Therapy for Depersonalization
Feeling like a stranger to myself provokes both equal fear and confusion. Although I feel alone I know I am not in this experience
-Elemental
Depersonalization
Depersonalization can be scary, confusing, and leave one feeling lost. As someone who has had depersonalization episodes for most of my life, I know how hard it is to find professional help with someone that understands.
Depersonalization can be one of the hardest things to explain. An example I like to use is that it can feel like a separation from the self—almost as if you are not connected to your ego or body. It can make you feel like you are looking at yourself as a third person even though rationally you know you are you. It can disconnect you from the things you used to find pleasure in and make you feel like it will never go away. Some people experience DP in episodes while others have longer lasting symptoms. The way it shows up to each of us can be highly individual and impact us in different ways.
Having experienced DP for the last twenty years, it has been the single most impacting experience in my life that brought me to become a therapist. In the mental health field, I believe there is a serious lack of awareness and experience with DP. This has led to mis diagnosis, complication of medications, and severe impact on those that are already suffering. The good news is that no matter how scary it may be, this feeling does and will go away. Finding a therapist to help me with my own suffering was a key to me and my healing and I wish to be that for you.
Symptoms of
Depersonalization
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Detachment from thoughts and feelings
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Feeling robotic, mechanical, or automated
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Feel as though you are looking at yourself as a third person
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Experience of heightened anxiety
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Feelings of being alienated from or unfamiliar with your surroundings
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During these episodes, you are aware that your sense of detachment is only a feeling and not reality
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A sense that your memories lack emotion, and that they may or may not be your own memories
Symptoms of Derealization
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Feelings of being unfamiliar with your surroundings — for example, like you're living in a movie or a dream
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Surroundings may appear distorted, two-dimensional or artificial, or a heightened awareness and clarity of your surroundings
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Feeling distortions of the body, distance and the size and shape of objects
How I work
I take a anti oppressive, non- judgemental, client focused approach to therapy. In working with depersonalization, I incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness approaches, and somatic experiencing. These therapies are evidence-based and have been shown to be effective in treating depersonalization and derealization. I tend to use a combination of these approaches and tailor my approach to individualized needs of the client.
Next Steps
If you are ready to book a session, you can click below to book. From there, we will walk you through the simple process of preparing for your first session. You are also welcome to visit out FAQs page to learn more.