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Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma-Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Daily Life
Dissociation 101: The go-to guide for understanding your dissociative disorder, breaking the stigma, and healing from trauma-related dissociation.
Guided by clinical counselor Jamie Marich--a trauma-informed clinician living with a dissociative disorder herself--this book tells you everything you need to know about dissociation...but were too afraid to ask.
Here, you’ll learn:
What dissociation is--and why it’s a natural response to trauma
How to understand and work with your “parts”--the unique emotional and behavioral profiles that can develop from personality fragmentation
There’s nothing shameful about dissociating--that, in fact, we can all dissociate
Skills and strategies for living your best, authentic, and most fulfilled life
What to look for in a therapist: choosing a healer who sees you and gets it
Foundational elements of healing from trauma, including PTSD and C-PTSD
With practical guided exercises like “The Dissociative Profile” and “Parts Mapping,” this book is written for those diagnosed with dissociative disorders, clinicians and therapists who treat trauma and dissociation, and readers who are exploring whether they may have dissociative symptoms or a condition like dissociative identity disorder (DID). Dissociation Made Simple breaks it all down accessibly and comprehensively, with empowerment and support--and without stigma, judgment, or shame.
Guided by clinical counselor Jamie Marich--a trauma-informed clinician living with a dissociative disorder herself--this book tells you everything you need to know about dissociation...but were too afraid to ask.
Here, you’ll learn:
What dissociation is--and why it’s a natural response to trauma
How to understand and work with your “parts”--the unique emotional and behavioral profiles that can develop from personality fragmentation
There’s nothing shameful about dissociating--that, in fact, we can all dissociate
Skills and strategies for living your best, authentic, and most fulfilled life
What to look for in a therapist: choosing a healer who sees you and gets it
Foundational elements of healing from trauma, including PTSD and C-PTSD
With practical guided exercises like “The Dissociative Profile” and “Parts Mapping,” this book is written for those diagnosed with dissociative disorders, clinicians and therapists who treat trauma and dissociation, and readers who are exploring whether they may have dissociative symptoms or a condition like dissociative identity disorder (DID). Dissociation Made Simple breaks it all down accessibly and comprehensively, with empowerment and support--and without stigma, judgment, or shame.
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 18, 2023
Contemporary psychiatry defines dissociation as the separation of some aspects of mental functioning from other aspects, and/or from conscious awareness, leading to a degree of mental dysfunction or to mental conditions including dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Parts (or ego states) refer to dissociative aspects of the individuals identity or subjective experience. Note: it is increasingly accepted that all of us have psychological parts.
The dissociation construct has been a source of contentious debate in the psychological, psychiatric and psychotherapy communities.
DID is not universally accepted, and even vehemently denied by certain subgroups and individuals within the greater mental health community.
Additionally:
Because there are SERIOUS legal and ethical ramifications, there has been a bit of a schism in the greater popular knowesphere regarding dissociative disorders, and amnestic dissociation, particularly as it was egregiously abusively misapplied in the Harvey Weinstein defense strategy 👎
Given all that.
After reading this.
It is absolutely evident (to me) that (a) dissociation is a real thing, (b) everyone does it (including me hella big time), and (c) it’s not even a problem (unless it is).
Furthermore, this book helped me normalize my own dissociation, and will certainly help me normalize and work with my clients (I’m a therapist) dissociative parts and experiences.
In addition to being a VERY helpful guide for clinicians.
It’s a RADICAL (in the best way), highly transgressive (in the best way), social and political commentary (in the best way) manifesto (of sorts) for an otherwise shadowed community.
This book SHATTERS conventional (and as such narrow and restrictive) notions of dissociation, mental health and healing.
In the tradition of Edmond Husseral (phenomenology) Dr. Marich interviews a diverse group of individuals regarding their lived experience of dissociation.
As such, we are ushered into a verdant conversation that honors the perspectives of each individual, without invalidating the others, and without maligning or discrediting the scientific, conventional or traditional understandings and ways of healing and helping.
In short.
This book is humane, intelligent, open minded and enlightening.
GET! IT!
5/5 stars ⭐️
Parts (or ego states) refer to dissociative aspects of the individuals identity or subjective experience. Note: it is increasingly accepted that all of us have psychological parts.
The dissociation construct has been a source of contentious debate in the psychological, psychiatric and psychotherapy communities.
DID is not universally accepted, and even vehemently denied by certain subgroups and individuals within the greater mental health community.
Additionally:
Because there are SERIOUS legal and ethical ramifications, there has been a bit of a schism in the greater popular knowesphere regarding dissociative disorders, and amnestic dissociation, particularly as it was egregiously abusively misapplied in the Harvey Weinstein defense strategy 👎
Given all that.
After reading this.
It is absolutely evident (to me) that (a) dissociation is a real thing, (b) everyone does it (including me hella big time), and (c) it’s not even a problem (unless it is).
Furthermore, this book helped me normalize my own dissociation, and will certainly help me normalize and work with my clients (I’m a therapist) dissociative parts and experiences.
In addition to being a VERY helpful guide for clinicians.
It’s a RADICAL (in the best way), highly transgressive (in the best way), social and political commentary (in the best way) manifesto (of sorts) for an otherwise shadowed community.
This book SHATTERS conventional (and as such narrow and restrictive) notions of dissociation, mental health and healing.
In the tradition of Edmond Husseral (phenomenology) Dr. Marich interviews a diverse group of individuals regarding their lived experience of dissociation.
As such, we are ushered into a verdant conversation that honors the perspectives of each individual, without invalidating the others, and without maligning or discrediting the scientific, conventional or traditional understandings and ways of healing and helping.
In short.
This book is humane, intelligent, open minded and enlightening.
GET! IT!
5/5 stars ⭐️
January 10, 2023
As a trauma therapist, I have come to understand that we all dissociate to varying degrees. It’s a normal human experience. For some, it’s an absentminded detachment. For others, it’s an essential survival and coping mechanism. Dissociation and its broad spectrum of experiences can be confusing. Dr. Marich breaks it down for us with relatable stories, critical research, and language that is easy to understand and digest. And she makes it safe to talk about these experiences. This book is a true gem for both therapist and client as we walk together on the path to healing.
Read
July 5, 2023This seems like a really important book for a world that has stigmatized folks living with DID. It didn't quite help me understand what dissociation looks and feels like for folks without many selves, though. It mentions that everyone dissociates to a degree and that everyone has parts. It then offers beautifully rich quotes from people who have a sophisticated understanding of their systems and a convincing call to take their experiences seriously and celebrate their strengths. But, what does dissociation look like elsewhere in that continuum between spacing out for a minute and buying presents for one's littles? This book accomplishes a lot, and I am thankful for all the hard work that Jamie Marich put into its development throughout her career. But it doesn't help the novice know what dissociation looks or feels like in that middle ground or why it's sometimes maladaptive. Luckily the appendix includes resources that might have more beginner-friendly explanations of the basics.
June 18, 2023
Un libro bonito para personas que viven con disociación traumática.
Hacen falta más de estos. No pongo 5 porque es tal vez muy simple para mí, e incorpora mucha espiritualidad y comentarios de pcilocibina del que aún soy escéptica. Pero entiendo que eso es cosa mía y debo trabajar en decolonizar lo que estudio y entiendo del mundo.
-
Edit: Ya leí el epílogo y ahora sí le pongo 5 estrellas jajajaja. En pocos lugares se habla sobre los límites y posibilidades en una relación.
Hacen falta más de estos. No pongo 5 porque es tal vez muy simple para mí, e incorpora mucha espiritualidad y comentarios de pcilocibina del que aún soy escéptica. Pero entiendo que eso es cosa mía y debo trabajar en decolonizar lo que estudio y entiendo del mundo.
-
Edit: Ya leí el epílogo y ahora sí le pongo 5 estrellas jajajaja. En pocos lugares se habla sobre los límites y posibilidades en una relación.
December 24, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an advanced reader copy in exchange for a review! Jamie Marich writes an incredibly compassionate and informative book on perhaps one of the most misunderstood human experiences: dissociation/dissociative disorders. Whether you pick up this book as a mental health professional, someone looking to better understand your own experience, or simply want to educate yourself on the topic, the information inside is insightful and doesn’t read as dense psychological text. It felt as if I was in an extremely earnest conversation with the book; it continuously brings up multiple points of view that may contradict each other and it reminds us that healing, language, and modes of therapy are never one size fits all. Each chapter includes exercises you can complete on your own time and important questions to ask any therapist you’re considering opening up to. Absolutely give this one your time if you're even the least bit interested in the topic.
February 19, 2023
The only complaint I have about this book, as a therapist, is that the contributors had a lot of conflicting opinions. It came down to, “throw this book away and meet the person”. I’ve been, so to speak, meeting the person behind the dissociation for a while and was looking for a little more guidance on what else I can do to help my clients. I did find the spiritual and native aspects of this book interesting. Learned one or two new grounding skills. I already started using parts mapping in my practice and love love love this.
November 22, 2023
I borrowed this book from the library because I wanted to understand my friend on a deeper level. She has intense episodes of dissociation (but will never use this word when referencing them), and is not open to learning more. I am though. I figured it could only be helpful.
The book wasn't what I expected it to be. I assumed it would be rather dry and heartless; filled with stats, studies, and the typical sort of textbook babble (which I am fine reading). Was I ever wrong. "Dissociation Made Simple" was filled with powerful energy and wisdom. This is another book on my shelf (well, technically on the library's shelf) that makes me feel such hope for humanity. Jamie Marich and her contributors expose the darkness that comes from stigmas and unhelpful/broken institutions, and shine a bright light on what it means to be a human and heal.
I am surely a more compassionate and more informed person as a result of this book. I feel like I now have a good enough grasp on dissociation and DID to be able to better support my friend.
The book wasn't what I expected it to be. I assumed it would be rather dry and heartless; filled with stats, studies, and the typical sort of textbook babble (which I am fine reading). Was I ever wrong. "Dissociation Made Simple" was filled with powerful energy and wisdom. This is another book on my shelf (well, technically on the library's shelf) that makes me feel such hope for humanity. Jamie Marich and her contributors expose the darkness that comes from stigmas and unhelpful/broken institutions, and shine a bright light on what it means to be a human and heal.
I am surely a more compassionate and more informed person as a result of this book. I feel like I now have a good enough grasp on dissociation and DID to be able to better support my friend.
February 19, 2025
Primarily focuses on DID--which is fine, but not what I was really looking for. I was hoping for more in depth exploration into dissociation itself and varying types of dissociation, such as dissociating from emotions, but that was not addressed at all. This book was, for lack of better word, very "fluffy" in terms of self-help, and at times overly autobiographical. Which again is fine, but not for me, and not a single exercise seemed at all beneficial for me. I'm sure a lot of people get a lot out of this book, and that's great, but to me it was honestly pretty disappointing.
October 4, 2022
Highly recommend, I don’t want to spoil it with saying to much, but I had to many light bulbs and ahh haaa moments.
March 28, 2024
I didn’t know much about DID until this book. I actually got it thinking it was about disassociation, which is something my therapist pointed out that I often do. Apparently, that’s different than dissociation. I’m happy to have made that mistake, because now I know more about DID. Really important work, and I’d like to learn even more.
November 10, 2023
as a psych guy i’ve always noticed how dissociation is so often glossed over in courses etc. would recommend if youre interested in learning more about people with dissociative experiences of life, whether or not they have a diagnosis of any kind, since everyone dissociates 0.0
the author does a good job of including more marginalized experiences (and also deliberately points out how therapy as an industry stems from a very western culture that needs more perspectives)… what’s interesting is the message of dissociation framed as addiction, as an automatic escape from stressors due in large part to trauma, which i hadn’t encountered before. it allows people to survive what they’ve been through and also helps reframe it with language that is more approachable and actionable
the author does a good job of including more marginalized experiences (and also deliberately points out how therapy as an industry stems from a very western culture that needs more perspectives)… what’s interesting is the message of dissociation framed as addiction, as an automatic escape from stressors due in large part to trauma, which i hadn’t encountered before. it allows people to survive what they’ve been through and also helps reframe it with language that is more approachable and actionable
May 8, 2025
Highly recommend for anyone working closely with mental health. Excuse my read dates, I was integrating in between 😅.
March 23, 2024
Read this for work. A great resource for folks and therapists struggling with dissociation. There’s so much in here i know i’ll be reaching for in the future
November 6, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ “It’s true, I wandered through life dazed and confused, as if I had just been walloped in the head with a monster pitch. Only that something that clobbered me was persistent, developmental trauma. I had to fend for myself, and this uncanny ability I developed to zone out was always there to help me.”
The word ‘Dissociation’ has been making the rounds on social media, and I think it can be a very complicated topic for the average, “normal�� person. My brain started dissociating when I felt stressed or unsafe and I had no idea what was happening or why I’m suddenly feeling that way. My therapist confirmed I was dissociating and I wanted to learn more about the topic.
‘Dissociating Made Simple’ is a good book, but I kind of wanted it to be more sciency and more getting into the root cause of dissociation. Now I know that it’s very complex and there are many aspects to dissociation. I was extremely confused at the beginning of the book when the author started going into the topic, thinking “This is not how I feel or what I experience??” She only mentions the different types of dissociation on page 56. I myself experience dissociative amnesia, derealisation and depersonalisation, and unfortunately there is not much mentioned in the book about this, what happens in the brain and what could be the causes for developing it. If you’re wanting to learn more about DID (previously called multiple personality disorder) or OSDD, this book might be helpful.
Some snippets out of the book:
For Jacqueline Lucas, "EMDR helped me with quite a few things, yet in reflecting back on my healing it's also important to point out the reparative experiences that negated the not so great experiences. For example, having wonderful experiences with men who were kind, nurturing, and loving. I don't think men realize the power that they have to affect positive experiences of all kinds for female survivors."
Malika recalls that when her healing began, it initially felt too intense.
Sometimes it can still feel too intense for her, and in those moments reminding herself that "healing is my dharma" can be helpful. When she is triggered or notices other intensity, she literally feels heat rising in her body. And she has learned this is a signal that the samskaras are being burned. Three principles of yoga help her ride out this intensity until the energy clears: tapas letting the heat work on you), svadhyaya (self-study or examination), and Ishvara Pramidhana (surrender to God or something greater than her). Malika says that even though she learned these principles prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the new reality of living in the pandemic gave her more opportunities to practice. She reflects, "When these three aspects of kriya yoga come into your life, you are burning the seeds; the impressions. You are no longer living on survival tactics."
The word ‘Dissociation’ has been making the rounds on social media, and I think it can be a very complicated topic for the average, “normal�� person. My brain started dissociating when I felt stressed or unsafe and I had no idea what was happening or why I’m suddenly feeling that way. My therapist confirmed I was dissociating and I wanted to learn more about the topic.
‘Dissociating Made Simple’ is a good book, but I kind of wanted it to be more sciency and more getting into the root cause of dissociation. Now I know that it’s very complex and there are many aspects to dissociation. I was extremely confused at the beginning of the book when the author started going into the topic, thinking “This is not how I feel or what I experience??” She only mentions the different types of dissociation on page 56. I myself experience dissociative amnesia, derealisation and depersonalisation, and unfortunately there is not much mentioned in the book about this, what happens in the brain and what could be the causes for developing it. If you’re wanting to learn more about DID (previously called multiple personality disorder) or OSDD, this book might be helpful.
Some snippets out of the book:
For Jacqueline Lucas, "EMDR helped me with quite a few things, yet in reflecting back on my healing it's also important to point out the reparative experiences that negated the not so great experiences. For example, having wonderful experiences with men who were kind, nurturing, and loving. I don't think men realize the power that they have to affect positive experiences of all kinds for female survivors."
Malika recalls that when her healing began, it initially felt too intense.
Sometimes it can still feel too intense for her, and in those moments reminding herself that "healing is my dharma" can be helpful. When she is triggered or notices other intensity, she literally feels heat rising in her body. And she has learned this is a signal that the samskaras are being burned. Three principles of yoga help her ride out this intensity until the energy clears: tapas letting the heat work on you), svadhyaya (self-study or examination), and Ishvara Pramidhana (surrender to God or something greater than her). Malika says that even though she learned these principles prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the new reality of living in the pandemic gave her more opportunities to practice. She reflects, "When these three aspects of kriya yoga come into your life, you are burning the seeds; the impressions. You are no longer living on survival tactics."
January 1, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this incredible book early and be able to review it. Jamie Marich does an amazing job explains what dissociation is and what it looks like from various perspectives. Jamie creates a perspective of compassion and understanding to help the reader also challenge their own views. Each chapter contains exercises that deepen the readers aware as of their own understanding through also posing questions to connect with a therapist about.
April 21, 2023
I received an advance reading copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Jamie Marich brings such a fresh perspective to psychotherapy. She is so professional and at the same time so down to earth and genuine. Having interviewed a large number of individuals, she brings multiple perspectives (including her own) to the subject of dissociation. While easily absorbed, the content simultaneously presents current research, perspectives and challenges in working with individuals experiencing dissociation and dissociative disorders. The book reduces the fear factor in both living and working with dissociation and at the same provides a very rich exploration of this important and often misunderstood aspect of people’s amazing ability to cope with trauma.
February 16, 2024
I went into reading this as a clinician looking to broaden their practice but quickly found that this book is more appropriate for the average person looking to deepen their understanding of dissociation and different types of therapy/theory. I found myself skimming through most of the book as I found it redundant but that may have just been because I was familiar with most of these concepts. I did enjoy the suggested interventions in each chapter though! I’m primarily rating this 3 stars because I felt it could have been written in a far more concise manner which was frustrating as the reader.
August 29, 2024
My biggest issue with this book is the writing style. I like the lived experience aspect but reading page after page of quotes from people with little tidbits on how Dr. Marich knows them was not engaging to me.
This book was written to normalize dissociation and challenge our many misconceptions and it does do that. As a clinician working with trauma it did nothing to deepen my ability to do that.
Also I get that ND language is fast evolving but please no description of ND with the word disorder attached. It would have be interesting to have read more than a few paragraphs on the intersections of dissociation and Autism and ADHD in particular.
This book was written to normalize dissociation and challenge our many misconceptions and it does do that. As a clinician working with trauma it did nothing to deepen my ability to do that.
Also I get that ND language is fast evolving but please no description of ND with the word disorder attached. It would have be interesting to have read more than a few paragraphs on the intersections of dissociation and Autism and ADHD in particular.
April 5, 2023
A really excellent book which delivered on its promise of ‘making dissociation simple.’ I feel like I have a better handle on dissociation as both an adaptive mechanism and also a maladaptive coping mechanism having read this, and a far better understanding of mental health conditions relating to dissociation. I also hadn’t heard of the addiction as dissociation model, or the window/wheel of tolerance models, which I think will be really useful in my own experience/occupation.
A really excellent resource for those interested in learning more!!
A really excellent resource for those interested in learning more!!
July 12, 2024
An excellent book on dissociation from a person who is both a well informed clinician and a person with dissociation. They also take time to tell you about 61 case studies of dissociation.
Dissociation made simple
The power of the word enough, you might not feel safe, but do you feel safe enough?
Great job with giving trigger warnings and telling people to be gentle with themselves while reading
Safe enough harbor
Mindfulness is about connection. Dissociation is about surviving disconnection.
Mindfulness is about returning to a connected state.
QUESTION: favorite grounding techniques
Alternatives to safe place:
Container suit case
Dial it back
Imagining self as grounded tree
EXERCISE: creating an after therapy grounding playlist (different parts can create playlist)
Pray to Ganesh first - remove the obstacles
Some views of the Hindu cannon say: A demon is a part that just tries to make itself the whole thing. REMINDS CALEB OF INSIDE OUT 1 AND 2
DISAPPOINTING: Frank Anderson - IFS - dissociative people are “masters of deception”
Parts having different camps (ex. Abandonment related parts)
NARRATOR DISSOCIATING? Sounds like a different voice
***CONTROVERSIAL: Parts that identify with minorities a person is not a part of (ex. I’m straight but have a queer part - I’m white but have a black part)
Wheel of tolerance
“Self care is learning to love yourself as well as you were trained to love others.”
Steven Levine quote “To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear.”
Soul collage shout out!
Appreciate all the modalities mentioned
CONTROVERSIAL: using other cultures practices
“Shame is the lie someone told you about yourself.”
——
Our experiences of dissociation
Wheel of tolerance - circle imagery takes out hierarchy -
Explain dissociation to kid - young adult - adult
Questions to ask your therapist
*Parts vs defenders
EMDR and fear of dissociation
*can’t believe Frank Anderson
AUTHOR
Wizard of Earthsea
Can you give a little more explanation on the wheel of tolerance?
When does she shift from dissociation to DID? (Kay)
Can you speak about EMDR and dissociation? (Shelley)
“For dissociative minds…don’t try to put linear shit on us.”
All of my parts feel like they are in self.
Jamie Marich
8:12 PM
https://www.livethechange.se/index.ph...
https://icm.thinkific.com/courses/the...
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
https://www.amazon.com/Youve-Got-Drag...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Woe...
Can you do EMDR with dissociation? -
Best practices to navigate EMDR and dissociation - https://www.instituteforcreativemindf...
www.jamiemarich.com
www.redefinetherapy.com
www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com
Dissociation made simple
The power of the word enough, you might not feel safe, but do you feel safe enough?
Great job with giving trigger warnings and telling people to be gentle with themselves while reading
Safe enough harbor
Mindfulness is about connection. Dissociation is about surviving disconnection.
Mindfulness is about returning to a connected state.
QUESTION: favorite grounding techniques
Alternatives to safe place:
Container suit case
Dial it back
Imagining self as grounded tree
EXERCISE: creating an after therapy grounding playlist (different parts can create playlist)
Pray to Ganesh first - remove the obstacles
Some views of the Hindu cannon say: A demon is a part that just tries to make itself the whole thing. REMINDS CALEB OF INSIDE OUT 1 AND 2
DISAPPOINTING: Frank Anderson - IFS - dissociative people are “masters of deception”
Parts having different camps (ex. Abandonment related parts)
NARRATOR DISSOCIATING? Sounds like a different voice
***CONTROVERSIAL: Parts that identify with minorities a person is not a part of (ex. I’m straight but have a queer part - I’m white but have a black part)
Wheel of tolerance
“Self care is learning to love yourself as well as you were trained to love others.”
Steven Levine quote “To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear.”
Soul collage shout out!
Appreciate all the modalities mentioned
CONTROVERSIAL: using other cultures practices
“Shame is the lie someone told you about yourself.”
——
Our experiences of dissociation
Wheel of tolerance - circle imagery takes out hierarchy -
Explain dissociation to kid - young adult - adult
Questions to ask your therapist
*Parts vs defenders
EMDR and fear of dissociation
*can’t believe Frank Anderson
AUTHOR
Wizard of Earthsea
Can you give a little more explanation on the wheel of tolerance?
When does she shift from dissociation to DID? (Kay)
Can you speak about EMDR and dissociation? (Shelley)
“For dissociative minds…don’t try to put linear shit on us.”
All of my parts feel like they are in self.
Jamie Marich
8:12 PM
https://www.livethechange.se/index.ph...
https://icm.thinkific.com/courses/the...
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
https://www.amazon.com/Youve-Got-Drag...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Woe...
Can you do EMDR with dissociation? -
Best practices to navigate EMDR and dissociation - https://www.instituteforcreativemindf...
www.jamiemarich.com
www.redefinetherapy.com
www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com
December 20, 2025
I think about this book about once a month when IFS or dissociation comes up.
“Dissociation comes from a Latin root, dissociatsio, meaning to sever or to separate.”
“The word complex first surfaced in 1652, a Latin derivation meaning composed of several parts. In 1750 an alternate usage emerged with the word complexity meaning something that is not easily analyzed.”
“... what we resent is that we can be reduced to a simple model…”
“Write down 100 things that make you feel good that do not involve drugs, alcohol, or acting out.”
“Also, because of the way the world operates, expecting something to feel totally safe anywhere, even in their imagination, is unrealistic. So for us and for many we’ve worked with thinking of skills, people, and resources as safe enough or sufficiently safe takes away the blank and white or I’m/we’re either safe or I’m/we’re not.”
“In other words - what may be adaptive for you may not be adaptive for me. Or what was adaptive at one time in my life might be different from what is adaptive now. And sometimes the same behavior can still be both adaptive and maladaptive depending on the context.”
“I would argue that if I pushed through my evening and did more work or engaged in spiritual practices excessively to escape my feelings and my body’s need to rest that would be maladaptively dissociative.”
“Even though [Elizabeth Davis, LCAT] recognizes that the clinical word dissociation is often incorrectly used by others when they pronounce it as disassociation she believes that the term dis-association is a relevant descriptor of what is happening. We are consciously or unconsciously cutting off association from some aspect of self or experience to manage or to cope. Sometimes we are dis-associating from vulnerability itself.”
“Survival is a creative process.”
“Similarly if dissociation in trauma has not been treated accordingly addiction will inevitably manifest.”
“Phase oriented approach to treatment follows this general flow:
Phase 1: stabilization, symptom oriented treatment and preparation for liquidation or elimination of traumatic memories.
Phase 2: identification, exploration, and modification or shifting of traumatic memories.
Phase 3: relapse prevention, relief of residual symptoms, personality integration or addressing treatment goals around healing of ego states, and rehabilitation or transition to a healthier life.”
“Yet self disclosing [as a therapist] never ought to be about you working out your stuff with your client.”
“As my first client with DID told me ‘People fear what they don’t understand.’ and over the years I’ve come to edit that slightly as ‘People fear what they won’t understand.’”
“Dissociation comes from a Latin root, dissociatsio, meaning to sever or to separate.”
“The word complex first surfaced in 1652, a Latin derivation meaning composed of several parts. In 1750 an alternate usage emerged with the word complexity meaning something that is not easily analyzed.”
“... what we resent is that we can be reduced to a simple model…”
“Write down 100 things that make you feel good that do not involve drugs, alcohol, or acting out.”
“Also, because of the way the world operates, expecting something to feel totally safe anywhere, even in their imagination, is unrealistic. So for us and for many we’ve worked with thinking of skills, people, and resources as safe enough or sufficiently safe takes away the blank and white or I’m/we’re either safe or I’m/we’re not.”
“In other words - what may be adaptive for you may not be adaptive for me. Or what was adaptive at one time in my life might be different from what is adaptive now. And sometimes the same behavior can still be both adaptive and maladaptive depending on the context.”
“I would argue that if I pushed through my evening and did more work or engaged in spiritual practices excessively to escape my feelings and my body’s need to rest that would be maladaptively dissociative.”
“Even though [Elizabeth Davis, LCAT] recognizes that the clinical word dissociation is often incorrectly used by others when they pronounce it as disassociation she believes that the term dis-association is a relevant descriptor of what is happening. We are consciously or unconsciously cutting off association from some aspect of self or experience to manage or to cope. Sometimes we are dis-associating from vulnerability itself.”
“Survival is a creative process.”
“Similarly if dissociation in trauma has not been treated accordingly addiction will inevitably manifest.”
“Phase oriented approach to treatment follows this general flow:
Phase 1: stabilization, symptom oriented treatment and preparation for liquidation or elimination of traumatic memories.
Phase 2: identification, exploration, and modification or shifting of traumatic memories.
Phase 3: relapse prevention, relief of residual symptoms, personality integration or addressing treatment goals around healing of ego states, and rehabilitation or transition to a healthier life.”
“Yet self disclosing [as a therapist] never ought to be about you working out your stuff with your client.”
“As my first client with DID told me ‘People fear what they don’t understand.’ and over the years I’ve come to edit that slightly as ‘People fear what they won’t understand.’”
January 21, 2025
Would not recommend for people with structural dissociation who actually want to integrate.
My therapist gave me this book by this woman who has a dissociated system (OSDD) and is also a clinical psychologist. Like me, she doesn’t have alter egos with names, she identifies her parts as certain ages when an aspect of her psyche was split from her core self in response to painful experiences.
I didn’t get far into it before I became more discouraged than I ever have reading anything, ever. Like me and most people with structural dissociation, she was dismissed and misunderstood by mainstream medicine. So it seems her pendulum swung wayyyy to the opposite side where she’s now at a “who cares about that silly neuroscience?!” mindset and uses a lot of flowery language and fun metaphors to describe what it’s like “living in multiplicity.”
Ok… but she’s not integrating. I understand that many people with a dissociated system choose
not to integrate and that pushing for integration is damaging for some people. But mostly… it’s the goal. How does someone who knows all there is to know about dissociation and has been working to heal herself for years just settle for being “Dr. Jamie” sometimes then at other times she’s “4, 9, and 19”? Sorry, I don’t want advice from someone who would give up on herself… I’m not “embracing” being some fragmented personality and memory system for the rest of my life, I’m trying to actually FIX it.
I see she shared a social media post about how she couldn’t help people heal until she was healed. Umm, how are you healed? If you still have a rejected four-year-old aspect of self not integrated, not whole, still taking executive control when triggered, that’s not “healed.” I’m sick of so-called experts making up new definitions for words for their convenience. It’s like trying to frame obesity as healthy and something we should embrace. This woman is unable or unwilling to finish her healing, and frankly misery loves company.
Most psychiatrists are awful, I agree with her on that, but I hate to say that I got a lot more out of the work of “old white men” Bessel and Gabor than I did from her waxing poetic about her dissociation being “like a galaxy” or “a beautiful meadow” for a couple hundred useless pages, with a bunch of cultural buzzwords thrown in for the wokie points she’s clearly seeking. There’s a lot of toxic positivity and bypassing in this book… if you want to gaslight yourself that you’re a whole healed person when you are still severely fragmented, you should read it. If you actually want to heal I’d skip it.
My therapist gave me this book by this woman who has a dissociated system (OSDD) and is also a clinical psychologist. Like me, she doesn’t have alter egos with names, she identifies her parts as certain ages when an aspect of her psyche was split from her core self in response to painful experiences.
I didn’t get far into it before I became more discouraged than I ever have reading anything, ever. Like me and most people with structural dissociation, she was dismissed and misunderstood by mainstream medicine. So it seems her pendulum swung wayyyy to the opposite side where she’s now at a “who cares about that silly neuroscience?!” mindset and uses a lot of flowery language and fun metaphors to describe what it’s like “living in multiplicity.”
Ok… but she’s not integrating. I understand that many people with a dissociated system choose
not to integrate and that pushing for integration is damaging for some people. But mostly… it’s the goal. How does someone who knows all there is to know about dissociation and has been working to heal herself for years just settle for being “Dr. Jamie” sometimes then at other times she’s “4, 9, and 19”? Sorry, I don’t want advice from someone who would give up on herself… I’m not “embracing” being some fragmented personality and memory system for the rest of my life, I’m trying to actually FIX it.
I see she shared a social media post about how she couldn’t help people heal until she was healed. Umm, how are you healed? If you still have a rejected four-year-old aspect of self not integrated, not whole, still taking executive control when triggered, that’s not “healed.” I’m sick of so-called experts making up new definitions for words for their convenience. It’s like trying to frame obesity as healthy and something we should embrace. This woman is unable or unwilling to finish her healing, and frankly misery loves company.
Most psychiatrists are awful, I agree with her on that, but I hate to say that I got a lot more out of the work of “old white men” Bessel and Gabor than I did from her waxing poetic about her dissociation being “like a galaxy” or “a beautiful meadow” for a couple hundred useless pages, with a bunch of cultural buzzwords thrown in for the wokie points she’s clearly seeking. There’s a lot of toxic positivity and bypassing in this book… if you want to gaslight yourself that you’re a whole healed person when you are still severely fragmented, you should read it. If you actually want to heal I’d skip it.
August 19, 2024
I’m glad this book exists, since it’s so rare for dissociation to be discussed by someone who actually has a dissociative disorder. But as someone who has been working with dissociation and dissociative disorders for awhile (and who probably has a dissociative disorder), I didn’t learn much. I liked hearing the first hand accounts of dissociative experiences that were included, and I had some of my biases challenged, which was very much Marich’s intention, so that worked.
I think what’s really missing here is how to assess for dissociation in clients. Marich is clear that she thinks assessments like the DES and MID are limited in their value, but gives no alternative other than to “believe clients.” I absolutely agree, let’s believe our clients…but what if they don’t know they dissociate or have a dissociative mind? Most of my clients have no idea about this when they walk in, and this book gave me zero tools on how to be more thorough in my assessment.
As I write this, I think the main problem is that Marich couldn’t decide who her audience is for this book - therapists, or people with dissociative disorders (obviously there’s overlap, but it’s not clear if this is a handbook for lay people or a clinical book). My guess is this is better for someone who has a DD and wants to understand themselves more. It’s way less useful for clinicians who want to learn how to treat those folks.
I think what’s really missing here is how to assess for dissociation in clients. Marich is clear that she thinks assessments like the DES and MID are limited in their value, but gives no alternative other than to “believe clients.” I absolutely agree, let’s believe our clients…but what if they don’t know they dissociate or have a dissociative mind? Most of my clients have no idea about this when they walk in, and this book gave me zero tools on how to be more thorough in my assessment.
As I write this, I think the main problem is that Marich couldn’t decide who her audience is for this book - therapists, or people with dissociative disorders (obviously there’s overlap, but it’s not clear if this is a handbook for lay people or a clinical book). My guess is this is better for someone who has a DD and wants to understand themselves more. It’s way less useful for clinicians who want to learn how to treat those folks.
December 30, 2022
As a therapist and a person living with a dissociative mind, I was very excited for this book, and it delivered! Jamie has written a book that I believe anyone can benefit from, and that every mental health professional should read.
This book serves as a guide to deepening one's understanding of dissociation in themselves and others, with the helpful perspectives of various contributors. It's the first book I've seen that paints dissociation as the fluid, multi-faceted, and uniquely individualized process that it is. I really appreciate how it doesn't give this protective process a single face, or a one-size-fits-all description. Also admirable is the effort put in to have readers examine their own dissociative processes, and the vulnerability shown by the author and contributors to really bring light to the many ways that dissociation can present in our lives.
This is an extremely important work that plays a pivotal role in providing education, reducing stigma, and expanding the understanding of trauma and mental health in a way that is very much needed.
This book serves as a guide to deepening one's understanding of dissociation in themselves and others, with the helpful perspectives of various contributors. It's the first book I've seen that paints dissociation as the fluid, multi-faceted, and uniquely individualized process that it is. I really appreciate how it doesn't give this protective process a single face, or a one-size-fits-all description. Also admirable is the effort put in to have readers examine their own dissociative processes, and the vulnerability shown by the author and contributors to really bring light to the many ways that dissociation can present in our lives.
This is an extremely important work that plays a pivotal role in providing education, reducing stigma, and expanding the understanding of trauma and mental health in a way that is very much needed.
August 7, 2023
For the science/philosophy-oriented crowd: this is a 'Lived experience' approach book. While the testimonies are valuable, a culture war around uncomfortable aspects of mental illness by those who cannot accept those parts in themselves ("it's not me!") is being waged; this book is an attempt to try to force the rest of us to think so too, by fighting "stigma", sprinkled with grandiose statements like "the mind is infinite" and the usual relativistic frameworks that are so common in cases that involve anosognosia ("I'm not the sick one, it's [Western] society!").
In reality, some of these health conditions are related in the literature to extremely violent, disturbing, and hurtful behaviors - to self and others. Spare yourself, and go read "Healing The Fragmented Selves" instead.
In reality, some of these health conditions are related in the literature to extremely violent, disturbing, and hurtful behaviors - to self and others. Spare yourself, and go read "Healing The Fragmented Selves" instead.
April 30, 2024
What this book provides that other books on the same topic do not provide is a collection of self-reports from individuals living with DID and OSDD, all of them being helping professionals as well. The point of this book is to eliminate the stigma associated with dissociation and to shine a light on what a brilliant, organic survival mechanism it is for so many people enduring so many different kinds of trauma. We all dissociate from time to time. It is a natural response when our nervous system becomes overwhelmed. The contributors to this book help us understand that we do not have to be afraid of dissociation or people living with dissociative conditions. My only constructive feedback on the book is that the writing felt cluttered with redundant re-introductions of the contributors.
January 26, 2025
Admittedly I can only rate 12% of this book because that's as far as I could get. So apparently the Dr who wrote his book is also suffering from the same multiple personality disorder that she treats people for.... Ok that's odd but I thought I could hang.
She references her personalities as Dr Jamie, and a separate adult Jamie (which is just Jamie sometimes,) and then there're some personalities that she's named numbers based on the years that I guess some trauma happened. Sometimes it feels like she's talking as adult Jamie sometimes as Dr Jaime. It's like her multiple personalities are sharing the writing of the book. The constant switching back between singular and plural pronouns and one personality talking about a different personality is very confusing.
She references her personalities as Dr Jamie, and a separate adult Jamie (which is just Jamie sometimes,) and then there're some personalities that she's named numbers based on the years that I guess some trauma happened. Sometimes it feels like she's talking as adult Jamie sometimes as Dr Jaime. It's like her multiple personalities are sharing the writing of the book. The constant switching back between singular and plural pronouns and one personality talking about a different personality is very confusing.
March 17, 2025
I appreciate Dr. Jamie’s dedication to sharing the voices of many people with dissociative experiences. I have a dissociative disorder, and found this to be a acceptable refresher on some coping skills.
However, the numerous quotes made it very difficult to keep my mind on track. At one point, there were eleven paragraphs in a row, quoting eleven different people. I personally found that this style made it very difficult to retain information. It made me feel more like I was reading a Reddit thread than a book. Perhaps if it had been formatted differently, I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall, Dissociation Made Simple was not to my tastes, but I would not dissuade anyone interested from giving it a try.
However, the numerous quotes made it very difficult to keep my mind on track. At one point, there were eleven paragraphs in a row, quoting eleven different people. I personally found that this style made it very difficult to retain information. It made me feel more like I was reading a Reddit thread than a book. Perhaps if it had been formatted differently, I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall, Dissociation Made Simple was not to my tastes, but I would not dissuade anyone interested from giving it a try.
October 14, 2022
I am not sure if anything could have prepared me for the journey I was about to be taken on when working on the exercises from the book! Each exercise from the book evolved into what the exercise was and more, each one revealing so much and helping us make many needed connections with our lived experiences as we went, hoped for, and expected. Engaging in this work, in so many ways, helped us to resolve some aspects of our trauma that we knew about but didn't know how to go about processing and healing.
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