Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that can feel extreme or inflexible. These patterns often affect relationships, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and overall well- being.

 

While living with a personality disorder can feel overwhelming, treatment is available, and change is possible. With the right support, you can develop effective coping strategies, improve self-awareness, and experience meaningful improvements in your quality of life and relationships.

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling, our clinicians are trained in working with personality disorders and use evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique needs.

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How Personality Disorders Can Affect You
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If you’re living with a personality disorder, you may experience recurring challenges such as:

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• Difficulty understanding and managing your thoughts and emotions.

• Struggles with relationships or maintaining stability with others.

• Intense emotional or behavioural reactions that feel hard to control.

• Patterns that limit your ability to fully engage in work, school, or social settings.

 

These patterns, often developed as coping mechanisms, can lead to distress and make it difficult to live the life you want

 

Types of Personality Disorders

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Each personality disorder presents unique challenges. Common examples include:

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• Borderline Personality Disorder: Intense emotions, relationship difficulties, fear of abandonment, and struggles with self-image.

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Self-focus, need for admiration, and challenges with empathy in relationships.

• Avoidant Personality Disorder: Feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to criticism, and social avoidance.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control, often affecting flexibility and relationships.

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Treatment for personality disorders focuses on understanding and modifying patterns that cause distress and disruption. At Evolving Minds Counselling, we provide a compassionate and tailored approach to care, drawing on evidence-based therapies.

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Challenges Often Associated with Personality Disorders

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Personality disorders often present alongside other difficulties, such as:

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• Emotional dysregulation – Rapid, intense emotional shifts.

• Impulsivity – Risky behaviours, including self-harm or substance use.

• Low self-esteem – Chronic feelings of shame or inadequacy.

• Anxiety and depression – Co-occurring mental health challenges.

• Trauma symptoms – Hypervigilance or flashbacks related to past trauma

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Treatment Options

 

Personality disorders are treatable with the right care and approach. At Evolving Minds Counselling, we offer tailored, evidence-based therapies, including:

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• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Mindfulness-Based Therapies

• Schema Therapy

 

Our clinicians work collaboratively with you to find the approach that best supports your goals.

 Take the Next Step

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With the right care, it’s possible to build healthier relationships, improve self-awareness, and enhance your overall quality of life. At Evolving Minds Counselling, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.

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If you’re ready to explore your treatment options or have questions, contact us at 02 8519 4197 or click the button below to book an appointment. Let’s work together to create positive change.