How Fantasy as a Trauma Response Can Lead to Dissociation: Insights from a Marin County Sex Therapist and Bay Area Psychologist
By Dr. Denise Renye
A young girl in a flowing ballgown, suspended underwater, symbolizing the use of fantasy as a coping mechanism for trauma and dissociation, reflecting a desire for escape and control in the face of overwhelming emotions.
Fantasy can serve as a powerful coping mechanism, especially for individuals with a history of trauma. When faced with overwhelming emotions or traumatic experiences, the mind may create a mental escape—fantasy—that allows the individual to dissociate from present realities. This dissociation, while a form of psychological self-preservation, can become a patterned trauma response, especially for those with unresolved trauma.
As a Marin County sex therapist and Bay Area psychologist, I’ve seen how dissociation through fantasy becomes a way for clients to manage overwhelming distress. For some individuals, especially those who have experienced chronic or complex trauma, fantasy becomes a refuge where they can feel control, safety, and experience idealized outcomes. This imagined world often contrasts with their real-life experiences of helplessness or fear, offering temporary relief from the emotional pain.
However, while dissociating through fantasy may protect someone from confronting their trauma head-on, it can also delay healing. Over time, reliance on fantasy can inhibit healthier coping strategies and prevent individuals from fully processing their traumatic experiences. In relationships and daily life, excessive use of fantasy may cause difficulty in staying grounded in the present, hindering authentic connections with others.
In therapy, whether as a sex therapist in Marin County or a psychologist in the Bay Area, I work with clients to explore the underlying emotions that lead to fantasy and dissociation. By helping individuals reconnect with their emotions, bodies, and the present moment, they can begin to heal their trauma and develop healthier, more sustainable coping mechanisms.
Understanding how fantasy serves as a trauma response allows us to compassionately address these behaviors and guide individuals toward living more integrated, present-focused lives.
If you're seeking embodiment support from a trauma-informed therapist in Marin County or the Bay Area, working together using approaches like EMDR can be highly effective in processing trauma and reducing dissociation. Contact me to explore how we can start your healing journey.