The experience of professionals receiving patients with manifestations of traumatic dissociation: a qualitative study

Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2026 Dec;17(1):2634587. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2634587. Epub 2026 Mar 9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Traumatic dissociation is defined as a disruption or disturbance in the integration of various cognitive functions in response to a traumatic event and has been the subject of extensive research in recent decades. For mental health professionals, exposure to patients with a history of trauma can have both negative and positive effects on their well-being. However, few studies have focused on the specific experiences of professionals encountering patients with traumatic dissociation.

METHOD: This study analyzed the experiences of 23 professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, and residents in psychiatry) working with patients presenting manifestations of traumatic dissociation, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology.

RESULTS: This approach led to the identification of three key themes: (1) professionals’ reactions to patient dissociation, (2) professionals’ emotional and dissociative response, and (3) factors influencing reactions and impact on professionals’ life.

CONCLUSION: In light of these findings, we propose several key points for training and supervision: taking into account the question of the body and physical contact; addressing the emotions experienced by professionals, particularly helplessness and loneliness, and carefully utilizing the diffusion of emotions and dissociation from the patient to the professional as a therapeutic tool to help patients self-regulate and reintegrate dissociated parts of themselves.

PMID:41801999 | DOI:10.1080/20008066.2026.2634587