Many survivors have emailed me about their inability to get their needs met within relationships. When expectations are not met, they would rather isolate than be subjected to anymore rejection from others, which is only natural. We as survivors feel angry, depressed, and are at our wits end because we want to have more control over our lives but can’t seem to make that happen.

To better understand how to respond to someone who has dissociated, it is helpful to know what dissociation looks like and how to assist someone in that state. The following responses are examples of dissociation[1]:

Clinical practice incorporates many experiences in addition to touch that may trigger a negative response in a survivor even though they seem innocuous to the clinician.[1] Survivors have described triggers such as the use of water, ice, traction, or ultrasound gel. They also spoke about medical procedures and treatments during which they had to remain immobile or silent or heard others crying out with pain or anxiety, reminding them of abuse experiences.

A trigger is anything (e.g., a sight, sound, smell, touch, taste or thought) associated with a past negative event that activates a memory, flashback or strong emotion. Because triggers are directly associated with a particular event or events, they are unique to each individual. That explains why different stimuli will trigger different people; and why a therapist can never remove or avoid every potential trigger in a practice setting.[1]

This is the third of a series in discussing effective treatment for adult survivors of child abuse and neglect who are diagnosed with depression, PTSD, and DID. Therapy is very complex.