128: The Truth About Dissociation in EMDR [Beneath the Protocol Series]

About this episode

Kambria Evans discusses the complexities of dissociation in EMDR therapy and its impact on treatment effectiveness.

Why does EMDR sometimes feel like it stops working? In this episode of the Zero Disturbance podcast, Kambria Evans breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in EMDR and trauma therapy: dissociation. If you’ve ever experienced: Clients shutting down mid-session Flat affect or “nothing’s coming up” Looping without resolution EMDR suddenly “not working” This episode will help you make sense of it through a brain-based therapy lens. You’ll learn: Why dissociation is not zoning out—but system organization How dissociation regulates access to trauma memory networks Why EMDR can hit a wall with complex trauma How parts and protectors manage exposure in real time What clinicians actually need to do instead This is essential listening for EMDR clinicians working with: Complex trauma Dissociation Nervous system dysregulation The Consultation Program If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or underprepared working with dissociation—this is exactly why the Zero Disturbance Consultation Program exists. Inside, we teach: ✔️ How dissociation structures access in real time ✔️ Parts-informed, brain-based EMDR ✔️ Nervous system tracking + system mapping ✔️ What to do when EMDR “stops…

People in this episode

Host: Kambria Evans

Topics covered

• dissociation
• EMDR
• trauma therapy
• complex trauma
• nervous system dysregulation
• brain-based therapy

Keywords

• dissociation
• EMDR
• trauma
• complex trauma
• nervous system
• brain-based therapy
• system mapping
• consultation program

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zero Disturbance

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• 124: 5 Signs Therapy Isn’t Working (And What Actually Rewires Your Brain) [Why Women Go To Therapy Series] · April 20, 2026 · 18 min
• 123: Is Your Therapy Actually Working? (The Missing Phase of Trauma Recovery After EMDR) [Why Women Go To Therapy Series] · April 15, 2026 · 22 min
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