Personality Disorders
When Your Personality Feels Like a Prison
I’m Terry Jordan, LCSW, and I’ve worked with plenty of people who’ve been told—by a doctor, a partner, or the internet—that they might have a “personality disorder.” The label can land like a life sentence: I’m broken. I’ll always push people away. I’ll never feel steady. That’s not how I see it. Whether you lean toward big emotional swings, perfection‑obsession, chronic mistrust, or fear of abandonment, therapy can turn a rigid pattern into a livable, flexible life.
Understanding Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural expectations. These patterns can lead to significant distress or impairment in various areas of life. Common personality disorders include:
-
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Characterized by unstable moods, self-image, and relationships, with a heightened sensitivity to abandonment. -
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Marked by a grandiose sense of self-importance, need for excessive admiration, and lack of empathy. -
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
Involving a persistent disregard for the rights of others, deceitfulness, and impulsive behavior. -
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Defined by extreme shyness, fear of criticism, and avoidance of social situations. -
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
Characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.
Symptoms of Personality Disorders
-
Chronic Patterns of Behavior
Persistent ways of thinking and behaving that are inflexible and maladaptive. -
Difficulty in Relationships
Struggles with maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships.
-
Emotional Instability
Intense and unstable emotions or moods. -
Self-Image Issues
Distorted self-image or self-worth. -
Impaired Functioning
Challenges in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
My Approach to Personality Disorders Support
I use a range of therapeutic approaches to support individuals with personality disorders:
-
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships through skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. -
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps address distorted thinking patterns and behaviors, promoting healthier coping strategies and emotional resilience. -
Schema Therapy
Focuses on identifying and changing deeply ingrained patterns or schemas that contribute to maladaptive behaviors and interpersonal difficulties. -
Psychodynamic Therapy
Explores underlying psychological processes and past experiences to understand and address the root causes of personality disorders. -
Integrative Approaches
Combines elements from various therapeutic models to tailor treatment to the individual’s needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing personality disorders.
Who Can Benefit from Personality Disorders Support?
My personality disorders support services are designed for individuals experiencing:
-
Chronic Behavioral Patterns
Persistent and maladaptive patterns of behavior and thinking. -
Relationship Difficulties
Struggles with maintaining stable and healthy relationships. -
Emotional Instability
Intense and fluctuating emotions that impact daily functioning.
Maine, Florida, or Wherever You Roam
Licensed in Maine and Florida, I see clients in my Portland office or via secure telehealth—from Bangor to Boca Raton. Details on the teletherapy page.
Start Your Path to Understanding and Healing
Personality isn’t destiny. With the right tools and a therapist who sticks around, change is more than possible—it’s expected.
We’ll start with a free 15‑minute consult. No judgment, no jargon—just a straightforward chat about what relief and healthy relationships could look like for you.
— Terry Jordan, LCSW