Photo of Philip Gardner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10109, NY
Philip Gardner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10109
When faced with a crisis, impasse, or other stressful life situation, we all intuitively seek comfort, support and guidance. We can usually receive this from friends, spouses, and family, and while it initially makes us feel better, it often isn't sufficient to resolve what challenges us or prevent it from reoccurring. Real and lasting changes are possible, but they require trying new approaches to old problems.
When faced with a crisis, impasse, or other stressful life situation, we all intuitively seek comfort, support and guidance. We can usually receive this from friends, spouses, and family, and while it initially makes us feel better, it often isn't sufficient to resolve what challenges us or prevent it from reoccurring. Real and lasting changes are possible, but they require trying new approaches to old problems.
(646) 495-9857 View (646) 495-9857
Photo of James L Fosshage, Psychologist in 10109, NY
James L Fosshage
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10109
I believe that each of us is endowed with a fundamental striving to grow. However, in life's journey we encounter both joy and sorrow. What is important is how we negotiate these experiences. If you are feeling undermined from negative attitudes or facing difficult challenges, help is available through a safe, in-depth psychoanalytic psychotherapy experience. We will explore the relational origins of harmful self-feelings and painful experiences to seek new pathways to enhance your sense of wellbeing. In psychotherapy, we will embark on an in-depth reflective adventure together to facilitate your growth to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
I believe that each of us is endowed with a fundamental striving to grow. However, in life's journey we encounter both joy and sorrow. What is important is how we negotiate these experiences. If you are feeling undermined from negative attitudes or facing difficult challenges, help is available through a safe, in-depth psychoanalytic psychotherapy experience. We will explore the relational origins of harmful self-feelings and painful experiences to seek new pathways to enhance your sense of wellbeing. In psychotherapy, we will embark on an in-depth reflective adventure together to facilitate your growth to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
(646) 490-9983 View (646) 490-9983

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.