Dissociative Disorders
Areas of special interest are not the same as areas of specialisation. Areas of interest, in this case, means that I have seen many cases of this nature, read much of the literature on these kinds of experiences and have accomplished good therapeutic outcomes. I have not however, done specialist study in a recognised learning centre in this area.
Dissociative Disorders sound heavy, and sometimes they can be. The reality however, is that the states of mind that are referred to are more common than we may realise, and that the level of severity ranges from very mild to extreme.
There are a few particular disorders that can fall under this general term, they are :
De-personalisation: When one feels unreal to oneself, as though watching oneself act from a short distance. Words that seem to click with these people are “estranged from myself” or “really detached form my body”. It often occurs as part of a panic attack, or when there is intense anxiety.
Many cases of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Anorexia share a specific symptom of depersonalisation. That is the perspective that their body is malformed in some way, excessively ugly, over or under-sized. BDD and Anorexia are not however the same as Depersonalisation.
De-realisation : When one feels that the world around them is dreamlike or unreal, a frightening state where what was once reliable and ‘concrete’ is no longer available to rely upon. These states are often passing, usually with intense anxiety and panic. However they can remain as symptoms for several years.
Psychogenic amnesia: This is the situation where specific memories and emotions are no longer available to the sufferer, and where there is no other neurological or medical explanation of this loss of data. It is currently understood to be a normal coping mechanism for traumatic experience.
All of these symptoms can be very frightening and quite de-stabilising for someone going through them. What is really good to know is that Body Awareness, Meditation, Psychotherapy and Bodywork all have a very positive effect on the reduction and resolution of these symptoms. What each person needs varies significantly, there is no standard approach. After initial assessment we can discuss the kinds of skill sets that need to be learned as well as what kinds modalities might be most useful for you.
If you have been going through this kind of stuff long enough, then why don’t you place a call to someone who can actually help you.
To discuss further or to make an appointment, Call 9369 3906 Edgecliff Rd Psychotherapy Centre and ask for Julian Zanelli.
