UNDERSTANDING DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS
At The Counselling, Mediation, and Relationship Centre, Donna Piromalli is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective support for individuals dealing with dissociative disorders. Based in Griffith, Donna specialises in understanding and treating these complex conditions to foster mental health and overall well-being.
Understanding Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders involve a disruption in a person’s normal state of consciousness, identity, memory, or awareness. These disruptions can range from mild and temporary to severe and persistent. People with dissociative disorders often experience a profound sense of detachment from themselves, their surroundings, or even their own thoughts and memories.
Types of Dissociative Disorders
- Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Previously known as multiple personality disorder, DID is marked by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, each with its own unique patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. These identities, or “alters,” often emerge as a response to trauma.
- Dissociative Amnesia: This disorder involves gaps in memory related to specific periods or events, usually connected to traumatic or highly stressful experiences.
- Depersonalisation-Derealisation Disorder: Individuals with this disorder experience feelings of detachment from themselves (depersonalisation) or perceive their environment as unreal or strange (derealisation), often viewing their life as if it were a dream.
Causes and Triggers
Dissociative disorders are commonly linked to severe trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, or other distressing life events. While research continues to explore the precise causes, these disorders are understood as mechanisms the mind uses to cope with overwhelming stress or trauma.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of dissociative disorders can vary but often include:
- Memory Lapses or Amnesia: Frequent forgetfulness about significant life events.
- Identity Confusion: Feeling as though one has multiple distinct selves.
- Feelings of Detachment or Unreality: Perceptions of the world as strange or unreal.
- Flashbacks or Intrusive Memories: Vivid, distressing recollections of past traumatic events.
- Mood Swings: Extreme fluctuations in emotional states.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Donna Piromalli offers a tailored approach to treating dissociative disorders, focusing on the following methods:
- EMDR Therapy: This technique helps process traumatic experiences underlying dissociative symptoms. It involves working through distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements) to aid in memory reprocessing and reduce their impact.
- EMDR Intensive Therapy: A more concentrated form of EMDR that allows for deeper exploration and faster processing of traumatic memories.
- Individualised Care: Donna creates personalised treatment plans, addressing each client’s unique needs and experiences.
- Collaborative Support: Donna advocates for a collaborative approach, working with other healthcare professionals as needed to provide a comprehensive and client-centred treatment plan.
YOUR JOURNEY TO HEALING
Taking the first step towards recovery can be daunting, but it is a brave and important decision. Donna Piromalli is here to provide a supportive, empathetic, and effective environment for you to begin your path to healing and self-discovery. Contact Donna Piromalli today to start your journey towards improved mental health and well-being.
