foggy, distant, or dreamlike, even though you know intellectually that it is real.
Examples include:
Feeling as though you are behind glass
Visual distortions or muted sounds
The world feeling artificial or unfamiliar
3. Dissociative Amnesia
This involves gaps in memory, especially surrounding stressful or emotionally charged experiences. These memory disruptions are not due to ordinary forgetfulness but rather the brain’s attempt to protect itself.
Examples include:
Difficulty recalling parts of childhood
Losing time during emotionally intense moments
Inability to remember details of a traumatic event
4. Emotional Dissociation
Emotional dissociation occurs when feelings are compartmentalized or shut down. Many individuals describe knowing something was painful but being unable to feel it.
This is especially common in high-functioning individuals who learned early on that emotions were unsafe or overwhelming.
Important clarification: Dissociation does not automatically mean Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The vast majority of people who dissociate do not meet criteria for DID, and this article does not focus on identity fragmentation.
Is Dissociation Dangerous? Understanding the Protective Role of the Brain
Dissociation is often pathologized, but from a trauma-informed lens, it is a sign of adaptation and survival.
Your brain did exactly what it needed to do at the time.
When the nervous system perceives threat and escape is not possible, dissociation allows the individual to endure. Over time, however, this response may become automatic—even when danger is no longer present, leading to difficulties with emotional connection, memory, or presence.
Therapy does not aim to eliminate dissociation forcefully. Instead, the goal is to help the nervous system learn that safety is possible now.
Trauma, the Brain, and the Nervous System
Trauma disrupts how the brain processes information. Research shows that traumatic memories may be stored in a fragmented, non-verbal form, which contributes to dissociation, emotional flooding, or numbness when reminders occur.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), trauma impacts:
The amygdala (threat detection)
The hippocampus (memory integration)
The prefrontal cortex (regulation and meaning-making)
When these systems are dysregulated, dissociation can become a primary coping strategy.
EMDR Therapy and Dissociation
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most well-researched treatments for trauma and is recognized by organizations such as:
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The American Psychological Association (APA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
At Acadia Psychotherapy, EMDR therapy is used carefully and intentionally with clients who experience dissociation.
How EMDR Therapy Helps Integrate Traumatic Memories
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic material so it can be stored in a more adaptive, integrated way. For individuals who dissociate, EMDR therapy often includes:
Stabilization and grounding skills
Resourcing and nervous system regulation
Modified pacing to prevent overwhelm
Attention to present-moment safety
Can You Do EMDR If You Dissociate?
Contrary to common misconceptions, dissociation does not disqualify someone from EMDR. When provided by a trained, trauma-informed therapist, EMDR can actually reduce dissociative symptoms over time by restoring the brain’s natural processing abilities.
Seeking EMDR Therapy at Acadia Psychotherapy
If you are experiencing dissociation, anxiety, emotional numbness, or lingering effects of trauma, working with a trauma-informed therapist can help you reconnect safely and gradually.
Acadia Psychotherapy offers EMDR therapy and trauma-informed counseling for adults navigating:
Emotional disconnection
Relationship difficulties
Healing does not require reliving trauma. It requires safety, attunement, and evidence-based care.
Learn More
For a more accessible explanation of dissociation and how it shows up in daily life, we invite you to watch our educational video on TikTok, where we discuss this topic in a clear and supportive way.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. Reading this article does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing significant distress, dissociation, or mental health concerns, please seek care from a qualified mental health professional.
Acadia Psychotherapy provides trauma-informed psychotherapy and EMDR therapy for adults in McKinney, Texas, and surrounding North Texas communities. Our practice specializes in trauma, dissociation, anxiety, and nervous system–based healing, offering evidence-based care in a supportive and confidential setting.
