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The new, revised edition of Feeling Unreal is now available—in print, ebook, or audio versions. Find it on Amazon or elsewhere. Also, a new French edition of Stranger To My Self will be coming soon. Both are invaluable resources.
BEWARE OF BAD ‘INFLUENCER’ COACHES FOR DPDR.
Thinking about coaching as a way too manage depersonalization/derealization? Look out for these red flags.
1. Exaggerated Claims and False Promises: Promises of a “cure” for complex mental health conditions like depersonalization should be a major red flag.
2. Lack of Substance in Courses: Selling basic, freely available information at high prices is a common predatory tactic.
If you research on YouTube one of the highest watched videos, this is who I’m talking about.
3. Absence of Credentials: Coaching for mental health without a medical, psychological, or certified therapeutic/counseling background can be ineffective at best and harmful at worst. A lack of coaching certification is also concerning.
4. Misleading Marketing: Falsely claiming “best-seller” status or other achievements is a deceitful practice.
This person is also a YouTube star. He is not a licensed coach either.
5. Unethical Pricing Practices: Charging wildly different, non-standard prices based on a person’s income (especially demanding to know income before a consultation) is highly unusual and unethical in professional and medical fields, often used to maximize profit rather than provide equitable care.
I spoke with a ‘coach’ who is also unlicensed and he wouldn’t speak to me without knowing my income, he sent this in voice notes which I have. He is quite followed on tik tok now. He is not transparent about anything he would be working with you on, this is very uncommon in the therapy world.
He also coaches people who I then see as coaches quite quickly after even claiming of helping people in as little ad 3 days. see below point.
6. The “Coaching Pyramid”: It’s common for some coaches to train their own clients to become coaches, creating a system that prioritizes recruitment over genuine professional competence or credentialing.
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A General Word of Caution for Others:
If you are dealing with Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR) or any other mental health condition, it is strongly recommended that you first consult with a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker/therapist).
• Diagnosis and Treatment: Only licensed medical and mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe evidence-based treatments or coaching certificates from legitimate educational institutions.
• Credentials Matter: Always look for verifiable degrees, state-issued licenses.
• Research Thoroughly: Do independent research. Check their claims, look for verifiable testimonials outside of their own website, and check if they are registered with any professional bodies.
OTHER NEWS LINKS
The very first discussion of depersonalization on network television.
Depersonalization Disorder In The News
And please see this new promotional video:
And, on BBC News in the United Kingdom.
Depersonalization Disorder, “I was unable to feel love.”
Recent magazine articles:
From the Atlantic Monthly:
From The Guardian:
Depersonalization Disorder: The condition you’ve never heard of that affects millions.
From The Washington Post
“I’m not me.” A bizarre disorder leaves people feeling distant from their bodies.
From Elle magazine:
What if your anxiety or depression is actually “DDD”?
Currently, our board member, Elena Bezzubova Phd, writes a regular blog about DDD for Psychology Today:
Here is her most recent blog. Check it out:
Marijuana: Depersonalization Controversies
If you come across new media coverage from anywhere in the world, please us know and we’ll publish it here.
Subscribe and receive updates from the Initiative for depersonalization studies regarding research studies, publications and national depersonalization events.