Understanding Dissociative Symptoms and DID: What Does Christian Counseling Offer?
You might struggle to remember people, places, or events. You may hear voices and feel unsure about who you are. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, can be part of your experience. Trauma may influence you, but it doesn't have to define you. There is a way to reconnect with your true self.
The Intersection of Psychology and Faith for Dissociative Symptoms
Students interested in counseling often study abnormal psychology early in their education. What if your own life feels like a case study in dissociative thoughts or behaviors. It’s scary to feel disconnected from your own body and emotions; to see objects and others as unreal.
How does following Jesus relate to dissociative disorders? Demonic possession in the New Testament and DID can both involve distinct personalities, self-harm, and changes in voice and appearance. Dissociative Amnesia, Depersonalization, and Derealization are milder forms of dissociation.
Is DID a medical, psychological, or spiritual condition?
Medicine has opened up to including psychological, social, and even spiritual treatments for health issues. Medical professionals understand that conditions like DID can be linked to trauma and dissociation, especially in marginalized groups like BIPOC communities, older adults, veterans, and abuse survivors.
It’s important to know the qualifications of healthcare providers, such as MDs, osteopaths, functional medicine doctors, naturopaths, and chiropractors. Samaritan Ministries' June 2024 newsletter discusses how each variant offers alternative treatments for medical conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, DID is typically treated with talk therapy and medication.
The Role of a Christian Counselor in Dissociative Recovery
How does a Christian Counselor treat such disorders? Qualified professionals study the latest research and treatments. They explore a client’s spiritual history, beliefs, and community. Sometimes, counselors refer clients for medical care and collaborate on treatment. A holistic approach can be very beneficial.
Recognizing Dissociation
Dissociation can show up in various ways during a counseling session:
Eyes rolling back
Spacing out
Blank stares
Intellectualizing feelings
Lost time
Clients might say and do contradictory things, struggle with decision-making, and report no benefit from medications or experience unusual side effects.
Depersonalization feels like watching your own thoughts, feelings, and actions from the outside. People might experience perceptual changes, emotional and physical numbness, or a sense of unreality.
Derealization feels like detachment from surroundings. People and objects seem foggy, dreamlike, or visually distorted.
Dissociative amnesia means being unable to recall personal information due to stress or trauma. It is often related to specific events or a series of events.
Types of Dissociation in DID
There are five types of dissociation in DID:
Depersonalization
Derealization
Identity Alteration
Identity Confusion
Dissociative Amnesia - “Lost time”
Important Questions Therapists May Ask
How’s your sleep? Any nightmares?
Have you experienced any traumatic events in childhood or as an adult?
Do you ever lose chunks of time?
Do you remember what happened during those times?
Do you feel detached from your body?
Do you feel like your body doesn’t belong to you?
Do you hear voices? When did that start?
Trauma Treatment for Dissociation Symptoms
Diagnosing DID can take time. Trauma experts recommend slowing down during sessions. Some therapists focus on accepting your true self, emotions, and actions. Mindfulness practices help you reconnect with your body and emotions. Ask yourself, “Am I breathing?” These approaches are somatic (body-focused), experiential, and cognitive.
Dissociation and Christian Counseling Treatment
DID might be demonic possession. It requires discernment to understand the root causes (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/demon-possession/). If the language feels too frightening or technical, professional help is necessary.
For Christians, God's wisdom is available to those who ask (James 1). It's comforting to know your Christian counselor shares your worldview and uses both psychology and theology. Healing from demonic possession might be quicker with spiritual intervention. You may be struggling with a less severe condition. Seek a trusted, experienced spiritual/religious leader. This might be your Christian counselor, pastor, or spiritual mentor. Take your time and find peace (Phil 4:6-7).
Taking the Next Step With Your Christian Counselor in Denver
If you’re experiencing dissociative symptoms, consider seeking help from a Christian counselor. In Denver, call 720-577-5985 for a free 15-minute consultation.
References
How to Identify and Work with Dissociation - NICABM: Video
PTSD and Dissociative Subtype: PTSD.va.gov
Dissociative Disorders: Mayo Clinic
