Comments on: Reconnecting to your Body after Peritraumatic Dissociation https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/ The Foundation for Post-Traumatic Healing and Complex Trauma Research Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:09:21 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Calcifer Shepherd https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-40903 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:09:21 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-40903 Hi Raffaela, thank you so much.
Do you have any advice on recognizing and remembering times when you are able to associate, as a persistent dissociater? As part of this I have issues with memory and integrating experiences as felt, so even if I am making progress (which I think I am) it’s hard to feel that something is working and be able to stick with it, and it feels like I am dissociated *all* the time, which may not be true.
Love <3

]]> By: Heather Reagan-Holihan https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-40125 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:49:49 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-40125 In reply to Brenda Smith.

It may take a few tries to find the right one. You can interview therapists on the phone before going to their office to get a feel for them. You don’t need to force rapport. I’m so glad you are doing the work to get yourself to a better state. Best of luck finding a good one. Maybe look for psy-d or phd level so you don’t waste your emotional energy, time, & $.

]]> By: Brenda Smith https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-37809 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 02:06:07 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-37809 I lost my son to suicide January 5th 2024
I have not been able to grieve since I was told
It’s been a year and a half now and I’m still where I was when I heard the news
I’ve searched high and low for answers. Done some therapy and even hypnosis
I’ve been disconnected from my emotions and feeling disassociated from everything
I decided to to search grief and disassociation yesterday and realised that my sons death has possibly caused peri-loss disassociation. Now to find a good therapist to work with

]]> By: Stephanie https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-17895 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 04:18:10 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-17895 Wow, I am so grateful for this article Raffaela—thank you!

I am one of those people that experiences persistent dissociation and it is sooo challenging. I find it healing to read or hear about someone else’s experience with it because it gives me deeper insight into myself, aaand makes me feel less alone/crazy.

Much love

]]> By: Raffaela Milner https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-1149 Mon, 08 Jun 2020 21:46:24 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-1149 In reply to Sarah.

Dear Sarah, thank you for sharing what you are going through. Good to hear that you found something helpful in my article, that’s why I write!

Everyone has their own path and pace when it comes to healing. I’m sorry to hear that your loved one is having a hard time on his healing journey causes you pain. I can see that you want the best for him. At the same time you can’t make that decision for him, or convince him into healing. Of course, he’s very welcome to reach out to me anytime, and we can see if I can help.

I think I understand your pain and can help you with that.

I’m glad you reached out and I’m happy to connect some more and answer your questions. You can message me privately on my website, if you’d like to connect:

http://raffaela.co/contact/

]]> By: Sarah https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-1137 Sun, 07 Jun 2020 09:24:51 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-1137 Raffaela, thank you. This article is so informative and encouraging. Someone I love suffers from CPTSD and has dissociative episodes often. This has made it impossible for us to have a healthy, intimate relationship. I have tried to hang on for years. My question is can you suggest anything or give any advice that would allow my loved one to see the value of pursuing and working toward healing? He suffers greatly, and it seems to me he cannot envision what it would be like to be healthy and happy. Maybe he doesn’t think it is possible, but I believe it is deeper than that. I want the best for him, but I have failed to guide him to a place where he can choose to step onto the path to heal from his trauma. I know he must make this choice, or else he will not be healed. I’m desperate. This is a wonderful man who deserves to experience love and joy and peace. Please, help. I don’t know what to do.

]]> By: Raffaela Milner https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-608 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 23:26:06 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-608 In reply to Heinrich.

Thank you, I am glad you found something that can be helpful for you here! Being self aware and able to observe a pattern of disengagement with reality or oneself is already a big step towards healing. Now you can practice connecting. I acknowledge your work and see you.

]]> By: Heinrich https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/10/17/reconnecting-to-your-organism-after-peritraumatic-dissociation/#comment-603 Sun, 20 Oct 2019 19:19:25 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=2870#comment-603 Excellent article, on a topic I never really explored. Now I’m thinking I may actually spend a lot more time being dissociated than anything else everyday. I never manage to stay focused fully on something, I always go “in the mist” at some point, I can’t look someone in the eyes for more than a few seconds, I always have to “disengage” by looking here and there, or touching something, or simply getting absent by talking in my mind… It’s as if reality was too much of a burden to be experienced without a safety shield. I will try those activities you recommend.

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