- What is a personality disorder?
- A personality disorder describes enduring patterns of experience and behaviour that clearly deviate from cultural expectations and cause persistent difficulties in relationships, work or self-experience. These patterns typically begin early and are stable over the long term.
- Which personality disorders do you treat?
- Main areas of work are borderline personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, as well as related presentations. For other constellations, we check at the first session whether behavioural therapy is the appropriate frame or a referral is more sensible.
- Can personality disorders be treated?
- Yes. Even when patterns are deeply rooted, they can change. The goal is not a different personality, but more choices in your own behaviour and experience, and more sustainable relationships. This takes time and a reliable therapeutic frame.
- How is the diagnosis made?
- The diagnosis is not made at the first session but develops over the course of treatment. Initial focus is often on a different condition such as depression or anxiety. Only afterwards can a durable pattern be assessed responsibly.
- How long does therapy take?
- Significantly longer than for acute conditions, often two years or more, depending on severity and therapy goals. A longer therapy duration here is not a sign of stagnation but reflects the complexity of the subject.
