Supporting Depersonalisation with Occupational Therapy and Neurofeedback Training
Depersonalisation can be a deeply unsettling and distressing experience, often described as feeling disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings. For individuals navigating this dissociative state, the impact can be significant, interfering with daily function, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life.
We offer a compassionate, holistic approach combining Occupational Therapy and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Brain Training to support individuals experiencing depersonalisation. This integrative method helps restore nervous system regulation, enhance self-awareness, and rebuild a grounded connection with the self.
What Is Depersonalisation?
Depersonalisation is a dissociative symptom characterised by persistent or recurrent feelings of detachment from one’s thoughts, emotions, body, or sense of identity (Simeon & Abugel, 2006). It is often described as feeling like a “robot,” “watching life through a fog,” or “being outside of one’s body.”
While occasional episodes of depersonalisation are common under high stress, the persistent form, known as Depersonalisation-Derealisation Disorder (DDD), can lead to significant emotional and functional impairment (Hunter et al., 2003).
Symptoms of Depersonalisation
Individuals experiencing depersonalisation may report:
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Observing oneself from outside the body
- Distorted perception of time or surroundings
- Difficulty feeling present or engaged in activities
- Loss of a clear sense of identity
- Anxiety or fear of “going crazy”
- Memory lapses or concentration difficulties
These symptoms may fluctuate or persist for long periods and are often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and burnout (Michal et al., 2011).
How Common Is Depersonalisation?
Research estimates that up to 50% of people experience at least one episode of depersonalisation in their lifetime, often during extreme stress, trauma, or fatigue. Chronic depersonalisation is less common, affecting about 1-2% of the general population (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013).
What Causes Depersonalisation?
Depersonalisation often emerges as a coping mechanism in response to overwhelming stress or trauma. Common contributing factors include:
Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Panic attacks or chronic anxiety
High cortisol and nervous system dysregulation
Substance use or withdrawal
Sleep deprivation
Neuroscientific research shows that depersonalisation is linked to altered activity in the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and default mode network, affecting emotional regulation and sensory integration (Sierra & Berrios, 1998).
The Experience of Living with Depersonalisation
For those experiencing depersonalisation, everyday life can feel surreal, exhausting, and confusing. Many clients describe feeling frightened, isolated, or misunderstood. It can affect work, relationships, and a sense of purpose. Individuals may struggle to explain their symptoms or find support that acknowledges their lived experience.
Occupational Therapy and Neurofeedback offer two complementary approaches that validate the experience and provide actionable steps to support healing.
How Occupational Therapy Supports Recovery from Depersonalisation
Occupational Therapy (OT) helps individuals regain control over their lives by restoring meaningful activity, routine, and nervous system balance. OT addresses the physical, emotional, cognitive, and sensory aspects of depersonalisation.
Key OT Interventions Include:
Sensory Regulation: Helping clients re-establish sensory grounding and body awareness using sensory-based tools.
Routine Building: Creating structured, safe routines to stabilise mood and build predictability.
Mind-Body Integration: Activities like yoga, breathwork, movement therapy, and journaling to support presence and embodiment.
Executive Function Support: Tools to manage memory lapses, decision-making, and concentration.
Emotional Regulation: Teaching clients how to manage panic, anxiety, and dissociation through grounding strategies.
Values-Based Goal Setting: Rebuilding identity and confidence through meaningful activities.
OT provides a safe therapeutic relationship where clients are supported to re-engage with life, step by step.
What Is NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback?
NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback is a non-invasive brain training technology that provides real-time feedback to help the brain self-regulate. It is based on the understanding that the brain is dynamic and capable of rebalancing itself when given the right information.
Unlike traditional neurofeedback systems targeting specific brainwave patterns, NeurOptimal® uses a non-linear, dynamical model to reflect subtle shifts in brain activity, allowing the nervous system to reset without force or diagnosis.
During sessions, the client listens to music while sensors monitor brainwaves. Brief interruptions in the sound signal the brain to correct instability. Over time, this can enhance flexibility, calmness, and mental clarity.
How NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Supports Clients with Depersonalisation
For individuals experiencing depersonalisation, NeurOptimal® can:
Calm the hypervigilant nervous system
Reduce anxiety and improve emotional stability
Enhance self-awareness and present-moment focus
Promote deeper sleep and rest
Improve cognitive clarity and reduce brain fog
Support reintegration with the body and identity
This process is passive, requires no conscious effort, and is suitable for people who may be emotionally overwhelmed or fatigued.
Studies suggest that neurofeedback may lead to significant improvements in anxiety, trauma response, emotional regulation, and subjective well-being (Hammond, 2005; Gunkelman & Johnstone, 2005).
Benefits of Combining Occupational Therapy and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback
When used together, OT and Neurofeedback provide both functional and neurological support. This dual approach helps address:
Nervous system dysregulation
Loss of self-agency
Emotional disconnection
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue and cognitive fog
Clients often report greater clarity, improved emotional resilience, and renewed engagement with life when combining these therapies.
What Clients Can Expect
An initial assessment with a registered Occupational Therapist
A personalised plan including sensory, cognitive, and emotional goals
Weekly check-ins and adjustments to the OT plan
Access to a NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback rental device for in-home use
Professional guidance and troubleshooting from our trained practitioners
Measurable progress in self-awareness, calmness, and engagement
Acknowledging the Journey
Healing from depersonalisation is not linear. It takes time, safety, and the right support. We acknowledge the courage it takes to seek help. We walk beside you with tools that are empowering, non-invasive, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
Call to Action
Are you ready to reconnect with your sense of self?
Our NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Rental Program, available Australia-wide, includes device hire and personalised online Occupational Therapy support to help you regulate, restore, and re-engage with your life.
Book your consultation today to learn more about our flexible in-home therapy options and start your journey towards grounded, sustainable healing.
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References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Gunkelman, J., & Johnstone, J. (2005). Neurofeedback and the brain: Enhancing functioning. Journal of Neurotherapy, 9(2), 67–84.
Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback treatment of depression and anxiety. Journal of Adult Development, 12(2-3), 131-137.
Hunter, E. C., Sierra, M., & David, A. S. (2003). The epidemiology of depersonalisation and derealisation. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 39(1), 9–18.
Michal, M., Beutel, M. E., Subic-Wrana, C., Ayuso-Mateos, J. L., & Schmid, G. (2011). Repeatedly feeling detached from one’s self and the world: Prevalence and psychosocial impairments of depersonalisation and derealisation experiences in a representative German population sample. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 46(1), 93–102.
Sierra, M., & Berrios, G. E. (1998). Depersonalization: Neurobiological perspectives. Biological Psychiatry, 44(9), 898–908.
Simeon, D., & Abugel, J. (2006). Feeling unreal: Depersonalization disorder and the loss of the self. Oxford University Press.
Disclaimer: This service is complementary and does not replace clinical diagnosis or psychiatric care. Clients are encouraged to seek a comprehensive mental health assessment where needed.
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