Beyond Dissociation

Analysis and dissociation have proved to be useful tools to understand the basic functions of the brain and the mind, which therefore have been decomposed to a multitude of ever smaller subsystems and pieces by most scientific approaches. However, the understanding of complex functions such as consciousness will not succeed without a more global consideration of the ways the mind-brain works. This implies that synthesis rather than analysis should be applied to the brain. The present book offers a collection of contributions ranging from sensory and motor cognitive neuroscience to mood management and thought, which all focus on the dissociation between conscious (explicit) and nonconscious (implicit) processing in different cognitive situations. The contributions in this book clearly demonstrate that conscious and nonconscious processes typically interact in complex ways. The central message of this collection of papers is: In order to understand how the brain operates as one integrated whole that generates cognition and behaviour, we need to reassemble the brain and mind and put all the conscious and nonconscious pieces back together again. (Series B)

Winner of ISSTD's 2009 Pierre Janet Writing Award for the best publication on dissociation in 2009! Dissociation and the Dissociative Disorders is a book that has no real predecessor in the dissociative disorders field. It reports the most recent scientific findings and conceptualizations about dissociation; defines and establishes the boundaries of current knowledge in the dissociative disorders field; identifies and carefully articulates the field’s current points of confusion, gaps in knowledge, and conjectures; clarifies the different aspects and implications of dissociation; and sets forth a research agenda for the next decade. In many respects, Dissociation and the Dissociative Disorders both defines and redefines the field.

Analysis and dissociation have proved to be useful tools to understand the basic functions of the brain and the mind, which therefore have been decomposed to a multitude of ever smaller subsystems and pieces by most scientific approaches. However, the understanding of complex functions such as consciousness will not succeed without a more global consideration of the ways the mind-brain works. This implies that synthesis rather than analysis should be applied to the brain. The present book offers a collection of contributions ranging from sensory and motor cognitive neuroscience to mood management and thought, which all focus on the dissociation between conscious (explicit) and nonconscious (implicit) processing in different cognitive situations. The contributions in this book clearly demonstrate that conscious and nonconscious processes typically interact in complex ways. The central message of this collection of papers is: In order to understand how the brain operates as one integrated whole that generates cognition and behaviour, we need to reassemble the brain and mind and put all the conscious and nonconscious pieces back together again. (Series B)

Dissociation challenges many comfortable assumptions. Dissociative phenomena are often stark, extreme, and vivid. The identities of individuals with dissociation disorders shift between apparent opposites. Their pain is ignored. Trauma victims report floating above their injured bodies. Are these arcane, dramatic, or staged events, or does dissociation underlie some fundamental aspect of mental organization? Is dissociation the product of a troubled mind or a key to understanding the structure of consciousness and the mind-body relationship? Dissociation: Culture, Mind, and Body is the first book to combine cultural anthropology, cognitive psychology, neurophysiology, and the study of psychosomatic illness to present the latest information on the dissociative process. A variety of leading experts in each of these fields bring their knowledge on the unique role that dissociation plays in moderating social and psychological effects on the body. Dissociation: Culture, Mind, and Body is an invaluable resource for every student of dissociation and is designed for professionals in cross-cultural psychiatry and the influence of the mind on the body. Dissociation: Culture, Mind, and Body includes New theories of dissociation New measures of dissociation New evidence of the physical effects of dissociative processes

Have you ever had a daydream? If so, you’ve had a dissociative experience. The same is true if you’ve had an out-of-body moment or thought you were somewhere else as you drifted off to sleep. These are seemingly harmless and temporary dissociations. But further down the spectrum of such experiences, you find people actually traveling to a strange city and suddenly not remembering how they got there. You also find people with multiple personalities and other disordered thinking. In The Wandering Mind, Dr. John Biever and co-author Maryann Karinch use the stories of people all along the spectrum of dissociative conditions—from those who are “perfectly normal” to those diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder—to expose the natures and functions of dissociation. Their lives and stories serve as a way of exploring chronic dissociation and the trek back to good mental health. The authors look closely at what signs and symptoms indicate normal, everyday dissociation, and those that indicate a more serious problem. While daydreamers may not meet the criteria for diagnosis, trauma victims who relive their nightmares in real time may require both diagnosis and treatment. The authors also delve into the phenomenon of deliberate dissociation, such as Buddhist monks in meditation. And they take a close look at the process of diagnosing a dissociative disorder as well as factors that put patients on the road to reintegration and recovery.

EMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach developed for the treatment of PTSD, meanwhile, practicing clinicians have found the application of EMDR to be useful in treating patients who have experienced emotionally traumatic events, which they described as distinctive of their family-of-origin, their personal life history and their attachment relations. In this book the authors describe some of the basic aspects that therapists must understand in order to adequately apply EMDR in the more severe cases, including dissociative disorders, personality disorders and different types of complex traumatization.

An essential resource for psychologists, therapists, and clinicians to help clients understand dissociation, make sense of their parts, and visualize depersonalization and derealization—a stigma-free guide from the bestselling author of Dissociation Made Simple An interactive dry-erasable tool for use with clients with dissociative identity disorder (DID), complex trauma, PTSD, and dissociative disorders not otherwise specified (DDNOS) This easy-to-use, dry-erasable flip chart helps therapists break down the basics of dissociation: what it is, why it happens, and how it can be understood—and embraced—as a key part of your client’s healing journey. The full-color Dissociation Made Simple Flipchart builds on Jamie Marich, PhD’s, bestselling book and expands your clinical toolkit. Designed to be interactive and user-friendly in-session, it offers easy-to-understand definitions, unique client-centered exercises, flexible language options, and visual activity pages thoughtfully illustrated to meet the needs of clients with different learning styles. Use the Flipchart with clients to: Understand—and go beyond—dissociation and trauma 101 Show how trauma acts on the body and brain Demystify terms like “parts,” “system,” and “alter” Build their “safe-enough” harbor Relate to real-life examples from people with dissociative experiences Understand treatment options and different approaches to dissociative symptoms Practice techniques for grounding, anchoring, settling, and mindfulness Do interactive activities like mapping their parts Challenge myths, biases, and stigma Learn about their dissociative tendencies—and discover what helps them return to the present moment For use with clients with trauma-related dissociation, dissociative identity disorder, DDNOS, and more, the Flipchart is a compassionate and invaluable clinical resource that helps you explore complex concepts with ease—demystifying dissociation and providing a roadmap to understanding, agency, and empowerment.

Embrace Life's Vibrancy: Dissociation Unraveled - Even If You've Struggled for Years. Discover Peaceful Clarity Without Endless Struggle. Have you ever felt like a visitor in your own body, detached from your physical self and feeling as if you're watching a movie of your own life? Do you often struggle with memory lapses, forgetting significant chunks of time, or not remembering certain events? Do you sometimes feel like the world around you isn't real? This is the reality of dissociation, where the boundaries between self and surroundings blur. This experience is not uncommon, with about 75% of people experiencing dissociation at some point in their lives. It often emerges as a coping mechanism in response to trauma, but it can profoundly impact one's daily life, affecting various aspects of functioning, cognition, and relationships. And if not dealt with properly, it can also make you more vulnerable to further traumatic experiences due to a decreased ability to assess and respond to danger.This practical guide will help you explore the complexities of dissociation and provide a roadmap toward understanding, self-discovery, and ultimately, healing.Armed with practical strategies and techniques to navigate the challenges associated with dissociative disorders, you will possess the ability to make a difference in your life, working toward a more integrated and balanced self. In this handbook, you will discover: And much more. Even if you feel like you don't know who you are anymore, you can reclaim a sense of wholeness and rediscover the person you are within.No matter what symptom you're dealing with, stability, identity, and healing are within reach, and this book is here to support you every step of the way. Your path to a renewed life and well-being begins with your determination. Scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button to find out who you really are, right now.

Dissociation 101: The go-to guide for understanding your dissociative disorder, breaking the stigma, and healing from trauma-related dissociation. "Just as important as The Body Keeps the Score (but an easier read for me)." —5-star reader review Guided by clinical counselor Jamie Marich—a trauma-informed clinician living with a dissociative disorder herself—this book tells you everything you need to know about dissociation...but were too afraid to ask. Here, you’ll learn: What dissociation is—and why it’s a natural response to trauma How to understand and work with your “parts”—the unique emotional and behavioral profiles that can develop from personality fragmentation There’s nothing shameful about dissociating—that, in fact, we can all dissociate Skills and strategies for living your best, authentic, and most fulfilled life What to look for in a therapist: choosing a healer who sees you and gets it Foundational elements of healing from trauma, including PTSD and C-PTSD With practical guided exercises like “The Dissociative Profile” and “Parts Mapping,” this book is written for those diagnosed with dissociative disorders, clinicians and therapists who treat trauma and dissociation, and readers who are exploring whether they may have dissociative symptoms or a condition like dissociative identity disorder (DID). Dissociation Made Simple breaks it all down accessibly and comprehensively, with empowerment and support—and without stigma, judgment, or shame.

This training manual for pateints who have suffered severe trauma includes a short educational piece, homework sheets, and exercises that promote essential emotional and life skills.