196. Dissociation Reimagined: Honoring the Inner World of Therapist and Child

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Lisa is joined by two internationally recognized leaders in the field of complex trauma and dissociation—Ana Gómez and Jill Hosey—for a heartfelt conversation about their monumental new release: The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children.

More than just a book discussion, this episode offers a reverence-based reframe of dissociation—not as pathology, but as a brilliant, adaptive survival strategy used by children navigating overwhelming experiences. Ana and Jill share their personal insights from editing this groundbreaking 900+ page volume, which weaves together theory, research, clinical case work, and embodied practices from over 60 contributors.

Together, they explore the profound responsibility therapists carry—not only to understand dissociation in their clients but to honor how it arises in their own inner worlds. You’ll hear candid reflections on what it means to be a regulated presence in the therapy room, how fear of dissociation may show up in clinicians, and how co-regulation becomes the foundation for relational healing.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore the topic of dissociation or are a seasoned trauma therapist, this episode invites you to shift from fear to curiosity—from fragmentation to integration.

💡 Key Topics Include:

• Why The Handbook is the first of its kind in the field
• Dissociation as a creative, protective superpower
• Therapist nervous system responses and the importance of co-regulation
• Misdiagnosis, marginalization, and what happens when dissociation is misunderstood
• The emotional labor of this work—for both therapist and client
• A call to action for deeper training, relational attunement, and self-reflection

📘 The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children is available through Routledge, Amazon, Caversham Booksellers (Canada), and other major online retailers.