The Dissociation Continuum: Exploring Everyday Dissociation, Complex Trauma, and DID with Katy Kandaris-Weiner, LPC
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Episode Summary: Dissociation is often misunderstood—even by clinicians. In this powerful and practical episode, Shaina Siber sits down with trauma and dissociation specialist Katy Kandaris-Weiner, MA, LPC, to unpack the continuum of dissociation and explore how complex trauma, early relational harm, and systemic forces contribute to the development of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).
You’ll learn how to recognize dissociation in subtle and not-so-subtle forms, differentiate DID from other diagnoses, and respond with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based stabilization strategies. This episode blends clinical insight with fierce empathy—and invites you to challenge your assumptions about what trauma "should" look like.
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Topics Covered:
- How complex trauma disrupts identity development
- Why dissociation is a protective adaptation—not pathology
- The difference between normative dissociation, dissociative disorders, and DID
- What the DES-II is, and how to use it in practice
- How to build safety and stabilization before trauma processing
- Common myths and misconceptions about DID (and what the media gets wrong)
- How race, gender identity, disability, and neurodivergence affect diagnosis and treatment
- Why you don’t need to be a specialist to support dissociative clients
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Resources:
- DES-II Dissociative Experiences Scale: https://psychology-tools.com/test/dissociative-experiences-scale
- Finding Solid Ground (evidence-based workbook for dissociation): https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Solid-Ground-Skills-Dissociation/dp/143383373X
- Structural Dissociation Theory – van der Hart, Nijenhuis & Steele
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About Our Guest: Katy Kandaris-Weiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant, and the Founder and Clinical Director of Inner Balance Counseling in Arizona. She specializes in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and early attachment wounds, using an integrative approach grounded in EMDR, Structural Dissociation Theory, and Deep Brain Reorienting. Katy provides EMDR and dissociation consultation and is developing an EMDR manual and training pathway for early-career therapists.
Learn more at: https://www.innerbalanceaz.com
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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.
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