If you’ve ever felt “here but not here,” numb, foggy, disconnected, or like your body quietly checks out the moment life gets overwhelming… this episode is going to land deeply.Today on The Anxiety Recovery Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jaimie Marich — one of the leading experts in expressive and somatic trauma healing — to explore a survival response almost no one talks about, yet so many people live inside of: dissociation.We break down why dissociation isn’t a flaw, a weakness, or a character issue — it’s your nervous system’s brilliant strategy for surviving what once felt unmanageable.And when you finally understand it, everything starts to make sense.Inside this conversation, we explore:✨ Why the nervous system chooses dissociation instead of panic, anxiety, or fight-or-flight✨ The biggest myths about dissociation, especially in high-functioning or overachieving people✨ Moments in Dr. Marich’s life where dissociation showed up as protection✨ How expressive + somatic work can reach places talk therapy can’t✨ Why dissociation can make relationships feel confusing — like you’re present, but not fully “in” your body✨ What happens when you try to force yourself to be grounded (and why it often backfires)✨ The feeling of “losing myself” or “going away” — and what’s really happening underneath✨ How Dr. Marich gently brings clients back when they float away, without pushing or overwhelming the system✨ What every survivor needs to hear about dissociation being a sign of resilience✨ How to support the nervous system when someone begins thawing, feeling, or “coming online” again✨ A simple practice you can do right now if you’re dissociating as you listenThis episode is a compassionate reminder that you are not broken, your body adapted.And there is a path home.Check out Dr. Jamie Marich's here: https://jamiemarich.com/Purchase Dr. Jamie Marich's book - Dissociation Made Simple here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710427/dissociation-made-simple-by-jamie-marich/If you’re craving support in gently coming back into your body, healing your anxious attachment style, or understanding why your nervous system protects you the way it does, I’m accepting a small number of 1:1 clients for deep somatic and attachment work. Inside our work together, your body learns safety. Your patterns shift. Your relationships become deeper and more fulfilling and your life expands. If you’d like to explore whether we’re a good fit, you can apply by booking a discovery call here: https://calendly.com/freedomwithvalerie/discovery-callConnect with Valerie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healwithval/

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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