Personality Disorders Therapists in Kitchener, ON

Photo of Summer Burnett, RP(Q) , MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Summer Burnett
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q) , MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I believe in meeting individuals where they are in their lives, honouring their unique experiences, and collaborating with them to foster deeper self-understanding. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and respect for each person’s journey. I have extensive experience working with families, children, youth, and individuals, addressing a range of presenting concerns, including relationship challenges, intimate partner violence, anxiety, depression, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2SLGBTQI+ issues, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, ASD, and developmental/speech delays.
I believe in meeting individuals where they are in their lives, honouring their unique experiences, and collaborating with them to foster deeper self-understanding. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and respect for each person’s journey. I have extensive experience working with families, children, youth, and individuals, addressing a range of presenting concerns, including relationship challenges, intimate partner violence, anxiety, depression, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2SLGBTQI+ issues, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, ASD, and developmental/speech delays.
(548) 918-5204 View (548) 918-5204
Photo of Kayla Holliday, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Kayla Holliday
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
I have also worked with members of the LGBTQ community, Indigenous folks, those with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and more.
I became a Social Worker because of this intrinsic desire to walk alongside people through their pain and into their growth. As I’ve continued my own growth, both personally and professionally, I have developed a deep passion for working with folks across the lifespan, from ages 8 to 90, as they work towards healing and peace. I have worked with folks with various neurotypes, substance use and addiction, those experiencing housing insecurity and poverty, intimate partner violence/domestic violence, trauma and attachment challenges, self-esteem, emotion regulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation/suicidality, Dementia, and TBI/ABIs.
I have also worked with members of the LGBTQ community, Indigenous folks, those with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and more.
I became a Social Worker because of this intrinsic desire to walk alongside people through their pain and into their growth. As I’ve continued my own growth, both personally and professionally, I have developed a deep passion for working with folks across the lifespan, from ages 8 to 90, as they work towards healing and peace. I have worked with folks with various neurotypes, substance use and addiction, those experiencing housing insecurity and poverty, intimate partner violence/domestic violence, trauma and attachment challenges, self-esteem, emotion regulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation/suicidality, Dementia, and TBI/ABIs.
(548) 483-6734 View (548) 483-6734
Photo of Heidi Sasek - KW Mental Health and Wellness (MHW), RP, MA, Registered Psychotherapist
KW Mental Health and Wellness (MHW)
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2M
Some areas of specialty include: relationship /interpersonal, personality disorders, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, gender, identity, and finding balance, difficult life transitions, emotional dysregulation, and LGBTQ+.
We offer counselling with professional registered psychotherapists over the phone, online and in-person in Kitchener-Waterloo. Some of our therapists work includes: looking at how the past may be influencing the present, unpacking behaviours, regulating emotions, interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and increasing mindfulness. We provide support that looks at people as a whole: physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Some of our therapists have worked alongside individuals with a range of concerns and have worked specifically with borderline personality disorder, personality disorders, trauma and complex trauma.
Some areas of specialty include: relationship /interpersonal, personality disorders, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, gender, identity, and finding balance, difficult life transitions, emotional dysregulation, and LGBTQ+.
We offer counselling with professional registered psychotherapists over the phone, online and in-person in Kitchener-Waterloo. Some of our therapists work includes: looking at how the past may be influencing the present, unpacking behaviours, regulating emotions, interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and increasing mindfulness. We provide support that looks at people as a whole: physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Some of our therapists have worked alongside individuals with a range of concerns and have worked specifically with borderline personality disorder, personality disorders, trauma and complex trauma.
(226) 407-8589 View (226) 407-8589
Photo of Amelia Di Tomasso, RP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Amelia Di Tomasso
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2P
Now Accepting New Clients! Do you feel unable to handle your everyday life and relationships and find yourself wanting to escape? As a Certified Trauma Integration Clinician from the ATTCH Academy, I specialize in supporting individuals confronting difficulties including trauma, attachment wounds, addiction, complex grief and loss, eating disorders, body image, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. My therapeutic approach is holistic, integrative, and informed by neuroscience while being grounded in anti-oppressive and harm-reduction frameworks for healing.
Now Accepting New Clients! Do you feel unable to handle your everyday life and relationships and find yourself wanting to escape? As a Certified Trauma Integration Clinician from the ATTCH Academy, I specialize in supporting individuals confronting difficulties including trauma, attachment wounds, addiction, complex grief and loss, eating disorders, body image, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. My therapeutic approach is holistic, integrative, and informed by neuroscience while being grounded in anti-oppressive and harm-reduction frameworks for healing.
(226) 212-7744 View (226) 212-7744
Photo of Ashley Murphy Kilgar, BA hons, MSW, RSW
Ashley Murphy Kilgar
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, BA hons, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2A
I have expertise working with mental health (anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar, & personality disorders).
I am a caring and skilled therapist. I work with individuals, couples and families who are having difficulty coping with life stressors, addiction and mental health concerns. I support people to work through relationship, work, family and other life challenges. Using a non-judgmental approach I support you to move forward and make difficult but positive changes in your life. Each person I support is unique and will receive individualized treatment based on needs. I value in depth assessments to ensure that your situation and needs are understood. We will work together in a way that ensures your comfort and satisfaction with therapy.
I have expertise working with mental health (anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar, & personality disorders).
I am a caring and skilled therapist. I work with individuals, couples and families who are having difficulty coping with life stressors, addiction and mental health concerns. I support people to work through relationship, work, family and other life challenges. Using a non-judgmental approach I support you to move forward and make difficult but positive changes in your life. Each person I support is unique and will receive individualized treatment based on needs. I value in depth assessments to ensure that your situation and needs are understood. We will work together in a way that ensures your comfort and satisfaction with therapy.
(226) 962-2242 View (226) 962-2242
Photo of Rajan Chhatkuli, MA, MSc, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Rajan Chhatkuli
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2A
With more than five years of assisting individuals with various challenges in different social work settings has given me a deeper understanding of current issues and expertise that impacts clients.I've been able to use my clinical skills to assist vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health issues with many barriers; and mental illness such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use, inclusive of co-morbid conditions and history of trauma,The prime focus while serving these clients are to assist them to manage their issues and stabilize their reintegration back into their normal setting.
With more than five years of assisting individuals with various challenges in different social work settings has given me a deeper understanding of current issues and expertise that impacts clients.I've been able to use my clinical skills to assist vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health issues with many barriers; and mental illness such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance use, inclusive of co-morbid conditions and history of trauma,The prime focus while serving these clients are to assist them to manage their issues and stabilize their reintegration back into their normal setting.
(226) 457-6863 View (226) 457-6863
Photo of Sheri Clark, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Sheri Clark
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Have you found yourself wanting help and support, yet others in your life think of you as the “strong” one and don't see your pain? Perhaps you work in a helping profession and don’t know where to turn for your own therapy. Anxiety, depression, or even burn out can lead to feeling lost and lonely. Maybe you have people with personality disorders in your life that make you doubt yourself or make the “easy” things very difficult. Many people are feeling disconnected from their community, themselves and the larger "something more". Creating a safe space where you can be heard and understood is the foundation of my work.
Have you found yourself wanting help and support, yet others in your life think of you as the “strong” one and don't see your pain? Perhaps you work in a helping profession and don’t know where to turn for your own therapy. Anxiety, depression, or even burn out can lead to feeling lost and lonely. Maybe you have people with personality disorders in your life that make you doubt yourself or make the “easy” things very difficult. Many people are feeling disconnected from their community, themselves and the larger "something more". Creating a safe space where you can be heard and understood is the foundation of my work.
(226) 212-1733 View (226) 212-1733
Photo of Koye Oyerinde, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Koye Oyerinde
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Social and Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and also facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs for Borderline Personality Disorders.
I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples. This might be the first time you are seeking counselling or you may be seeking for a different counselling experience, picking the right counsellor for you is important. It is important to understand how we interpret our experiences and how they affects us. Our environments also have the ability to impact the way we interpret our experiences and interactions; it can be helpful to develop an awareness of the common miscommunication we experience based on our past experiences and in challenging ourselves to take steps towards wellness.
I facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Social and Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and also facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs for Borderline Personality Disorders.
I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples. This might be the first time you are seeking counselling or you may be seeking for a different counselling experience, picking the right counsellor for you is important. It is important to understand how we interpret our experiences and how they affects us. Our environments also have the ability to impact the way we interpret our experiences and interactions; it can be helpful to develop an awareness of the common miscommunication we experience based on our past experiences and in challenging ourselves to take steps towards wellness.
(226) 400-6910 View (226) 400-6910
Photo of Carolyn Nonkes - Carolyn Nonkes at New Mind Therapy , MEd, RP, CCC, Registered Psychotherapist
Carolyn Nonkes at New Mind Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2A
If you often find yourself putting the happiness of others before your own, or if a critical inner voice seems to be holding you back, I'm here to help. Together, with compassion and proven methods, we'll explore the foundational beliefs and life patterns that are shaping your world. Our shared aim in therapy is to nurture a healthy sense of self, so you can feel more content and at peace in your own skin. Let's embark on this journey towards a more joyful and self-fulfilled you.
If you often find yourself putting the happiness of others before your own, or if a critical inner voice seems to be holding you back, I'm here to help. Together, with compassion and proven methods, we'll explore the foundational beliefs and life patterns that are shaping your world. Our shared aim in therapy is to nurture a healthy sense of self, so you can feel more content and at peace in your own skin. Let's embark on this journey towards a more joyful and self-fulfilled you.
(365) 800-4914 View (365) 800-4914
Photo of Amy Haertel, MSW, RSW , Registered Social Worker
Amy Haertel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2B
I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD. Trauma comes in many forms: a single event, childhood, medical or just "something" that affects an individual internally. Trauma therapy involves facilitating psychological healing, self-growth and understanding. We will work to identify core beliefs that immerged due to life experiences, then begin to process and manage them with a sense of support, confidence and strength.
I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD. Trauma comes in many forms: a single event, childhood, medical or just "something" that affects an individual internally. Trauma therapy involves facilitating psychological healing, self-growth and understanding. We will work to identify core beliefs that immerged due to life experiences, then begin to process and manage them with a sense of support, confidence and strength.
(548) 708-7749 View (548) 708-7749
Photo of Cathryn I. Harris, PhD, Psychologist
Cathryn I. Harris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
Stuck? Frustrated? Confused? Feeling hopeless? Or just wanting some encouragement to find an answer that feels just out of reach? Whether it is a relationship problem, a parenting challenge, a bad habit, a negative cycle, or traumatic memories that keeps defeating you, I hope to provide you with a safe place to explore the roots of what is keeping you stuck, and help you find new options and hope through changing how you relate to yourself and others. I believe that emotional freedom, trust, and true intimacy in relationships comes from having good boundaries within ourselves and with others.
Stuck? Frustrated? Confused? Feeling hopeless? Or just wanting some encouragement to find an answer that feels just out of reach? Whether it is a relationship problem, a parenting challenge, a bad habit, a negative cycle, or traumatic memories that keeps defeating you, I hope to provide you with a safe place to explore the roots of what is keeping you stuck, and help you find new options and hope through changing how you relate to yourself and others. I believe that emotional freedom, trust, and true intimacy in relationships comes from having good boundaries within ourselves and with others.
(877) 743-1705 View (877) 743-1705
Photo of Theresa Will, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Theresa Will
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Reaching out for help, especially from a stranger, is incredibly scary and courageous - the first step is often the hardest. I always feel honoured to join my clients on their journey to wellness and I welcome the opportunity to work with you. I am committed to working with you at your pace. My approach is down to earth and collaborative, always. I strive to maintain an emotionally safe and judgment free space so that you may feel respected and heard. I am extensively trained in trauma therapy and have participated in Phases 1, 2, 3, 4 and Masters level of Brainspotting, as well as the specialty Children and Adolescents training.
Reaching out for help, especially from a stranger, is incredibly scary and courageous - the first step is often the hardest. I always feel honoured to join my clients on their journey to wellness and I welcome the opportunity to work with you. I am committed to working with you at your pace. My approach is down to earth and collaborative, always. I strive to maintain an emotionally safe and judgment free space so that you may feel respected and heard. I am extensively trained in trauma therapy and have participated in Phases 1, 2, 3, 4 and Masters level of Brainspotting, as well as the specialty Children and Adolescents training.
(226) 400-8579 View (226) 400-8579
Photo of Jackie Corbett, BA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Jackie Corbett
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2B
Accepting NEW clients! -If you are reading this you have already taken the scariest step; recognizing that you want some extra help or support. Are you experiencing issues in life and you don't know how to approach them, where to even start, or who to reach out to? Do you have past experiences which are not letting you move on with your life? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, unhelpful thinking patterns, self-esteem or trauma? Work as a first responder and experience work stress or trauma? Struggle with a personality or mood disorder? Sometimes life gives us more than we can handle alone and we don't know how to cope.
Accepting NEW clients! -If you are reading this you have already taken the scariest step; recognizing that you want some extra help or support. Are you experiencing issues in life and you don't know how to approach them, where to even start, or who to reach out to? Do you have past experiences which are not letting you move on with your life? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, unhelpful thinking patterns, self-esteem or trauma? Work as a first responder and experience work stress or trauma? Struggle with a personality or mood disorder? Sometimes life gives us more than we can handle alone and we don't know how to cope.
(226) 778-2352 View (226) 778-2352
Photo of Farrah Hemani, BA, ECE, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Farrah Hemani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, ECE
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
As a child psychotherapist, my approach involves keen observation of a child's play, drawings, words, and behavior. Through this process, I help children verbalize the thoughts and emotions underlying their challenging behaviors. I tailor my methods to each individual child or family, ensuring an age-appropriate approach. Maintaining a neutral and non-directive stance, I create an atmosphere where children and adolescents feel free to express themselves without fear of punishment or rejection. This fosters trust and understanding, allowing them to communicate their hopes and fears ultimately shaping their perception of the world.
As a child psychotherapist, my approach involves keen observation of a child's play, drawings, words, and behavior. Through this process, I help children verbalize the thoughts and emotions underlying their challenging behaviors. I tailor my methods to each individual child or family, ensuring an age-appropriate approach. Maintaining a neutral and non-directive stance, I create an atmosphere where children and adolescents feel free to express themselves without fear of punishment or rejection. This fosters trust and understanding, allowing them to communicate their hopes and fears ultimately shaping their perception of the world.
(289) 207-6687 View (289) 207-6687
Photo of Shalyn Dussiaume-Good - Shalyn Dussiaume Counselling, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Shalyn Dussiaume Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Shalyn Dussiaume-Good is a Registered Psychotherapist and is currently working with a wide variety of clients with varying life issues. Her therapy models include using CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
Shalyn Dussiaume-Good is a Registered Psychotherapist and is currently working with a wide variety of clients with varying life issues. Her therapy models include using CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
(226) 270-8329 View (226) 270-8329
Photo of Ayesha Masud Chaudhry, MA, BSc, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Ayesha Masud Chaudhry
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a racialized, non-binary Muslim immigrant from Pakistan, my specialty includes the intersection of queerness and racialization. I also excel with clients who occupy diasporic identities, identify as immigrants or children of immigrants, and want to discuss intergenerational connections and traumas. As a radical therapist, I intentionally include a macro perspective in the work I do; this can mean acknowledging oppressive systems including imperialism, capitalism, and colonialism and how they make it difficult to establish resilient and communal mental health.
As a racialized, non-binary Muslim immigrant from Pakistan, my specialty includes the intersection of queerness and racialization. I also excel with clients who occupy diasporic identities, identify as immigrants or children of immigrants, and want to discuss intergenerational connections and traumas. As a radical therapist, I intentionally include a macro perspective in the work I do; this can mean acknowledging oppressive systems including imperialism, capitalism, and colonialism and how they make it difficult to establish resilient and communal mental health.
(548) 490-8001 View (548) 490-8001
Photo of Ashley Vandergunst, BA, MA(c), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Ashley Vandergunst
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA(c)
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E
Ashley’s goal as your therapist is to provide you with a safe, compassionate space. She considers it an honour and privilege when you share your life experiences with her and allow her to join you on your personal journey. Life often presents us with unforeseen challenges, testing our resilience and mental fortitude. Seeking support can be challenging; though, a courageous step for your mental health. Ashley strives to help you with overcoming challenges, achieving your goals, and helping to promote healing and lasting change within your life.
Ashley’s goal as your therapist is to provide you with a safe, compassionate space. She considers it an honour and privilege when you share your life experiences with her and allow her to join you on your personal journey. Life often presents us with unforeseen challenges, testing our resilience and mental fortitude. Seeking support can be challenging; though, a courageous step for your mental health. Ashley strives to help you with overcoming challenges, achieving your goals, and helping to promote healing and lasting change within your life.
(226) 784-1730 View (226) 784-1730
Photo of Rosemary Victor, MA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Rosemary Victor
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My experience enables me to offer effective individualized, mental health support for individuals, and couples. I provide supports around relationship issues, coping with mood disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, grief & loss, managing life transitions, trauma, and addictions.
My experience enables me to offer effective individualized, mental health support for individuals, and couples. I provide supports around relationship issues, coping with mood disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, grief & loss, managing life transitions, trauma, and addictions.
(226) 286-0952 View (226) 286-0952
Photo of Sodaba Surush, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Sodaba Surush
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I take a client-centered and compassionate approach to my work and uphold the values of dignity and respect for all. I specialize in working with individuals and couples coping with anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, trauma, life transitions (including immigration), and identity related issues. My practice is influenced by evidence-based modalities of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and incorporates both mindfulness and meditation practices.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I take a client-centered and compassionate approach to my work and uphold the values of dignity and respect for all. I specialize in working with individuals and couples coping with anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, trauma, life transitions (including immigration), and identity related issues. My practice is influenced by evidence-based modalities of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and incorporates both mindfulness and meditation practices.
(548) 488-4207 View (548) 488-4207
Photo of Roberta McKay, MA, RP, IBP, SEP, Registered Psychotherapist
Roberta McKay
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, IBP, SEP
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H
I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I specialize in a somatic (body-mind) approach to resolve issues that interfere with one's happiness and well being. We will look at how early life experiences affect us and our relationships. This helps in developing a greater understanding in how one behaves in their current life, creating more options for lasting change. This work is very effective in treating depression by helping one feel more aliveness, energy and a sense of well being.It helps with anxiety by providing tools to create a sense of calm and presence.
I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I specialize in a somatic (body-mind) approach to resolve issues that interfere with one's happiness and well being. We will look at how early life experiences affect us and our relationships. This helps in developing a greater understanding in how one behaves in their current life, creating more options for lasting change. This work is very effective in treating depression by helping one feel more aliveness, energy and a sense of well being.It helps with anxiety by providing tools to create a sense of calm and presence.
(519) 900-1644 View (519) 900-1644

See more therapy options for Kitchener

Personality Disorders Counsellors

What are the common treatment options for personality disorders?

Personality disorders are typically treated with psychotherapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help people with personality disorders develop skills to tolerate difficult emotions, navigate interpersonal relationships, and solidify their sense of self. Medications can treat symptoms that co-occur with the disorder, such as depression, anger, aggression, and impulsivity.

When to seek treatment for personality disorders?

Even though treatment for personality disorders can be an uphill battle, it’s best to seek help if you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with one, because personality disorders can create substantial problems in life. Symptoms depend on the specific disorder, but overall signs of personality disorders include consistent difficulty maintaining close relationships, dramatic variations in self-esteem, and an unstable sense of identity.

How long does therapy take for personality disorders?

The timeline for treating personality disorders isn’t as clear-cut as it is for other disorders. Change can be difficult, taking from around one year to five, 10, or more. The key is finding a therapist who has extensive experience treating the relevant disorder. For example, a psychologist who specialises in narcissistic personality disorder has specific communication strategies that allow them to sustain the relationship and be more effective with narcissistic patients.

Can therapy help people with personality disorders?

Research suggests that for those who are motivated to address concerns or interpersonal conflict related to a personality disorder, therapy is far more effective than no treatment, and that most people in therapy see improvements. However, since personality disorders involve entrenched elements of identity, they are less responsive to treatment than are other mental health conditions. Finding an expert who has extensive experience working with a given personality disorder is one factor that increases the likelihood of successful treatment.