@newbeginningspsychology: Many people think dissociation means having "multiple personalities," but dissociation actually exists on a spectrum. According to the theory of structural dissociation (developed by researchers including Onno van der Hart, Ellert Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele, and often taught by trauma expert Janina Fisher), trauma can cause parts of the self to become separated in order to survive overwhelming experiences. 💛 Primary Structural Dissociation Often seen in PTSD. A person may have an "everyday functioning" part and a trauma-survival part that holds traumatic memories, emotions, or sensations. 💛 Secondary Structural Dissociation Often seen in complex trauma. Multiple protective parts can develop, such as people-pleasing, perfectionistic, angry, avoidant, critical, or self-soothing parts. 💛 Tertiary Structural Dissociation Seen in DID and some forms of OSDD. There is a greater degree of separation between parts, with distinct identities, memories, emotions, and experiences. Dissociation is not weakness. It is an adaptive survival response developed by a nervous system trying to protect itself from overwhelming experiences. Healing is not about getting rid of parts. It is about helping them feel safe enough to work together as a connected whole. 💛 #trauma #cptsd #dissociation #DID #Complextrauma

Rachel Rose Psychologist

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Region: AU

Sunday 21 June 2026 21:19:00 GMT