CBT For Depersonalisation
Depersonalisation disorder is a challenging condition whereby a person has periods of feeling disconnected from their thoughts and body. It’s often described as a feeling of observing yourself from outside the body, or that the person is in a dream.
Other symptoms that can be experienced are a sense of detachment, a numbing of the senses or even a fear that a person cannot control what they say or do during an episode of depersonalisation.
These symptoms can cause anxiety, stress and panic, and for people with the condition daily life often becomes a struggle. Sadly, many sufferers do not seek the help they need as they feel embarrassed or ashamed of their condition. Depersonalisation is a real and very debilitating condition, but by having the courage to reach out and get help, a person can learn to manage their symptoms and live a happier life.
How CBT can help overcome depersonalisation
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered one of the best evidence-based practices for the treatment of depersonalisation disorder. The theory behind CBT is to help the client to identify distorted thought patterns and irrational beliefs and examine and question why these behaviours exacerbate their sense of self-disconnection.
People suffering with a depersonalisation disorder normally respond in a positive manner to CBT. A qualified therapist can teach their client the techniques to challenge and reframe their unhelpful thoughts and feelings of detachment.
By being encouraged to challenge the negative thought patterns that contribute to depersonalisation disorder a person can start to view their condition in a more practical and less fearful way.
CBT has its foundations in teaching people helpful thought management techniques that can then be put into practice when they encounter situations that would have previously induced a sense of depersonalisation.
A trusted CBT therapist for depersonalisation
Jamie Dempsey is a qualified and accredited CBT practitioner with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychologies (BABCP).
He has successfully worked with a diverse range of different clients experiencing depersonalisation disorder, providing the support they need to reduce the emotional distress that their condition previously caused, allowing them to move beyond their problems and open the door to a more productive and fulfilling life.
