Ddnos Quote by Onno van der Hart
““Trauma-related structural dissociation should be distinguished from more ubiquitous phenomena that are often termed dissociation, but likely have a different underlying process. Over the past several decades the original meaning of dissociation has been quite extended by the addition of other phenomena not typically considered to be dissociative. These include alterations in consciousness such as absorption, daydreaming, imaginative involvement, altered time sense, trance-like behavior, and “highway hypnosis” (e.g., Bernstein & Putnam, 1986).””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Haunted Self, Onno van der Hart, 1996
Distinguishes clinical structural dissociation from everyday dissociative-like experiences such as daydreaming or trance.
In simple terms: Clinical dissociation differs from normal mental absorption.
Key Takeaway
Identify and treat structural dissociation separately.
Themes
psychology
trauma
clinical practice
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- clinical assessment
- research design
Key Concepts
dissociation
consciousness
identity fragmentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians separate pathological dissociation from normal absorption?
- What signs indicate structural dissociation?
A Different Perspective
Everyday dissociation may mask deeper trauma, complicating diagnosis.
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