Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Navigating 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, Self-Harm, Parenting Concerns.
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
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Peer Difficulties, Conflict Resolution.
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, Body Image, Eating Concerns.
Find clarity, reduce anxiety, and transform your relationships with personalized, compassionate therapy. Navigate life's transitions with support.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
2409 South Rural Road, STE C, Tempe, Arizona 85282
Sandra Tursini is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Chronic Illness/Pain, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.
Caring LPC with 30+ years’ expertise in diverse counseling areas, committed to recognizing individual worth and guiding clients through life's challenges
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, Chronic Illness/Pain, Personal Growth.
Discovering Meaning And A Life Worth Living
Psychiatrist
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Ayeh Darvishzadeh is a Psychiatrist in undefined, undefined. They treat Personality Disorders, Childhood Abuse, Burnout.
I am a psychiatric physician welcoming people seeking to improve their mental health with medications and therapy options.
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.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Personality Disorders and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
