ABSTRACT
Given the dynamics of depersonalization (“What’s happening is not happening to me.”) and derealization (“is is not really happeningit’s a dream.”) that often accompany dissociation, the extent to which our clients injure may not be within their conscious control. Clients cut deeper or burn more severely than they actually intend to when pain is not fully experienced (Alderman, 1997; Strong, 1999; Turner, 2002). It can be helpful to gently point out to clients that, paradoxically, this exacerbates a loss of control over their bodies.
