Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Navigating life with a personality disorder can feel confusing, painful, and deeply isolating. Relationships may be difficult, emotions may feel overwhelming or numb, and patterns can repeat themselves despite your best intentions. But you're not broken—and you're not alone. Therapy for personality disorders offers a path to insight, emotional balance, healthier relationships, and long-term change. With the right support, healing is not only possible—it’s deeply transformative.
Psychologist
Remote only
Alyssa Austern is a Psychologist in Chatham, New Jersey. They treat Personality Disorders, Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders, Bipolar Disorder.
Hello! I'm Dr. Alyssa Austern and I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in couples and family therapy, as well as individual therapy across the lif
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
3230 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
Sarah Marty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Madison, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Polyamorous relationship, Suicidal Ideation.
I offer a free phone consult prior to the first session to see if we are a good match. I love what I do and that shows in my approach.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Trauma, Chronic Illness/Pain.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
3081 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Alexandra Vavoulis is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in Coral Gables, Florida and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Anxiety, Self-Esteem.
Find clarity, reduce anxiety, and transform your relationships with personalized, compassionate therapy. Navigate life's transitions with support.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
4700 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282
William Alkhoury is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Social Anxiety, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.
Discovering Meaning And A Life Worth Living
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
54 Park Place, Grand Chute, Wisconsin 54914
Katy Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Grand Chute, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 22 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Panic, Phobia.
Katy specializes in divorce mediation, depression, anxiety and stress management, assertiveness training, and various relational issues.
A personality disorder is a type of mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that differ significantly from societal expectations. These patterns often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and affect a person’s:
Diagnosis is made by a licensed mental health professional through clinical interviews, psychological assessments, and a thorough review of symptoms across time and contexts.
According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a personality disorder must:
A qualified therapist specializing in personality disorders will take time to understand your unique history and traits—not just apply a label.
Personality disorders are grouped into three “clusters,” though individual experiences vary widely:
Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric
Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic
Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful
Many therapists specialize in working with specific conditions—like a borderline personality disorder therapist, avoidant personality disorder therapist, or narcissistic personality disorder therapist—to provide more targeted treatment.
Unlike disorders like anxiety or depression, which tend to fluctuate over time, personality disorders are more deeply ingrained, affecting a person’s core ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. They are not momentary shifts in mood—they are enduring patterns that can make life feel chaotic, confusing, or disconnected.
However, personality disorders often co-occur with other mental health issues like:
This can make diagnosis and treatment complex, but a therapist specializing in personality disorders is trained to identify overlapping conditions and treat them together.
Yes. While personality disorders are considered long-standing patterns, they are treatable—and for many people, therapy leads to dramatic improvements in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationships.
Therapy doesn’t necessarily “cure” a personality disorder in the traditional sense, but it can:
Recovery looks different for everyone, but the right therapeutic relationship can change the course of your life.
Evidence-based therapies are specifically designed to help individuals with personality disorders develop insight, skills, and self-regulation. These include:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Developed for Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT focuses on:
DBT for personality disorders is structured and skill-based, often involving individual sessions, group skills training, and phone coaching.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT targets negative thought patterns and behaviors, helping individuals recognize and shift unhelpful beliefs that keep them stuck.
Schema Therapy
Especially effective for people with deep-rooted emotional wounds, schema therapy for personality disorderscombines CBT, attachment theory, and experiential techniques to help change lifelong patterns developed in early life.
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
Helps individuals improve their ability to understand their own and others’ mental states, reducing impulsivity and conflict.
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
Explores patterns in the client-therapist relationship to reveal unconscious relational dynamics and foster deep change.
A skilled personality disorder therapist may use one or more of these approaches depending on your diagnosis, history, and goals.
Medication doesn’t “cure” personality disorders, but it can help manage symptoms—especially when co-occurring issues are present. For example:
Medication is often most effective when combined with therapy for personality disorders. A therapist may coordinate with a psychiatrist to ensure a holistic treatment plan.
Progress varies depending on the individual and the type of personality disorder. Because these patterns are deep-rooted and longstanding, therapy often requires a long-term commitment—but meaningful change is absolutely possible.
In the first few months, clients often begin to:
Deeper changes—like transforming core beliefs, developing stable identity, and improving relationships—typically unfold over a period of one to several years, though this varies widely.
The process may be slower than with some other mental health conditions, but many people report life-altering benefits from staying engaged with a consistent, experienced therapist for personality disorders.
Yes. It’s common to have:
This is called comorbidity, and it can make symptoms feel more complex. For example, someone with Avoidant Personality Disorder may also have Social Anxiety Disorder. Or someone with BPD may also experience episodes of depression.
A trained therapist specializing in personality disorders will help you make sense of how these conditions interact and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all areas of concern.
Absolutely. While personality disorders can create difficulties in intimacy, trust, communication, or boundaries, therapy can help individuals:
Support from a personality disorder therapist can also include couples or family therapy if the person is in a committed relationship and both partners are open to healing together.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
