Navigating life with deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating that consistently cause distress and disrupt relationships can be an exhausting and isolating experience. If you recognize traits associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) in yourself, or if you are struggling in a relationship with someone who exhibits these characteristics, we want you to know that there is a path toward greater understanding, stability, and healthier connections.
The Center for Mind & Relationship provides expert, compassionate psychotherapy for individuals experiencing BPD or NPD traits, and for those impacted by relationships with individuals exhibiting these patterns. We offer a safe, non-judgmental space for this complex and important work, available through in-person sessions in Pittsburgh and secure online therapy across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Rhode Island.
Understanding Personality Disorders and Traits
Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate significantly from cultural expectations, are inflexible across situations, and lead to distress or impairment in functioning. Our therapeutic approach focuses on these patterns and traits and their impact, providing support whether or not a formal diagnosis is present.
Focus on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Traits
Individuals with BPD traits often experience a persistent pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, alongside marked impulsivity. This can include:
- Intense fears of abandonment.
- A pattern of unstable “all-or-nothing” relationships.
- An unclear or shifting sense of self.
- Chronic feelings of emptiness.
- Difficulty managing intense anger.
- Overwhelming emotional reactivity, a core area where mindfulness for intense emotions can be invaluable.
- (For a deeper exploration, please read our post on Understanding Borderline Personality Traits.
Focus on Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) Traits
Individuals with NPD traits often exhibit a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. This may manifest as:
- An inflated sense of self-importance.
- A preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success or power.
- A belief that one is “special” and requires excessive admiration.
- A sense of entitlement and a tendency to exploit others.
- A significant difficulty recognizing or identifying with the feelings and needs of others.
- (We explore both the overt and covert presentations in our article, The Two Faces of Narcissism.)
A Dual Focus: Our Therapeutic Support
Our therapy for personality patterns is unique in its dual focus, offering support for both individuals who identify with these traits and those who are in relationships with them.
For Individuals with Borderline or Narcissistic Traits
The primary goal of therapy is to help you reduce distress and build a more stable and fulfilling life. We focus on:
- Emotional Regulation: Developing skills to manage intense emotions without being overwhelmed.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Learning how to build and maintain healthier, more stable relationships.
- Distress Tolerance: Increasing your capacity to cope with painful situations.
- Improving Self-Image: Cultivating a more coherent and compassionate sense of self.
- Understanding Unconscious Patterns: Our psychodynamic approach helps explore the origins and functions of these deep-seated patterns and defense mechanisms.
If you find yourself often anxious and overwhelmed, Mindfulness-Based Therapy teaches you to find calm and navigate these states more effectively.
For Partners, Family Members, and Loved Ones
If you are in a relationship with someone exhibiting BPD or NPD traits, therapy can provide crucial support for your well-being. We help you to:
- Understand the Dynamics: Gain clarity about your loved one’s patterns and how they impact you.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: Learning to protect your emotional and psychological space is essential. (Our post on drawing the line with emotionally intense individuals).
- Process Your Own Emotions: Cope with feelings of confusion, anger, sadness, guilt, or betrayal trauma.
- Rebuild Self-Esteem and Make Informed Decisions about the future of the relationship.
Our Therapeutic Approach at The Center for Mind & Relationship
We approach this work with the utmost sensitivity, respect, and expertise.
Key Components of MBT Sessions
- Compassion and Non-Judgment: We understand these patterns often develop from complex past experiences and served a protective function at one time.
- Integrative Framework: Our approach, led by Jonah Taylor, LCSW, thoughtfully blends psychodynamic insight, attachment theory, mindfulness practices, and skills-based interventions to create a tailored and effective therapy experience.
- Focus on Realistic Goals: We work collaboratively to set achievable goals, whether it’s skill-building, deeper self-understanding, or navigating relational challenges. The in-depth nature of this work is well-supported by our private pay model.
What to Expect in Personality Disorders Therapy
Therapy for enduring personality patterns is often a longer-term process that requires commitment and courage. The journey involves building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship where deep-seated patterns can be safely explored and transformed over time. It is a profound investment in yourself and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Personality Disorder Traits
