Many moons ago, I was in group therapy for incest survivors. We all had our quirks and really tried to help each other through them. Mine was dissociating. So, they got foam balls and put them in the middle of the circle. If I started zoning out, they'd throw them at me. It was hilarious really and a great way to keep me present AND keep my sense of humor at the same time. I learned a lot about my own dissociating that way to tell you the truth. I know that may sound like an insensitive way to do it, but really it wasn't. We were all there for the same reason, and "being there" both for myself and for the other women was really important to all of us. I learned to recognize it before I was too far gone and pull myself back. I learned to feel instead of avoid my feelings.

If I dissociate in therapy now (and my t is very good at seeing it coming almost before it actually happens), my t immediately asks for my attention. He asks me to focus on details in the room if necessary. Insists that I make eye contact with him. I find I dissociate pretty rarely anymore.

Dissociation is a natural response to fear and pain (not necessarily a healthy response, but it just happens.) Try not to feel ashamed of the dissociation. Your t will completely understand what is happening. You won't be judged for it. Just remember if you find yourself on your own starting to drift off to work to pull yourself back and figure out what is going on. It's that figuring out part that can be so enlightening.