What Is Dissociation?
Dissociation is a mental process that involves disconnecting from your own thoughts, feelings, memories, or personal identity, often in response to a traumatic event. It can cause you to:
- Believe that the world around you is distorted or unreal
- Experience sudden mood swings
- Have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or handling intense emotions
- Experience anxiety or depression
- Behave much differently than you normally would, possibly doing things that you would usually find offensive
The 3 Types of Dissociative Disorders
Although dissociation often resolves on its own without the need for professional treatment, in some cases it can develop into a dissociative disorder. The mental health community classifies dissociative disorders into the following three types:
- Dissociative amnesia (also known as psychogenic amnesia) – You can’t remember the details of a traumatic event, but you’re aware that you’re experiencing memory loss.
- Depersonalization disorder – You feel detached from your surroundings, as if you’re watching what’s occurring around you on television.
- Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder) – You have two or more personalities, with each one possibly having its own tone, body language, outlook, and memories.
The Team to Choose for Dissociation Treatment
If you think you may be experiencing dissociation, contact us today. Our team regularly treats dissociation, and once we’ve spoken with you about the issues you’ve been dealing with, we can identify what may be causing the problem and recommend a course of treatment that’s customized to your specific needs. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step toward relief.
About the Author
Amanda Landry, LMHC, CAP, NCCFounder & CEO, Caring Therapists - Florida Group Practice
Amanda Landry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), with over 18 years of experience helping teens, young adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relational challenges. Her holistic approach blends evidence‑based therapies-such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy-with yoga, meditation, and vegetarian wellness practices.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caring Therapists, Amanda leads a thriving group practice with multiple locations across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Hollywood, and Palm Beach Gardens. Her leadership emphasizes clinical quality, community connection, and accessibility, with an emphasis on serving local South Florida communities.
Amanda is also a published author of "Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety" (2022) and has created My Private Practice Collective, an online community and resource hub for therapists establishing or expanding their practices. As a Qualified Supervisor, she mentors and supervises new clinicians seeking licensure and growth in their therapeutic careers.