Personality Disorders Therapists in Portola Valley, CA

Photo of Celeste Birkhofer, Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Celeste Birkhofer
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Most people benefit from having a trusted and trained professional to confide in and collaborate with - to make changes, deal with emotional pain, and search for understanding and meaning. Humans are complex beings and life is full of challenges. We all create "protective measures" to help us cope with difficulties we have encountered. Unconscious relational patterns, expectations, and beliefs about ourselves and others develop. Unfortunately, many of these ways of being interfere with creating satisfying lives and relationships. Our habituated patterns can be constricting, or lead to troubling behaviors or symptoms.
Most people benefit from having a trusted and trained professional to confide in and collaborate with - to make changes, deal with emotional pain, and search for understanding and meaning. Humans are complex beings and life is full of challenges. We all create "protective measures" to help us cope with difficulties we have encountered. Unconscious relational patterns, expectations, and beliefs about ourselves and others develop. Unfortunately, many of these ways of being interfere with creating satisfying lives and relationships. Our habituated patterns can be constricting, or lead to troubling behaviors or symptoms.
(650) 897-5862 View (650) 897-5862
Photo of Dominique Yarritu, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Dominique Yarritu
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I'm here with you. Few things are more painful than feeling disconnected from yourself or the person you love. If you've tried everything to reconnect with yourself and others, only to end up stuck in the same old patterns, you're far from alone ... and help is available! When stress and anxiety leave you short of breath and constantly bracing for the worst, or old wounds from loss or trauma linger and make it difficult to feel safe or believe there's a light at the end of the tunnel, you can end up feeling heartbroken, hopeless, and exhausted. But the fact that you are reading this now means there is hope. I'm here to help.
I'm here with you. Few things are more painful than feeling disconnected from yourself or the person you love. If you've tried everything to reconnect with yourself and others, only to end up stuck in the same old patterns, you're far from alone ... and help is available! When stress and anxiety leave you short of breath and constantly bracing for the worst, or old wounds from loss or trauma linger and make it difficult to feel safe or believe there's a light at the end of the tunnel, you can end up feeling heartbroken, hopeless, and exhausted. But the fact that you are reading this now means there is hope. I'm here to help.
(408) 583-6080 View (408) 583-6080
Photo of Jennifer Weise, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Jennifer Weise
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Life is a wild and wonderful adventure. And, it doesn't always go the way you want. I will work with you to help you navigate your world in a way that makes sense to you. I invite you to start looking at life from a place of curiosity. I invite you to be mindful of your experiences as they are happening now. I invite you to better understand yourself and how you relate to the life that you are living. Therapy is an exploration and a journey. Everything is welcome.
Life is a wild and wonderful adventure. And, it doesn't always go the way you want. I will work with you to help you navigate your world in a way that makes sense to you. I invite you to start looking at life from a place of curiosity. I invite you to be mindful of your experiences as they are happening now. I invite you to better understand yourself and how you relate to the life that you are living. Therapy is an exploration and a journey. Everything is welcome.
(510) 571-4311 View (510) 571-4311
Photo of Ilene Diamond, Psychologist, JD, PsyD
Ilene Diamond
Psychologist, JD, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use or other self-defeating behaviors? Challenged by work, relationship or family issues? Concerned about your mood, judgment, behavior? Executive or founder stress? Therapy provides a safe space for processing thoughts and feelings, and for exploring different ways of being. Whatever your concerns, we'll work together to help you feel better. My style is warm and collaborative, with a sense of humor. Our work can develop your strengths & self-confidence & help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use or other self-defeating behaviors? Challenged by work, relationship or family issues? Concerned about your mood, judgment, behavior? Executive or founder stress? Therapy provides a safe space for processing thoughts and feelings, and for exploring different ways of being. Whatever your concerns, we'll work together to help you feel better. My style is warm and collaborative, with a sense of humor. Our work can develop your strengths & self-confidence & help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, leading to a greater sense of vitality and peace of mind.
(415) 820-1508 View (415) 820-1508

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Jet Hermes, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Jet Hermes
Psychologist, PsyD
7 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95131
I also treat personality disorders (except antisocial) and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
In addition to traditional symptom-reduction approaches such as CBT, ACT, and DBT, I offer a growth-oriented, person-centered therapeutic experience that emphasizes insightful, in-depth exploration to foster lasting personal development and well-being. I also provide comprehensive ADHD and ASD assessments.
I also treat personality disorders (except antisocial) and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
In addition to traditional symptom-reduction approaches such as CBT, ACT, and DBT, I offer a growth-oriented, person-centered therapeutic experience that emphasizes insightful, in-depth exploration to foster lasting personal development and well-being. I also provide comprehensive ADHD and ASD assessments.
(650) 719-2824 View (650) 719-2824
Photo of Christopher Conley, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Christopher Conley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Online Only
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York. I am also a gay, Asian/Hawaii-local male, with more than 20 years of active recovery. My entire journey into this field was inspired by getting court mandated to treatment myself when I was younger, and finding that I had a passion for helping others overcome similar issues with addiction, behavioral health issues, and legal involvement. I started as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Hawaii (a credential I still maintain in both NY and CA) and worked up to a Master's degree in Counseling Psych
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York. I am also a gay, Asian/Hawaii-local male, with more than 20 years of active recovery. My entire journey into this field was inspired by getting court mandated to treatment myself when I was younger, and finding that I had a passion for helping others overcome similar issues with addiction, behavioral health issues, and legal involvement. I started as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Hawaii (a credential I still maintain in both NY and CA) and worked up to a Master's degree in Counseling Psych
(323) 381-5068 View (323) 381-5068
Photo of Melissa Sotto, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Melissa Sotto
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Serves Area
Life can get complicated, and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, and 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
Life can get complicated, and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, and 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
(424) 688-1070 View (424) 688-1070
Photo of Deidre R Popolizio, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Deidre R Popolizio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
San Jose, CA 95126
Therapy offers a safe support system as you navigate some of life's more difficult challenges. Are you seeking therapy for problems including relationship issues, trauma, depression/anxiety, grief over any type of loss, chronic illness, divorce, retirement or even facing mortality? As your therapist, I will help you process events and relationships, both current and past, that influence your current challenges. Therapy is a collaborative effort and not a quick fix. Along with empathy, I offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss your concerns and take progressive steps toward adaptation and acceptance to enhance your life.
Therapy offers a safe support system as you navigate some of life's more difficult challenges. Are you seeking therapy for problems including relationship issues, trauma, depression/anxiety, grief over any type of loss, chronic illness, divorce, retirement or even facing mortality? As your therapist, I will help you process events and relationships, both current and past, that influence your current challenges. Therapy is a collaborative effort and not a quick fix. Along with empathy, I offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss your concerns and take progressive steps toward adaptation and acceptance to enhance your life.
(408) 703-5298 View (408) 703-5298
Photo of Shelli Merrill, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Shelli Merrill
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Mountain View, CA 94043
Is your anxiety getting in the way of you having consistent and meaningful relationships? Do people say you're too much? Do you sometimes feel like a child inside an adult body, too scared to share who you really are? Are you sick of the cycle of excitement and rejection? Do you find yourself feeling empty, angry or constantly irritated? My approach is collaborative and client-centered, reaching down deep to the core of who you are. Together we will peel back the obstacles that are keeping you from love and being all that you are meant to be. Come home, get some relief find a place to rest your heart.
Is your anxiety getting in the way of you having consistent and meaningful relationships? Do people say you're too much? Do you sometimes feel like a child inside an adult body, too scared to share who you really are? Are you sick of the cycle of excitement and rejection? Do you find yourself feeling empty, angry or constantly irritated? My approach is collaborative and client-centered, reaching down deep to the core of who you are. Together we will peel back the obstacles that are keeping you from love and being all that you are meant to be. Come home, get some relief find a place to rest your heart.
(415) 991-7428 View (415) 991-7428
Photo of Erin Heinemeyer, Psychologist, PsyD
Erin Heinemeyer
Psychologist, PsyD
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy is a highly personal and unique process for each person. I strive to meet you where you are at in your life with a genuine and non-judgmental approach. We will work together to collaboratively identify where you feel stuck, to explore your values and what brings your life meaning, and to gain a deeper understanding of yourself both individually and in relation to others. We will also seek to increase your sense of self, mindfulness, and self-compassion in the service of pursuing a life that brings you authenticity and purpose.
Therapy is a highly personal and unique process for each person. I strive to meet you where you are at in your life with a genuine and non-judgmental approach. We will work together to collaboratively identify where you feel stuck, to explore your values and what brings your life meaning, and to gain a deeper understanding of yourself both individually and in relation to others. We will also seek to increase your sense of self, mindfulness, and self-compassion in the service of pursuing a life that brings you authenticity and purpose.
(650) 242-5173 View (650) 242-5173
Photo of Clyde C. Wayne, Pastoral Counselor, MA
Clyde C. Wayne
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Online Only
I don't "fix" people's lives, I help "fit" people for their lives. You absolutely deserve your second chance for a first class life. I will help you discover talents for accessing your unique reservoir of resources. I will hold forth a safe environment for you to manage your makeover. I am passionately positive about your possibilities to be productive. I have studied the human mind thoroughly presenting myself competent to provide profound insights into your thoughts and emotions. I employ strength-based, evidence-proven techniques to create satisfying long lasting results. Together we can achieve progress in your life's process.
I don't "fix" people's lives, I help "fit" people for their lives. You absolutely deserve your second chance for a first class life. I will help you discover talents for accessing your unique reservoir of resources. I will hold forth a safe environment for you to manage your makeover. I am passionately positive about your possibilities to be productive. I have studied the human mind thoroughly presenting myself competent to provide profound insights into your thoughts and emotions. I employ strength-based, evidence-proven techniques to create satisfying long lasting results. Together we can achieve progress in your life's process.
(510) 674-0740 View (510) 674-0740
Photo of Ricci Portolos, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Ricci Portolos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
With experience addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body image concerns, grief and loss, trauma, sexual abuse, attachment challenges, and the impact of narcissistic abuse, I am committed to supporting your journey towards growth and healing.
I warmly invite individuals from all cultural backgrounds, body sizes, sexual orientations, and identities to explore and embark on the healing process with me.
With experience addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body image concerns, grief and loss, trauma, sexual abuse, attachment challenges, and the impact of narcissistic abuse, I am committed to supporting your journey towards growth and healing.
I warmly invite individuals from all cultural backgrounds, body sizes, sexual orientations, and identities to explore and embark on the healing process with me.
(510) 480-3171 View (510) 480-3171
Photo of Nate Moore, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Nate Moore
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, work through challenges, and grow in meaningful ways. I work with adults, couples, and families, supporting those processing past trauma, managing stress, or seeking greater self-understanding. My goal is to empower you on your journey toward emotional clarity and resilience. I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and am especially passionate about supporting high-conflict individuals and those navigating difficult emotional experiences.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, work through challenges, and grow in meaningful ways. I work with adults, couples, and families, supporting those processing past trauma, managing stress, or seeking greater self-understanding. My goal is to empower you on your journey toward emotional clarity and resilience. I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and am especially passionate about supporting high-conflict individuals and those navigating difficult emotional experiences.
(415) 534-8098 View (415) 534-8098
Photo of Patricia Bitar, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Patricia Bitar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Hi, I’m Patricia Samantha Bitar, a holistic EMDR therapist devoted to helping you reconnect with your emotional truth, inner wisdom, and personal peace. With a warm, grounded approach, I create nurturing spaces where healing becomes possible through insight, empathy, and clarity. I specialize in supporting people navigate burnout and emotional overwhelm. I combine practical tools with deep presence, offering more than just talk therapy. My work integrates trauma-informed care, somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT/DBT, mindfulness, and energy healing –helping you not just cope—but thrive.
Hi, I’m Patricia Samantha Bitar, a holistic EMDR therapist devoted to helping you reconnect with your emotional truth, inner wisdom, and personal peace. With a warm, grounded approach, I create nurturing spaces where healing becomes possible through insight, empathy, and clarity. I specialize in supporting people navigate burnout and emotional overwhelm. I combine practical tools with deep presence, offering more than just talk therapy. My work integrates trauma-informed care, somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT/DBT, mindfulness, and energy healing –helping you not just cope—but thrive.
(949) 785-4252 View (949) 785-4252
Photo of Angelita M. Pabros, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Angelita M. Pabros
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
Life is a challenge and may be overwhelming at times for you as you are suffering from depression. Even the brave step in finding emotional support through therapy may be difficult to initiate for some people. My goal is to assist clients in helping them understand that there is a process of recovery of depression and to raise their awareness that they are not alone.
Life is a challenge and may be overwhelming at times for you as you are suffering from depression. Even the brave step in finding emotional support through therapy may be difficult to initiate for some people. My goal is to assist clients in helping them understand that there is a process of recovery of depression and to raise their awareness that they are not alone.
(650) 667-7872 x425 View (650) 667-7872 x425
Photo of Kristina Sandler Reynosa, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Kristina Sandler Reynosa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with 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 work with 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.
(619) 514-4189 View (619) 514-4189
Photo of Brett Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Brett Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Brett! You are on this site because there is something in your life keeping you from the adventurous life it should be. Let me help you resolve this issue. I have been in the counseling field for approx. 20 yrs. I came to this field in an attempt to resolve my own issues with PTSD. I'm a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. I have an intimate understanding of trauma, both on the clinical side and the side of the victim. My style is direct. I use primarily dialectical behavior therapy, but will switch modalities if the situation needs flexibility.
Hi there, I'm Brett! You are on this site because there is something in your life keeping you from the adventurous life it should be. Let me help you resolve this issue. I have been in the counseling field for approx. 20 yrs. I came to this field in an attempt to resolve my own issues with PTSD. I'm a combat veteran and a former law enforcement officer. I have an intimate understanding of trauma, both on the clinical side and the side of the victim. My style is direct. I use primarily dialectical behavior therapy, but will switch modalities if the situation needs flexibility.
(561) 529-5102 View (561) 529-5102
Photo of Laura Torello-Jones, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW,
Laura Torello-Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW,
Online Only
My practice was born from the understanding that for people who struggle often have filled their their day to day lives with survival mechanisms: habits, actions, and thoughts that may have helped in the moment but become burdensome over time. The lasting effects of trauma can create an overwhelming sense of self-blame, leaving individuals questioning, "Am I the problem?" or "Did I do something wrong?"
My practice was born from the understanding that for people who struggle often have filled their their day to day lives with survival mechanisms: habits, actions, and thoughts that may have helped in the moment but become burdensome over time. The lasting effects of trauma can create an overwhelming sense of self-blame, leaving individuals questioning, "Am I the problem?" or "Did I do something wrong?"
(650) 563-6102 View (650) 563-6102
Photo of Dr. Manuel Cruz Dominguez Jr., Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Dr. Manuel Cruz Dominguez Jr.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Online Only
You may be in a season of transition, questioning your identity, purpose, or sense of belonging. Perhaps anxiety, depression, grief, or a powerful inner or transpersonal experience has disrupted the way you understand yourself and your life. You may feel stuck in repeating patterns or disconnected from your creativity, body, or relationships, and sense that surface-level solutions aren’t enough. You want deeper understanding, integration, and meaning—ways to live more authentically and aligned. I help clients explore the unconscious patterns shaping their inner world so they can gain clarity, restore vitality, and heal.
You may be in a season of transition, questioning your identity, purpose, or sense of belonging. Perhaps anxiety, depression, grief, or a powerful inner or transpersonal experience has disrupted the way you understand yourself and your life. You may feel stuck in repeating patterns or disconnected from your creativity, body, or relationships, and sense that surface-level solutions aren’t enough. You want deeper understanding, integration, and meaning—ways to live more authentically and aligned. I help clients explore the unconscious patterns shaping their inner world so they can gain clarity, restore vitality, and heal.
(209) 502-2363 View (209) 502-2363
Photo of Joshua Zeier, Psychologist, PhD
Joshua Zeier
Psychologist, PhD
Palo Alto, CA 94306
By nature, people thrive with a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. Oftentimes, a lack of confidence, difficult circumstances, trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use contribute to suffering and hold people back from living a life that feels fulfilling. I specialize in developing a strong therapeutic relationship with clients, exploring values, goals, and identity, and working collaboratively to develop an understanding of what the client wants their life to be about, the barriers that they are experiencing in getting there, and to provide tools and skills to move through these challenges.
By nature, people thrive with a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. Oftentimes, a lack of confidence, difficult circumstances, trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use contribute to suffering and hold people back from living a life that feels fulfilling. I specialize in developing a strong therapeutic relationship with clients, exploring values, goals, and identity, and working collaboratively to develop an understanding of what the client wants their life to be about, the barriers that they are experiencing in getting there, and to provide tools and skills to move through these challenges.
(650) 770-8533 View (650) 770-8533

See more therapy options for Portola Valley

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.