Personality Disorders Counselling in Bristol
When it comes to psychological suffering, internal conflicts and even serious personality disorders, psychology uses new integrative for the intervention.
The psychologist can help you. Count on the support of a professional. Many think that the psychologist is exclusive for mental illnesses, this is a myth, the psychologist works in several areas and uses the best and specific knowledge to help people to have an improvement, guidance or even a determination that generates doubts in several aspects of your everyday life.
When it comes to psychological suffering, internal conflicts and even serious personality disorders, psychology uses new integrative for the intervention.
The psychologist can help you. Count on the support of a professional. Many think that the psychologist is exclusive for mental illnesses, this is a myth, the psychologist works in several areas and uses the best and specific knowledge to help people to have an improvement, guidance or even a determination that generates doubts in several aspects of your everyday life.
I am an experienced counsellor and specialise in various areas including:
Domestic Abuse
Narcissistic Abuse
Anxiety and Depression
OCD
Loss and Grief
Addiction
Post-Natal and Peri-Natal issues
Sexuality
I offer a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore whatever may be troubling them. My working model is centrally embedded within the Person-Centred model. I also draw upon other modalities, such as, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Existentialism and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) depending on the unique needs of my clients. I focus on establishing a trusting relationship with my clients and working in a safe and ethical way prioritising my clients well-being.
I am an experienced counsellor and specialise in various areas including:
Domestic Abuse
Narcissistic Abuse
Anxiety and Depression
OCD
Loss and Grief
Addiction
Post-Natal and Peri-Natal issues
Sexuality
I offer a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore whatever may be troubling them. My working model is centrally embedded within the Person-Centred model. I also draw upon other modalities, such as, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), Existentialism and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) depending on the unique needs of my clients. I focus on establishing a trusting relationship with my clients and working in a safe and ethical way prioritising my clients well-being.
I have over 10 years experience in the UK and abroad working for the NHS, Local Authorities and charities working with children, adults, families and older adults presenting with a wide range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, complex trauma, neurodiversity and personality disorders.
I trained in many approaches including Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassioned focused therapy, mindfulness. My approach integrated and therefore holistic combining different psychological theories and techniques to treat a client's unique needs.
I have over 10 years experience in the UK and abroad working for the NHS, Local Authorities and charities working with children, adults, families and older adults presenting with a wide range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, complex trauma, neurodiversity and personality disorders.
I trained in many approaches including Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassioned focused therapy, mindfulness. My approach integrated and therefore holistic combining different psychological theories and techniques to treat a client's unique needs.
I welcome clients that are neurodivergent, and with personality disorders.
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience, especially if things are tough for you right now, but you have taken the first step! I have experienced many times, both as a counsellor and personally in therapy, how people begin to feel less burdened and overwhelmed in their life when they feel really heard and accepted without judgement or criticism. I believe that the counselling relationship is a collaborative and dynamic process, and I am always receptive to feedback, as it can shape the dynamic between us. I feel that therapy can be proactive, and not just reactive. I have no expectations on what we speak about.
I welcome clients that are neurodivergent, and with personality disorders.
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience, especially if things are tough for you right now, but you have taken the first step! I have experienced many times, both as a counsellor and personally in therapy, how people begin to feel less burdened and overwhelmed in their life when they feel really heard and accepted without judgement or criticism. I believe that the counselling relationship is a collaborative and dynamic process, and I am always receptive to feedback, as it can shape the dynamic between us. I feel that therapy can be proactive, and not just reactive. I have no expectations on what we speak about.
I originally trained in CBT and completed further training in CBT for personality disorders.
Life can sometimes feel harder than it needs to. You might be struggling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that don’t make sense. Relationships can feel challenging—maybe you unintentionally push people away, or you find yourself people-pleasing to keep the peace. Certain situations might leave you feeling on edge, disconnected, or emotionally charged, but you're unsure why.
You may have been through tough experiences—maybe a difficult childhood, a painful breakup, a stressful job, or a situation that left you feeling powerless. You might not label it as “trauma,” but something just feels off.
I originally trained in CBT and completed further training in CBT for personality disorders.
Life can sometimes feel harder than it needs to. You might be struggling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that don’t make sense. Relationships can feel challenging—maybe you unintentionally push people away, or you find yourself people-pleasing to keep the peace. Certain situations might leave you feeling on edge, disconnected, or emotionally charged, but you're unsure why.
You may have been through tough experiences—maybe a difficult childhood, a painful breakup, a stressful job, or a situation that left you feeling powerless. You might not label it as “trauma,” but something just feels off.
I specialise in working with teens, adults & couples to explore family issues, specifically unhealthy, abusive, toxic or narcissistic relationships with ex/partners &/or family members.
I have lived experience of Narcissistic abuse. I am professional but more importantly I’m human. I self-disclose appropriately, because my personal & professional experience has shown this will support your healing process.
I am actively involved in sessions, direct & honest, giving much needed emotional support, validation, reframing & parenting support.
I specialise in working with teens, adults & couples to explore family issues, specifically unhealthy, abusive, toxic or narcissistic relationships with ex/partners &/or family members.
I have lived experience of Narcissistic abuse. I am professional but more importantly I’m human. I self-disclose appropriately, because my personal & professional experience has shown this will support your healing process.
I am actively involved in sessions, direct & honest, giving much needed emotional support, validation, reframing & parenting support.
Hi, I’m Maddy. I'm a clinical psychologist with over ten years’ experience working in mental health services in the NHS. I am trained in CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). I specialise in working with people who have experienced difficulties or trauma in their past which continue to affect them now. These kinds of experiences can lead to flashbacks, intense and overwhelming feelings, or feeling numb and disconnected. Experiences like these can also affect our relationships with ourselves and others.
Hi, I’m Maddy. I'm a clinical psychologist with over ten years’ experience working in mental health services in the NHS. I am trained in CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). I specialise in working with people who have experienced difficulties or trauma in their past which continue to affect them now. These kinds of experiences can lead to flashbacks, intense and overwhelming feelings, or feeling numb and disconnected. Experiences like these can also affect our relationships with ourselves and others.
Jessica Hunter
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS32
Waitlist for new clients
I am a clinical psychologist with substantial experience of working with individuals with personality difficulties (with or without a formal diagnosis of personality disorder), PTSD, and complex trauma. Other areas of clinical expertise include anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, dissociation and low mood. In therapy I aim to bring compassion to the ways people have learned to cope with adversity and emotional pain. I welcome anyone who is looking to understand themselves and their coping styles better, and/or is seeking ways to break cycles and gain new skills to help them move forwards in their lives.
I am a clinical psychologist with substantial experience of working with individuals with personality difficulties (with or without a formal diagnosis of personality disorder), PTSD, and complex trauma. Other areas of clinical expertise include anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, dissociation and low mood. In therapy I aim to bring compassion to the ways people have learned to cope with adversity and emotional pain. I welcome anyone who is looking to understand themselves and their coping styles better, and/or is seeking ways to break cycles and gain new skills to help them move forwards in their lives.
We all want to enjoy the lives we have, not be bogged down in self criticism, overwhelmed by emotions, stuck in spirals of negative thinking, or be haunted by the past. If you find yourself here because you're struggling with anxiety, depression, painful emotions, self criticism, or patterns of coping that are damaging your life and your relationships, then you're in the right place. Again and again I have seen the power of compassion in releasing people from the suffering that can come with these cycles. With the right support you too can take the courageous, and sometimes painful steps towards becoming the person you'd like to be.
We all want to enjoy the lives we have, not be bogged down in self criticism, overwhelmed by emotions, stuck in spirals of negative thinking, or be haunted by the past. If you find yourself here because you're struggling with anxiety, depression, painful emotions, self criticism, or patterns of coping that are damaging your life and your relationships, then you're in the right place. Again and again I have seen the power of compassion in releasing people from the suffering that can come with these cycles. With the right support you too can take the courageous, and sometimes painful steps towards becoming the person you'd like to be.
Senior Coach + Mediator + MA Art Psychotherapist "I am a passionate creative, and have committed a decade working therapeutically in private residential trauma clinics, the NHS, secondary schools and my own business Resonate Therapy LTD. I bring all the skills of a specialist trauma therapist, that has worked extensively with neurodiversity and complex needs. By harmonising together a robust psychologically informed somatic based therapy programme. I specialise in supporting building meta-perspective of individual and collective systems. Are you ready to shift your life on a cellular, neuroplastic dimension?"
Senior Coach + Mediator + MA Art Psychotherapist "I am a passionate creative, and have committed a decade working therapeutically in private residential trauma clinics, the NHS, secondary schools and my own business Resonate Therapy LTD. I bring all the skills of a specialist trauma therapist, that has worked extensively with neurodiversity and complex needs. By harmonising together a robust psychologically informed somatic based therapy programme. I specialise in supporting building meta-perspective of individual and collective systems. Are you ready to shift your life on a cellular, neuroplastic dimension?"
Are you looking for the kind of therapy that explores relational trauma and how this is embodied, and affects our relationships with others, food, body and self? If you've found yourself querying your childhood, or wondering why you can't seem to feel ok, or why your relationships seem dissatisfying, or why you feel like you are not able to care for yourself or cope well, come on in. This is a queer friendly space and politically liberatory practice.
Are you looking for the kind of therapy that explores relational trauma and how this is embodied, and affects our relationships with others, food, body and self? If you've found yourself querying your childhood, or wondering why you can't seem to feel ok, or why your relationships seem dissatisfying, or why you feel like you are not able to care for yourself or cope well, come on in. This is a queer friendly space and politically liberatory practice.
Meet Our Personality Disorders Counsellors
What is art therapy? Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing. Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. Art therapy is provided in groups or individual
What is art therapy? Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing. Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses. Art therapy is provided in groups or individual
I am a highly experienced and trained therapist. I work collaboratively and transparently to work towards your aims and goals for therapy. I am trained to work with people who have experienced a wide range of issues, including complex issues, such as trauma and abuse of all kinds. As well as my work with trauma and relationships, I work with general anxiety, low mood / depression, bereavements and loss amongst many others. I have training to work with Neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia amongst others), and have extensive personal experience within my family. I reply to email within 24 hours, unless on leave so please check SPAM.
I am a highly experienced and trained therapist. I work collaboratively and transparently to work towards your aims and goals for therapy. I am trained to work with people who have experienced a wide range of issues, including complex issues, such as trauma and abuse of all kinds. As well as my work with trauma and relationships, I work with general anxiety, low mood / depression, bereavements and loss amongst many others. I have training to work with Neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia amongst others), and have extensive personal experience within my family. I reply to email within 24 hours, unless on leave so please check SPAM.
Psychotherapy is a rare invitation to speak and be listened to, to understand and be understood - a place to explore your self and your story, make sense of what you feel and why and ask how you might meet life's challenges in a more authentic, meaningful and fulfilling way. My approach is integrative, creative and embodied. It considers who you are and what happened to you, as well as what your heart desires. As a relational therapist, I also put your experience with me in therapy at the heart of our work together.
Psychotherapy is a rare invitation to speak and be listened to, to understand and be understood - a place to explore your self and your story, make sense of what you feel and why and ask how you might meet life's challenges in a more authentic, meaningful and fulfilling way. My approach is integrative, creative and embodied. It considers who you are and what happened to you, as well as what your heart desires. As a relational therapist, I also put your experience with me in therapy at the heart of our work together.
I offer a safe space in which you can speak and be listened to without judgement or expectation. As a psychoanalytically informed counsellor, I encourage you to speak about whatever comes to mind and to follow your thoughts wherever they lead. You may have a diagnosis or have your own words for how you are suffering - that's often the place to start. What we may find is that issues of identity and relationships follow - how you see yourself in relation to those around you now or in the past and possibly how you would like relationships to change in the future.
I offer a safe space in which you can speak and be listened to without judgement or expectation. As a psychoanalytically informed counsellor, I encourage you to speak about whatever comes to mind and to follow your thoughts wherever they lead. You may have a diagnosis or have your own words for how you are suffering - that's often the place to start. What we may find is that issues of identity and relationships follow - how you see yourself in relation to those around you now or in the past and possibly how you would like relationships to change in the future.
Psychotherapy deals with current problems. You may come because of a particular relationship issue or you may not be sure exactly what the problem is but find yourself repeating painful or limiting patterns in life. It may only be through talking to someone that you gain an understanding of what you want to work on. Therapy can be a gradual unfolding process where you have the opportunity to understand how you have become the person you are. This may include talking about how the past has influenced you, exploring your relationships then and now and the way you respond to your life as it is.
Psychotherapy deals with current problems. You may come because of a particular relationship issue or you may not be sure exactly what the problem is but find yourself repeating painful or limiting patterns in life. It may only be through talking to someone that you gain an understanding of what you want to work on. Therapy can be a gradual unfolding process where you have the opportunity to understand how you have become the person you are. This may include talking about how the past has influenced you, exploring your relationships then and now and the way you respond to your life as it is.
I specialise in couples and one-to-one therapy working with challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress & men's related issues. Intimacy, ED, low sex drive, pornography and relationship or social challenges are all areas I specialise in. During psychotherapy sessions I provide a confidential setting that encourages you to reflect. We will explore the feelings, emotions and impact significant events have had on the way you experience day-to-day life. We will work through your thought process moving towards the version of your life that you've always wanted. What is that vision? Does it involve laughter, smiling and being happy?
I specialise in couples and one-to-one therapy working with challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress & men's related issues. Intimacy, ED, low sex drive, pornography and relationship or social challenges are all areas I specialise in. During psychotherapy sessions I provide a confidential setting that encourages you to reflect. We will explore the feelings, emotions and impact significant events have had on the way you experience day-to-day life. We will work through your thought process moving towards the version of your life that you've always wanted. What is that vision? Does it involve laughter, smiling and being happy?
Gemma Owen Counselling (MBACP) Accred
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS32
I am a Humanistic, trauma informed counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand there are times when life can feel overwhelming and daily life can become more of a struggle. This can often feel isolating and confusing, but it is important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. My aim is to provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment in which you feel able to explore your feelings and emotions without fear of judgement. I am able to help with many of life's challenges and have specialist experience of working with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence.
I am a Humanistic, trauma informed counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand there are times when life can feel overwhelming and daily life can become more of a struggle. This can often feel isolating and confusing, but it is important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. My aim is to provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment in which you feel able to explore your feelings and emotions without fear of judgement. I am able to help with many of life's challenges and have specialist experience of working with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence.
If you are looking for therapy in Bristol then I can help. Life can be complicated and sometimes we need support to make changes and improve the quality of our lives. Entering into counselling or psychotherapy can be one of the hardest but bravest decisions you can make for yourself. I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, Trauma, Eating Disorder and Addiction Specialist. As well as ‘talking therapy’ and 'somatic (body) work' I incorporate eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy into my practice. To treat a range of psychological issues including complex trauma and attachment issues.
If you are looking for therapy in Bristol then I can help. Life can be complicated and sometimes we need support to make changes and improve the quality of our lives. Entering into counselling or psychotherapy can be one of the hardest but bravest decisions you can make for yourself. I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, Trauma, Eating Disorder and Addiction Specialist. As well as ‘talking therapy’ and 'somatic (body) work' I incorporate eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy into my practice. To treat a range of psychological issues including complex trauma and attachment issues.
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist with a private practice in Bristol and Taunton. I work with individuals from all walks of life seeking help with many different problems, for example with depression and anxiety, panic states, phobias, obsessional behaviour or angry outbursts. People who turn to psychotherapy may also feel worried in more general ways such as feeling aimless or dissatisfied in their work life, or feeling unable to make satisfactory personal or sexual relationships. With empathy and careful listening my aim is always to help you feel better about yourself and your life, in work or in love.
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist with a private practice in Bristol and Taunton. I work with individuals from all walks of life seeking help with many different problems, for example with depression and anxiety, panic states, phobias, obsessional behaviour or angry outbursts. People who turn to psychotherapy may also feel worried in more general ways such as feeling aimless or dissatisfied in their work life, or feeling unable to make satisfactory personal or sexual relationships. With empathy and careful listening my aim is always to help you feel better about yourself and your life, in work or in love.
See more therapy options for Bristol
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.