Assignment Details

Psychotherapy Mult Modalities – Fall 2025
Therapy for Clients With Personality Disorders

Individuals with personality disorders often find it difficult to overcome the enduring patterns of thought and behavior that they have thus far experienced and functioned with in daily life. It’s important to remember that these individuals are not resistant by choice; many have lived for years without understanding why their relationships or emotions feel so turbulent. Even when patients are aware that personality-related issues are causing significant distress and functional impairment and are open to counseling, treatment can be challenging for both the patient and the therapist. The process often requires patience, empathy, and a consistent therapeutic alliance to foster genuine change and growth.

For this Assignment, you examine specific personality disorders and consider therapeutic approaches you might use with clients. It’s a great opportunity to explore how different psychotherapy modalities—such as cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, or psychodynamic therapy—can be adapted to meet the unique needs of individuals struggling with these disorders. By engaging with this topic, you will deepen your understanding of the nuanced challenges in treatment and enhance your ability to support clients with compassion and skill.

References

1. Caligor, E., Kernberg, O. F., & Clarkin, J. F. (2021). Psychodynamic therapy for personality pathology: Treating self and interpersonal functioning. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(4), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20020101

2. Linehan, M. M., Comtois, K. A., & Murray-Gregory, A. M. (2020). Dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder: Efficacy, mechanisms, and implementation. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 16, 381–407. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-071119-115051

3. Livesley, W. J., Dimaggio, G., & Clarkin, J. F. (2022). Integrated treatment for personality disorder: A modular approach. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 13(2), 89–102. https://doi.org/10.1037/per0000492

4. Bateman, A. W., & Fonagy, P. (2023). Mentalization-based treatment: Advances and adaptations. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1123402. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1123402

5. Sharp, C., & Wright, A. G. C. (2019). Personality pathology: From behavior to brain. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 15, 475–501. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050718-095746