As a group of mental disorders, personality disorders involve chronic, rigid behavior and thought patterns. People who have these conditions don’t adapt well in different settings, which interferes with their lives. In most cases, however, they don’t immediately seek personality disorder therapy.

About Personality Disorders

This group of mental illnesses includes a range of problems that each have their own symptoms. As a result, the symptoms can vary significantly between them. Avoidant, borderline, and schizoid personality disorders are a few examples.

Most of the time, people who have these mental illnesses have co-occurring conditions as well. This term refers to the presence of another type of mental disorder at the same time. Some common co-occurring illnesses include issues like panic disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The best option for those with co-occurring disorders is a Houston personality disorder therapy program with dual diagnosis therapy.

Researchers haven’t found a specific cause for this group of mental conditions. However, they believe that living environments and genetics are major factors. They continue to study other elements as possible factors too, such as verbal abuse, childhood trauma, and peer relationships. To provide the best therapy, a personality disorder psychiatrist narrows down the most probable cause.

Personality Disorder Therapy Techniques

The best approach to therapy will depend on each person’s life situation, specific condition, and its severity. Usually, therapy lasts for months or years because these are long-standing disorders. Also, a mental health clinic will use a team approach to meet all medical, social, and mental needs. This team provides access to numerous personality disorder therapy techniques.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Based on the idea that how people think and feel affects how they act, CBT is a beneficial technique. In fact, it can treat a range of mental health illnesses. During the sessions, people work with psychiatrists to identify distorted feelings and thoughts that cause negative behavior. Then, they work together to change these patterns.

During this Houston personality disorder therapy, people learn skills that aid their current problems. They can apply these skills to issues that they face in the future as well.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

As a form of CBT, DBT is another technique that works well. It involves psychiatrists recognizing that people’s actions are valid. However, the therapists teach them how to manage their emotions so that their actions are less destructive. The goal is to improve their ability to maintain relationships and avoid harming themselves.

This personality disorder therapy usually includes one-on-one counseling sessions and group skills training. Typically, people go to weekly sessions for about a year. However, how long that they attend counseling depends on their specific needs.

Interpersonal Therapy

This counseling method emphasizes how people react to and interact with others. As such, its purpose is to improve how they communicate so that they can improve their disorders. Some techniques that a personality disorder psychiatrist may use include emotion identification, emotion expression, and coping with emotional baggage.

Family Therapy

Like with most mental disorders, it’s important for family members to join personality disorder therapy. Family counseling teaches them about their loved ones’ conditions and how to effectively deal with problems that arise. It also serves as a way for the entire family to rebuild their relationships. Furthermore, they learn to communicate better, which reduces the potential for conflicts and feelings of guilt.

Treating Disorders at PACE Mental Health Houston

If you or a loved one has a mental health issue of any kind, don’t wait to get help. PACE Mental Health Houston is a clinic that treats numerous mental and behavioral conditions. Our team performs thorough assessments to determine the best medications and therapeutic services for your needs. Alongside Houston depression therapy, some of our disorder-specific services include:

• Panic attack therapy
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder therapy
• Bipolar therapy
• Substance use disorder therapy
• PTSD therapy

In addition, PACE Mental Health Houston uses dual diagnosis therapy for cases of co-occurring disorders. Our staff understands the importance of addressing each condition. In fact, we offer anger, medication and stress management services as well.

Don’t let a personality disorder or other mental illness tear your life apart. Get the personality disorder therapy that you need at PACE Mental Health Houston. Call 866.971.8423 for more information.