Personality Disorders
Personality disorders encompass a group of enduring mental health conditions characterized by rigid and maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that significantly deviate from societal norms and cause distress and impairment in an individual's life. These patterns, deeply ingrained over time, often emerge during adolescence or early adulthood and persist into adulthood. There are several types of personality disorders, each with distinct features and behaviors. For instance, individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder may struggle with intense and unstable relationships and emotions, while those with Narcissistic Personality Disorder may exhibit a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. Personality disorders can lead to challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, difficulty managing emotions, and disruptions in occupational and social functioning. Treatment for personality disorders often involves psychotherapy, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which aims to address maladaptive patterns and foster healthier coping strategies. Developing empathy and understanding towards individuals with personality disorders is crucial for creating a supportive and therapeutic environment that can aid in their journey towards self-awareness, healing, and improved well-being.
Clinicians Specializing in Personality Disorders
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Kelley Steeves, MS, LPC
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Lauren Eckert, MS, LPC-IT