Trauma Therapist: How Disconnection Protects You – Understanding Dissociation
Trauma Therapist: How Disconnection Protects You – Understanding Dissociation
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
Have you ever felt numb, distant, or like you're watching your life from the outside? Maybe you struggle to recall certain memories, or emotions seem just out of reach. That sense of disconnection can feel confusing and isolating, leaving you wondering, Why do I feel this way?
As a Trauma Therapist, I have worked with many clients seeking trauma therapy who don't have access to their emotions, body sensations, or even memories.
Looking through a trauma lens, one possible answer is that feeling connected with these aspects of self may be too painful and overwhelming.
When disconnection to aspects of self is present, that is my cue to slow down in trauma therapy. This, of course, can be frustrating for clients. And that makes sense. When folks reach out to a trauma therapist, they are ready to let all the disturbing material go.
It's important to note, however, that we can only go as fast as the nervous system will allow. What does that mean exactly? If there are psychological protections in place, we will need to work with the protective system and honor the internal protections that have been created.
How do we Honor The Protective System?
Using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, we look at the protective system through a parts lens and understand that the action of disconnecting is actually a part of the self who is trying to protect us from intense emotional pain. For a deeper dive into IFS, check out this post.
Disconnection as Protection
Disconnection isn’t a flaw or failure; it’s an adaptive response. Dissociation, in particular, serves as a shield, helping us survive situations that feel too intense to process in the moment. In IFS, we recognize this as the work of protective parts that act to keep distress at bay. Working with the protectors allows us to gain insight into our history and begin to create compassion for our protective system. We begin to broaden our perspective to include seeing the intent behind the protective strategies, which paves the way for self-understanding, self-compassion, and then self-acceptance.
The Importance of a Parts Approach
When beginning trauma therapy, many people understandably want to move quickly toward relief and resolution. However, true healing requires patience and respect for the parts of us that have been working so hard to protect us. As trauma expert Janina Fisher wisely shares, When it comes to trauma therapy, slower is faster. If we try to override these protective mechanisms too quickly, we risk activating more distress and resistance. By working with our protectors rather than against them, we allow for deeper, lasting healing.
Building Safety and Trust
Creating a sense of internal safety is essential for effective trauma work. This means honoring the role of protective parts and helping them understand that healing doesn’t require their destruction—it requires their collaboration. When we build trust with these parts of ourselves, they often begin to relax, allowing access to deeper emotions that need attention and care. A safe therapeutic environment—whether in individual work or with a therapist—creates the foundation for this transformative process.
For those of us who have experienced trauma, we've likely had the experience of someone bulldozing our boundaries, completely dismissing our fears, concerns, and wishes. If we blow past the internal protectors without understanding their role, we are likely to retraumatize the very parts of ourselves that have worked so tirelessly to keep us safe.
It's the role of a trauma therapist to guide folks through trauma processing safely and in a way that honors the self-system.
Understanding dissociation and disconnection as protective responses helps us shift from frustration to compassion. By respecting our internal protectors and approaching healing at a measured pace, we create the conditions necessary for lasting change. If you or someone you know struggles with trauma responses, know that healing is possible—and it begins with honoring the wisdom of your internal system.
Interested in How Trauma Therapy Helps?
The trauma therapists at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando are always ready to assist you in navigating trauma and addressing any other therapy-related concerns you may have. To get started:
Fill out our New Client Consultation Form
Schedule a consultation call with one of our trauma therapists.
Begin your healing journey!
Not Ready for Trauma Therapy Orlando?
We have a team of specialized trauma therapists who are always ready to help. At Mindful Living Counseling we understand that you may not be ready. If you're interested in learning more about trauma therapy, we recommend checking out the articles provided below.
Trauma Therapy Orlando Resources
Anxiety Therapist Shares The Impact of Stress and Trauma on Our Reactions
Orlando Therapist Explores the Difference between Physical Trauma & Attachment Trauma
Trauma Therapist: Understanding the Window of Tolerance
Types of Counseling: Trauma Counseling
Orlando Therapist: Understanding Therapy Jargon
5 Signs You’re Healing from Trauma
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
Mindful Living Counseling offers a range of therapy services, including Anxiety Therapy, Toxic Relationships, EMDR Therapy, and Teen Therapy, as well as Guided Meditations.
Trauma Therapist Spotlight: Lauran Hahn
Lauran Hahn, LMHC an Orlando trauma-based therapist who specializes in helping clients who are struggling with anxiety and trauma with her EMDR Intensives. She is a Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, a Certified EMDR Therapist, and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant.