What Therapists Should Know About Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Marich
Curt and Katie interview Dr. Jamie Marich, author of Dissociation Made Simple, about dissociation and dissociative identities. We talk with Jamie about what therapists often get wrong as well as some basics on what dissociation is and how best to understand and treat it (when it actually needs treating).
Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!
In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can support clients navigating dissociation
A friend of the show, Dr. Jamie Marich, wrote a book Dissociation Made Simple, and we wanted to talk about it!
What are therapists getting wrong when learning about and treating dissociation?

Not believing in dissociative identities or dissociative systems

Fear of and misunderstanding of dissociation

Thinking of dissociation as a dirt word and something to avoid

Believing that dissociation must always be healed (when in fact it could be useful at times)

What is dissociation? What is dissociative identity disorder or dissociative experience?

Exploring different definitions and conceptualizations

It is a lot of different things

Severing/separating from the present moment or from aspects of ourselves

Disaggregation or dividing your self into parts

Purposeful, meeting a need or protection

The shift to thinking about elements of dissociation as adaptive or maladaptive situationally

How can therapists support clients in understanding and managing their own dissociation?

Helping clients to identify what purpose their dissociation is serving

Assessing dissociative profile through an inventory in the book (triggers, how we dissociate, adaptive/maladaptive)

All dissociative behaviors can be assessed as adaptive or maladaptive

How can a therapist assess for dissociative identities or systems?

Language may vary (parts, defenders, team, selves, side, aspect, etc.)

Previous diagnosis or self-diagnosis

Listen for the experience (a “part of me” wants this, a “side of me” wants this)

Speaking in a parts-informed way

Exploring for thinking from different parts of self, potentially even already with names

Dissociative Identities inventories

What are clinical goals with clients who have dissociative experiences and/or identities?

When working with someone with a system, will need to get buy in from all elements of the team for treatment goals

Goals may not align across different parts

The theory that you’re working with a family

Many clients have Chronic PTSD and the focus of treatment may be trauma

The importance of being trauma informed

Grounding, anchoring, or settling into the present moment

The goal is usually NOT integration

Cohesion, communication, or cooperation

How can therapists overcome their fear about dissociation?

Identifying your own dissociation

Overcoming the “us versus them” related to dissociation

Moving away from bias and stereotypes of folks who dissociate


Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:
We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!
Dissociation Made Simple (the book)
Jamie’s website: redefinetherapy.com
Jamie’s social media:
 Trauma Therapist Rants on Twitter
Trauma Therapist Rants on TikTok

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:
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Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/