When Coherence Protects Too Much: Adaptive Dissociation, Self-Sealing, and Double-Loop Learning

In this episode of The Light inside, The discussion centered on Jeffrey Besecker's extensive experiences and insights related to trauma recovery, identity, and therapeutic practices. Besecker highlighted the importance of safety and coherence in the recovery process, noting that individuals often struggle with feelings of threat that can hinder their progress. He introduced the concept of double loop learning as a framework for adapting to experiences and emphasized the significance of pacing and sequencing in therapeutic interventions. The conversation aimed to explore how community support and individual experiences can enhance the healing journey.Mike Cuevas shared his personal journey with dissociative identity disorder (DID), detailing the impact of misdiagnosis and the challenges he faced in understanding his identity. He recounted how silence became a coping mechanism during his formative years, leading to feelings of shame. The discussion underscored the need for a coherent approach to integrating insights about DID with the body's capacity to process those insights, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe therapeutic space for effective healing.The conversation also delved into the role of the practitioner's state of mind and co-regulation in therapy. A conference room participant shared personal experiences and the development of mental exercises to manage emotional triggers, introducing the BAR technique as a tool for emotional regulation. Besecker and Mike explored the significance of recognizing bodily sensations in differentiating identity states, which can lead to greater clarity and peace. They discussed the transformative power of empathy in processing past traumas and the importance of adaptive containment in therapeutic relationships.Mike reflected on how his personal development has influenced his parenting, particularly in managing stressful situations with his children. He shared an incident where he maintained calmness during a confrontation, demonstrating the value of mindfulness and emotional regulation. The discussion concluded with Besecker expressing gratitude for Mike's insights and the potential for future collaborations, highlighting the unique and revelatory nature of their conversation.Time Stamps00:00:00 - Introduction to Coherence and DID00:01:13 - Sponsor Message: Mint Mobile00:02:27 - Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder00:03:10 - Mike Cuevas Joins the Conversation00:04:11 - Early Signs of Dissociation00:05:26 - Insight vs. Capacity00:06:38 - Adaptive Coping Patterns00:07:43 - Shame and Guilt in Misdiagnosis.00:09:09 - Therapeutic Journey Begins00:10:24 - Boxing as a Therapeutic Outlet00:12:03 - Stigmatization and Adaptive Survival00:13:07 - Pacing and Sequencing in Therapy00:14:38 - Visceral Trauma and Sensory Overload00:16:47 - Connecting Boxing to Somatic Responses00:18:46 - Learning to Feel Safe00:20:19 - Somatic Attunement and Sensory Perception00:22:05 - The B.A.R. Technique00:24:45 - Double Loop Learning00:26:11 - Identifying Distinct Identity Stateslf.00:28:20 - Chaos as Opportunity00:30:11 - Empathy vs. Sympathy00:32:49 - Claiming Sovereignty00:35:04 - Adaptive Containment00:39:10 - Presence and Capacity00:41:05 - Body Assigns Meaning00:50:34 - The Role of Pause in ProcessingCreditsHost: Jeffrey BeseckerGuest: Mike CuevasExecutive Program Director: Anna GetzProduction Team: Aloft Media GroupMusic: Courtesy of Aloft Media GroupConnect with host Jeffrey Besecker on LinkedIn.