Dissociation is often misunderstood as simply “zoning out” or forgetting traumatic events. But for many people, especially those exposed to trauma within close relationships, dissociation is a deeply adaptive survival mechanism. At Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center in Washtenaw County, Michigan, Dr. Norman Alessi and his team approach dissociative disorders through the lens of trauma-informed psychiatry, with special attention to what’s known as betrayal trauma.
What Is Betrayal Trauma?
Betrayal trauma occurs when the source of harm is someone the patient depends on — such as a parent, caregiver, or close family member. Unlike other forms of trauma, betrayal trauma creates a profound conflict: the need to remain attached to the person providing basic survival (shelter, food, emotional regulation) while simultaneously needing to block out the reality of abuse or neglect.
This conflict can split awareness into separate compartments. The mind “walls off” intolerable experiences, often outside of conscious awareness. Over time, this fragmentation can give rise to dissociative symptoms such as memory gaps, identity confusion, emotional numbness, and feeling detached from one’s body or surroundings.
Dissociation as a Survival Strategy
From a neurobiological perspective, dissociation is a protective adaptation. When the fight-or-flight response is not an option (especially for children who are powerless in their environment), the brain may shift into a freeze or dissociative state. These responses are designed to reduce the psychological and physiological toll of inescapable danger.
Dr. Alessi’s work with children, adolescents, and adults emphasizes the importance of recognizing dissociation not as pathology, but as a response to unbearable circumstances. In this context, dissociative disorders are not signs of weakness or instability, but rather evidence of the brain’s extraordinary ability to protect itself.
Why Early Misdiagnosis Happens
Because dissociative symptoms often overlap with anxiety, mood disorders, and even psychotic features, misdiagnosis is common. Patients may be prescribed medications that address symptoms but not the root cause. At Alessi Psychiatry, evaluations are extended over multiple sessions to fully explore developmental history, trauma exposure, and the function that dissociation serves in the patient’s life.
Begin Your Path to Healing with Specialized Care for Complex Trauma
Dr. Alessi, a Professor Emeritus of the University of Michigan and recognized expert in trauma psychiatry, brings decades of insight to this complex field. Treatment may involve psychopharmacology, trauma-informed psychotherapy, and in some cases, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to support integration and emotional processing.
If you suspect dissociation may be affecting your daily life — or if past trauma hasn’t been fully explored — specialized care can make all the difference. Contact Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center or call (734) 222-6222 to schedule a confidential evaluation with a team dedicated to trauma-informed healing.