Photo of Laura Cowal, Registered Psychotherapist in L5H, ON
Laura Cowal
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, MTA
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5H  (Online Only)
Are you feeling chained to the past and locked into “autopilot” mode? Are relationships leaving you wonder about belonging or being good enough? Trauma leaves an undeniable trail of distrust and fear in our mind and our bodies. Trauma is what went wrong and what was never given. Its imprints shape our stress response, emotional thresholds and how we relate to others. So, what if you could quiet your survival brain and take back control of your life? Therapy is about becoming the architect of your life and the master of your mind and body. It’s time to take charge and shape the new you.
Are you feeling chained to the past and locked into “autopilot” mode? Are relationships leaving you wonder about belonging or being good enough? Trauma leaves an undeniable trail of distrust and fear in our mind and our bodies. Trauma is what went wrong and what was never given. Its imprints shape our stress response, emotional thresholds and how we relate to others. So, what if you could quiet your survival brain and take back control of your life? Therapy is about becoming the architect of your life and the master of your mind and body. It’s time to take charge and shape the new you.
(647) 797-9661 View (647) 797-9661

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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.