North Star Behavioral Health's Brandon Gimbel and Tovah Means, LMFT of Watch Hill Therapy discuss dissociation as an unconscious protective response to overwhelming experience.

North Star Behavioral Health's Brandon Gimbel and Tovah Means, LMFT of Watch Hill Therapy explore why children are especially vulnerable to dissociation and how early threat shapes adult coping.

North Star Behavioral Health's Brandon Gimbel and Tovah Means, LMFT of Watch Hill Therapy examine how shame interferes with healing and how trauma-informed understanding can reduce it.

North Star Behavioral Health's Brandon Gimbel and Tovah Means, LMFT of Watch Hill Therapy clarify the clinical difference between dissociation and avoidance—and why confusing them can misguide treatment.

North Star Behavioral Health's Brandon Gimbel and Tovah Means, LMFT of Watch Hill Therapy explain why trauma work requires enough safety to remain engaged without overwhelm.

North Star Behavioral Health's Brandon Gimbel and Tovah Means, LMFT of Watch Hill Therapy discuss how dissociation preserves survival while limiting emotional and developmental capacity over time.