Dissociation and Eating Disorders
Dissociation is commonly seen in Anorexia- more frequently in the B/P than the restricting form. It is a process of disconnecting from thoughts, feelings, or even one’s own memories and identity. Occurrences of neglect, abuse, or just misattunement may cause experiences to “split off” as a flight response in childhood. Some general dissociation is normal, eg while driving. In treatment however, it may present as lost time or a sense of leaving the room.
Hayley Miller, LPCC, CEDRD-S, RD, CDN explained and led a live demonstration for us- of the client experience as well as appropriate therapist responses, stressing the difference between avoidance and manipulation on the client’s part. She covered lifestyle risk factors for dissociation, how to recognize it in the room, techniques to bring people back, and its reciprocal relationship to eating disorders. Special attention was paid to clients with borderline features who we see frequently in ED work.
The accompanying video including Hayley’s slides are here.