Some of life’s most surprising lessons come from the weirdest places.
For example, you might be thinking, “What on earth can a mosquito teach me about managing my emotional states?” Well, hang onto your bug spray, because this tiny, irritating creature has something important to show us about how we experience emotions—and more importantly, how we can control them.
Let’s talk about dissociation and how you can use it to handle pain, fear, and other unpleasant experiences.
Dissociation: The Art of Stepping Outside Yourself
So what exactly is dissociation? It sounds complex, but it’s really quite simple.
When you dissociate, you mentally step outside of yourself and observe what’s happening as if you were watching a movie or looking at someone else. It creates a sense of distance between you and the experience. This reduces the intensity of any negative emotions you’re feeling, like pain, fear, or anxiety.
On the flip side, when you’re fully associated, you’re right in the middle of the action, feeling everything deeply and vividly. This is great when you’re experiencing something positive, like joy, love, or excitement. But when it’s something unpleasant? Not so much.
Dissociation helps you take control. It gives you the power to decide how much (or how little) you want to feel in any situation. And guess what? You can learn to flip between dissociation and association with practice. It’s like having a remote control for your brain.
The Mosquito Exercise: A Hands-On Lesson in Dissociation
Let’s get practical for a minute. To really understand dissociation, try this simple exercise. Don’t worry—you don’t need to actually go find mosquitoes for this (thank goodness).
Step 1: Imagine Another “You” in the Mosquito-Infested Forest
Picture a dense, mosquito-filled forest—think thick pinewoods, the kind you would find in the Canadian wilderness.
Now, imagine another version of you standing about 50 feet away in that forest. You’re watching this other you swatting away mosquitoes and getting bitten.
Notice how the other you starts to itch like crazy, scratching and fidgeting. From your safe distance, it’s almost… funny, right? You’re detached from the discomfort.
Step 2: Step Into the Scene
Shift your perspective and imagine you’re actually in the forest now. The mosquitoes are buzzing around your head, landing on your skin. They start biting, and you feel the itching spread.
Where do you feel it? Maybe on your arms, legs, or neck?
As you scratch one spot, notice how the itching seems to amplify. It spreads. Suddenly, it’s a full-on mosquito nightmare!
Step 3: Shake It Off!
Okay, let’s shake it off. Take a deep breath and return to the present moment. Notice the difference between observing the experience from a distance and being right in the middle of it.
When you’re dissociated, the discomfort is manageable, maybe even a little humorous. But when you’re associated, the irritation is much more intense.
This is the power of dissociation. You can use it anytime you want to step back from a challenging experience and regain control.

Test Drive Our Training
World Class Hypnosis Training.
Test Drive with No Credit Card.
Why Dissociation Works: The Science Behind It
At the core of dissociation is how our brain processes experiences. When you imagine yourself as an observer, your brain creates emotional distance. You’re not in the experience; you’re just witnessing it. This reduces the emotional impact because you’re not fully engaged with the sensory and emotional input.
On the other hand, being fully associated means your brain is processing everything as if it’s happening in real-time, with full intensity. That’s why being inside a situation can feel overwhelming.
Understanding how to shift between these two states is incredibly empowering. It’s like knowing how to turn down the volume on a blaring TV—or crank it up when the music’s good!
How to Use Dissociation in Everyday Life
Now that you’ve got a handle on dissociation, let’s explore how you can use it in real-life situations. You don’t have to be swarmed by mosquitoes to put this into practice.
1. Managing Dental Anxiety
If you dread the dentist’s chair (and let’s face it, most of us do), dissociation can help. When you’re sitting in that chair, imagine floating up to the ceiling. Picture yourself looking down on the scene below—there you are, relaxed and calm, while the dentist does their work. From this perspective, the discomfort and anxiety lose their grip. You’re just an observer, and the tension fades away.
2. Handling Stressful Meetings or Presentations
Got a big presentation or a nerve-wracking meeting? Instead of feeling trapped in the moment, dissociate! Imagine watching yourself from the back of the room. See yourself delivering your speech confidently and calmly. By stepping into this observer role, you reduce the pressure and can stay cool under fire.
3. Dealing With Pain or Discomfort
Whether it’s a headache, a sore muscle, or something more intense, dissociation can help you manage pain. Visualize the pain as happening to someone else or imagine watching yourself from a distance. This can diminish the sensation and make it more bearable.
4. Letting Go of Negative Memories
Replaying painful memories? Instead of reliving them, picture the memory on a movie screen. See yourself in the scene, but remain detached. This helps you process the memory without the emotional sting. It’s like watching a documentary instead of being in the middle of the drama.
Hypnosis made Simple and Easy.
Test Drive Our Hypnosis Training
World Class Training. Hypnotize anyone without scripts.
When to Amplify Emotions With Association
Dissociation is fantastic for handling negative experiences, but what about the good stuff? That’s when you want to associate—to be fully present and immersed.
Enjoying a Celebration: Feel every moment of joy, laughter, and connection.
Experiencing Nature: Breathe in the scents, sights, and sounds.
Achieving a Goal: Relish the feeling of accomplishment and pride.
When it’s good, dive in deep. When it’s bad, step back. Simple, right?
Master Your Emotions With Hypnosis
If you’re excited about these ideas, hypnosis can take them even further. With hypnosis, you can learn to master dissociation and association, helping yourself and others manage emotions, reduce pain, and amplify positive experiences.
At the Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy, we teach practical techniques for managing your mind and emotions using the power of hypnosis. Whether you’re looking to reduce anxiety, boost confidence, or even start a hypnosis business, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to Master Hypnosis?
If you're serious about taking your hypnosis skills to the next level, you’re in the right place! At the Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy, we don’t rely on scripts—we'll teach you the principles so you can truly master the art and science of hypnosis. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll gain the tools and understanding needed to create powerful, flexible, and effective hypnosis sessions tailored to any situation.
As a member, you’ll also gain access to our exclusive 24-hour online practice rooms. These practice rooms are the heart of your learning experience—a safe, supportive space where you can apply the principles of hypnosis, experiment, and grow by practicing with fellow hypnotists from around the world.
Click here to join us and experience how the Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy can revolutionize your hypnosis practice—and your entire life!