Psychology In Seattle Podcast Dissociation, Sociopaths, and Histrionic
Jan 9, 2026
Explore the intriguing world of dissociation with insights on its cognitive impacts and signs. Discover the complexities of sociopathy and the mislabeling stemming from trauma and social influences. Kirk discusses the nuances between antisocial behaviors and the challenges of diagnosing personality traits in minors. Unpack the viral Kendra TikTok case to understand personality distortions and treatment strategies, emphasizing the delicate balance in therapy while addressing past traumas.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dissociation Feels Like A Narrowed Power Mode
- Dissociation often feels like a narrowed, 'power-saving' mode that separates you from the world without leaving your body.
- Time distortion, heaviness, and limited internal cognition are classic phenomenology of dissociative shutdown.
Assess For Impairment And Seek Help
- If dissociation interferes with work, relationships, or daily tasks, seek clinical assessment because it may qualify as a disorder.
- Ask about duration, frequency, and impairment to distinguish dissociation from depression, zoning out, or fatigue.
Trauma Can Trigger Dissociation In Safe Contexts
- Kirk recounts a client sexually abused in childhood who dissociated after a flirtatious interaction at a club.
- The episode triggered PTSD-like symptoms lasting weeks despite the adult not being in danger.