Personality Disorders Therapists in Cardiff By The Sea, CA
Welcome! I've been helping people to understand themselves and navigate life's challenges for over 30 years. I always aim to be empathic, collaborative, productive and practical. My care and our conversations would be thorough, individualized and holistic, integrating multiple perspectives and strategies. I enjoy working with older teens through older adults, and have specialty interests in adolescence, relationships, women's issues, eating concerns, and parenting at all ages. Having raised two young adults, I understand the challenges of modern family life and staying balanced in our hectic world.
Welcome! I've been helping people to understand themselves and navigate life's challenges for over 30 years. I always aim to be empathic, collaborative, productive and practical. My care and our conversations would be thorough, individualized and holistic, integrating multiple perspectives and strategies. I enjoy working with older teens through older adults, and have specialty interests in adolescence, relationships, women's issues, eating concerns, and parenting at all ages. Having raised two young adults, I understand the challenges of modern family life and staying balanced in our hectic world.
James is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. James started his counseling career working with co-occurring mental health and addiction related issues. James has over five years of experience providing therapy services to adults, couples, and families to help them improve relationships, attain career satisfaction, enhance functioning, and promote connection and growth.
James is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. James started his counseling career working with co-occurring mental health and addiction related issues. James has over five years of experience providing therapy services to adults, couples, and families to help them improve relationships, attain career satisfaction, enhance functioning, and promote connection and growth.
You’ve taken a courageous step by exploring therapy, and I honor the path that has led you here. You might be feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, experiencing a sense of loss, or longing for deeper meaning and connection. Whatever has brought you to this point, know that you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, reflective space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been neglected, forgotten, or left behind.
You’ve taken a courageous step by exploring therapy, and I honor the path that has led you here. You might be feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, experiencing a sense of loss, or longing for deeper meaning and connection. Whatever has brought you to this point, know that you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, reflective space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been neglected, forgotten, or left behind.
I help children, teens, adults, and families in North San Diego County manage intense emotions, anxiety, and conflict. Life can feel overwhelming when emotions affect home, school, work, and relationships. Using practical DBT skills, I help your child, teen, or young adult feel calmer, more confident, and better able to navigate challenges. I offer a supportive space for families and young adults to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and learn tools that create real, lasting change at home and in daily life.
I help children, teens, adults, and families in North San Diego County manage intense emotions, anxiety, and conflict. Life can feel overwhelming when emotions affect home, school, work, and relationships. Using practical DBT skills, I help your child, teen, or young adult feel calmer, more confident, and better able to navigate challenges. I offer a supportive space for families and young adults to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and learn tools that create real, lasting change at home and in daily life.
Working through difficult experiences and emotions can be challenging. It can be even harder to make desired changes in ones life when certain patterns have been established for so long. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and supported throughout this process. By creating a comfortable and lighthearted environment, individuals, families, and couples are able to gain some reprieve from the difficulties they are experiencing. This allows change to begin to occur in the lives of my clients.
Working through difficult experiences and emotions can be challenging. It can be even harder to make desired changes in ones life when certain patterns have been established for so long. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and supported throughout this process. By creating a comfortable and lighthearted environment, individuals, families, and couples are able to gain some reprieve from the difficulties they are experiencing. This allows change to begin to occur in the lives of my clients.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
You may appear to be functioning well on the outside, yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients struggle with betrayal trauma, codependency, love addiction, emotional neglect, or the effects of addiction within the family. You might feel exhausted from repeating the same cycles, doubting your reality, or losing yourself while trying to care for others.
With 28 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer a structured, compassionate, and direct approach. My work focuses on developmental trauma, attachment repair, boundaries, self-worth, and relationshi
You may appear to be functioning well on the outside, yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients struggle with betrayal trauma, codependency, love addiction, emotional neglect, or the effects of addiction within the family. You might feel exhausted from repeating the same cycles, doubting your reality, or losing yourself while trying to care for others.
With 28 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer a structured, compassionate, and direct approach. My work focuses on developmental trauma, attachment repair, boundaries, self-worth, and relationshi
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Riser has over 13 years of experience providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and various other evidence-based approaches for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders with special interest in emotion regulation, self-harm, and suicidality.
Dr. Riser has worked as a DBT research therapist in an NIMH clinical trial at The University of Chicago. She has also worked in inpatient, outpatient, primary care, hospital, VA, and forensic settings. She has presented at national and international conferences and authored papers in the areas of emotion regulation, personality disorders and forensics.
Riser has over 13 years of experience providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and various other evidence-based approaches for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and personality disorders with special interest in emotion regulation, self-harm, and suicidality.
Dr. Riser has worked as a DBT research therapist in an NIMH clinical trial at The University of Chicago. She has also worked in inpatient, outpatient, primary care, hospital, VA, and forensic settings. She has presented at national and international conferences and authored papers in the areas of emotion regulation, personality disorders and forensics.
My goal is to help clients find healthy ways to understand the root cause of their internal conflicts which disconnect them from themselves and the world around them. I support clients with the development of deeper awareness in understanding how their anxiety manifests within their bodies as well as how our unresolved feelings will remain within us until we are ready to meet them. It takes courage to look internally, and I believe you are beyond courageous to do so.
My goal is to help clients find healthy ways to understand the root cause of their internal conflicts which disconnect them from themselves and the world around them. I support clients with the development of deeper awareness in understanding how their anxiety manifests within their bodies as well as how our unresolved feelings will remain within us until we are ready to meet them. It takes courage to look internally, and I believe you are beyond courageous to do so.
Living with the weight of medical conditions, personality disorders, or childhood trauma can leave you feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn.
I integrate ART, ACT, CBT, DBT, CPT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing while also offering adult WPATH evaluations. Each plan is tailored to the individual, helping clients build coping strategies, process painful experiences, and move toward a greater sense of balance.
Living with the weight of medical conditions, personality disorders, or childhood trauma can leave you feeling isolated and unsure of where to turn.
I integrate ART, ACT, CBT, DBT, CPT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing while also offering adult WPATH evaluations. Each plan is tailored to the individual, helping clients build coping strategies, process painful experiences, and move toward a greater sense of balance.
Are you experiencing a very challenging time in your life? Does it feel like you can't see your way back to you? Is it hard to recognize who you are from the way you feel? I would like to be there for you in the darkest, most difficult time in life. Many of my clients have told me that I am mothering and nurturing as a therapist. I approach therapy from a caring and compassionate perspective, more so after I became a mother of three children. Together we can use DBT techniques to help you reconnect with the things that are important to you and help you get back to being the person you want to be with the life you want to live.
Are you experiencing a very challenging time in your life? Does it feel like you can't see your way back to you? Is it hard to recognize who you are from the way you feel? I would like to be there for you in the darkest, most difficult time in life. Many of my clients have told me that I am mothering and nurturing as a therapist. I approach therapy from a caring and compassionate perspective, more so after I became a mother of three children. Together we can use DBT techniques to help you reconnect with the things that are important to you and help you get back to being the person you want to be with the life you want to live.
I love working with pre-teens, adults, couples &families who are navigating anxiety, trauma, personality disorders &relationship challenges
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy,including EMDR to help clients process unresolved experiences such as CPTSD, childhood trauma, and attachment wounds. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety,stress,depression,low self-esteem,or codependency,therapy can help you gain insight,develop healthier coping strategies, and feel more in control of your emotions.
I love working with pre-teens, adults, couples &families who are navigating anxiety, trauma, personality disorders &relationship challenges
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy,including EMDR to help clients process unresolved experiences such as CPTSD, childhood trauma, and attachment wounds. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety,stress,depression,low self-esteem,or codependency,therapy can help you gain insight,develop healthier coping strategies, and feel more in control of your emotions.
I’m Savarra. I work with adults who want a deeper understanding of their emotional world and how their lived experiences shape the way they relate to themselves and others. My approach is collaborative and supportive, helping clients build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful change. My approach to care is collaborative and empowering. I work with clients to clarify their goals, build self-awareness, and develop practical tools that support emotional growth and meaningful change. Therapy is a supportive partnership where your lived experience, values, and strengths guide our work together.
I’m Savarra. I work with adults who want a deeper understanding of their emotional world and how their lived experiences shape the way they relate to themselves and others. My approach is collaborative and supportive, helping clients build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and meaningful change. My approach to care is collaborative and empowering. I work with clients to clarify their goals, build self-awareness, and develop practical tools that support emotional growth and meaningful change. Therapy is a supportive partnership where your lived experience, values, and strengths guide our work together.
Our ideal client is someone doing their best while carrying anxiety, ADHD, trauma, identity stress, or relationship challenges. They may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsupported in traditional systems and are looking for care that actually fits their lived experience. They want relief, stability, and a therapeutic space where they feel safe, affirmed, and not judged. Their goals include building emotional regulation, improving relationships, healing past pain, and feeling more grounded, confident, and connected.
Our ideal client is someone doing their best while carrying anxiety, ADHD, trauma, identity stress, or relationship challenges. They may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsupported in traditional systems and are looking for care that actually fits their lived experience. They want relief, stability, and a therapeutic space where they feel safe, affirmed, and not judged. Their goals include building emotional regulation, improving relationships, healing past pain, and feeling more grounded, confident, and connected.
I work with teens and adults ages 15 and up, (and couples) specializing in personality disorders, mood disorders, and faith or spirituality crises.
Struggling with intense emotions, mood shifts, or questioning your faith can leave you feeling unmoored and searching for solid ground. These experiences aren’t about weakness—they reflect the real complexity of living and growing. I’m motivated by the opportunity to walk alongside my clients with compassion and collaboration, and I continue to be inspired by the strength and courage it takes to lean into change. Watching people grow into their authentic selves is one of the most powerful parts of this work.
I work with teens and adults ages 15 and up, (and couples) specializing in personality disorders, mood disorders, and faith or spirituality crises.
Struggling with intense emotions, mood shifts, or questioning your faith can leave you feeling unmoored and searching for solid ground. These experiences aren’t about weakness—they reflect the real complexity of living and growing. I’m motivated by the opportunity to walk alongside my clients with compassion and collaboration, and I continue to be inspired by the strength and courage it takes to lean into change. Watching people grow into their authentic selves is one of the most powerful parts of this work.
Caleb is a Christian Counselor, Certified Sex Addiction Counselor (CSAT), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS), Certified Personality Disorder Specialist, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). Caleb specializes in helping clients work through addiction recovery, anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds.
Caleb is a Christian Counselor, Certified Sex Addiction Counselor (CSAT), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS), Certified Personality Disorder Specialist, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). Caleb specializes in helping clients work through addiction recovery, anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both forensic and community settings. I’ve worked with individuals facing complex presentations, including trauma and a range of mental health challenges.
Through this work, I’ve learned that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves, heard, and truly understood. I aim to create that kind of environment in therapy.
I combine evidence-based approaches with warmth and openness to provide support that is both effective and grounded in genuine human connection.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both forensic and community settings. I’ve worked with individuals facing complex presentations, including trauma and a range of mental health challenges.
Through this work, I’ve learned that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves, heard, and truly understood. I aim to create that kind of environment in therapy.
I combine evidence-based approaches with warmth and openness to provide support that is both effective and grounded in genuine human connection.
I have worked in mental health for over 30 years, in a wide variety of professional settings. My professional training has been extensive, and includes degrees from Harvard University and the California School of Professional Psychology, as well as post-doctoral studies at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center and Columbia University. I'm an adjunct faculty member at the Naval Medical Center Psychiatry Residency Program, and have also taught at several colleges as an adjunct faculty member.
I have worked in mental health for over 30 years, in a wide variety of professional settings. My professional training has been extensive, and includes degrees from Harvard University and the California School of Professional Psychology, as well as post-doctoral studies at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center and Columbia University. I'm an adjunct faculty member at the Naval Medical Center Psychiatry Residency Program, and have also taught at several colleges as an adjunct faculty member.
Life is hard. Sometimes, life can seem unbearable, especially when difficult events like trauma, loss, or relationship conflicts happen and lead to depression and anxiety. During difficult times, you may believe that you have no choice but to suffer in secret, especially with the continuing stigma of mental health issues. However, I want you to know that you don't have to suffer on your own. Seeking therapy can be a daunting and scary process, and finding the right psychologist for you can be difficult and confusing.
Life is hard. Sometimes, life can seem unbearable, especially when difficult events like trauma, loss, or relationship conflicts happen and lead to depression and anxiety. During difficult times, you may believe that you have no choice but to suffer in secret, especially with the continuing stigma of mental health issues. However, I want you to know that you don't have to suffer on your own. Seeking therapy can be a daunting and scary process, and finding the right psychologist for you can be difficult and confusing.
I will help you develop skills to manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve interpersonal relations, all while increasing mindfulness. Our sessions will explore your past and present stressors, to help you work towards your personal goals and navigate the path towards a more fulfilling life. My approach is rooted in warmth and collaboration, focusing on confronting challenges in a safe environment. We will work together to understand your struggles, fostering self-compassion and acceptance while exploring avenues for positive change and ending unhelpful patterns.
I will help you develop skills to manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve interpersonal relations, all while increasing mindfulness. Our sessions will explore your past and present stressors, to help you work towards your personal goals and navigate the path towards a more fulfilling life. My approach is rooted in warmth and collaboration, focusing on confronting challenges in a safe environment. We will work together to understand your struggles, fostering self-compassion and acceptance while exploring avenues for positive change and ending unhelpful patterns.
See more therapy options for Cardiff By The Sea
Nearby Personality Disorders Therapists Searches for Cardiff By The Sea
- Cardiff
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Personality Disorders Therapists
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 specializes 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.