Personality Disorders

Feeling like your emotions are all over the place? Feeling empty, insecure, and reactive? Do you find yourself engaging in harmful, impulsive behaviors when feeling rejected or abandoned? Having difficulty maintaining stable relationships? Whether this is your experience or the experience of someone you love, therapy can genuinely make a difference, and I'm here to help you!

Experience and trained in the diagnosis and treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. There is often overlap with Trauma and Bipolar Disorders.

In my conceptualization, personality disorders are a grouping of symptoms related to sustained relational traumas. If you have been hurt through relations with others, it makes sense that being in relationships will feel terrifying to you, depriving you of the very things you may want -- love, closeness, care, and intimacy. Consistent, long term relational therapy can help you develop and practice skills in order to increase your capacity to love, trust, and be in healthy relations with others.

Experience and trained in the diagnosis and treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. There is often overlap with Trauma and Bipolar Disorders.

I am formally trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech - Marsha Linehan's training foundation. I have both residential and outpatient experience treating symptoms common in personality disorders such as suicidality, self-harm, and interpersonal struggles.

During my time in private practice, and prior to my experiences with VA and DOD, I worked in an acute care facility, where I focused largely on the effects and healing from personality disorders. It takes a nuanced approach and deep clinical understanding to be able to align with someone dealing with a personality disorder without judgement or biased. We all deserve to have a fulfilling life and solid relationships, which is often the distressing fallout of these disorders.

All relationships come with their own hurdles; however, sometimes they can feel extra difficult to navigate. If being in close relationships has often felt difficult, please reach out and learn how to feel closer and more engaged with those you care about.

I have worked for 5 years with over 50 clients experiencing some type of personality disorder and with co-occurring diagnoses. I strive to support those I work with to help normalize the experience of the symptoms of personality disorder, work through stuck points, and provide alternate methods of therapy to help tackle their challenges from different ways. It is very important to me to change the stigma that has historically been put on personality disorders and offer validation and support.

I have over 7 years' experience working with individuals with personality disorders. Working with individuals who may have suicide attempt history or constant thoughts of death and dying without urges. Getting the diagnosis is only half the battle. Figuring out what to do next is the other half. I am also experienced in administering the Role Functioning Scale and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scales for clients with pervasive psychotic symptoms.

I like to think of personality disorders as distinct personality traits that can cause disruptions in clients experience and relate to themselves and others. In practice I use Mentalization Based Treatment and incorporate an interpersonal style in my treatment. In working with personality traits we develop a relationship that is based on curiosity, respect and exploration of different perspectives, clarification of one's intentions in communication and developing tolerance for misunderstandings

I have training in personality disorders and have worked with personality disorders throughout my career. I am competent in DBT techniques and have worked as part of a DBT treatment team. I also have experience working with couples impacted by a personality disorder.

As a clinician, I have came across individuals from all walks of life. Many variables, from genetics to chaotic upbringings, can impact the onset and prevalence of personality disorders. The effects can be burdening on mental, physical, and interpersonal levels, yet, these disorders are treatable. I work to help people embrace their situations from a healthier, developed mindset through strategic skill building. With the proper treatment and care, increased quality of life is achievable.

I have special experience and training in treating borderline personality disorder.

Tami’s initial training in master’s level clinical work began at Pacifica Graduate Institute. This individual focused training emphasizes psychological forces such as feelings and emotions that influence behaviors. In essence, asking how our pasts effects our present. Tami’s ongoing training consists of specializations in treating Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Dialectical behavior therapy is considered the best treatment for individuals who have been diagnosed with personality disorders. I am well trained in DBT and use it with all of my clients. I also am very knowledgeable about highly emotional people and trauma - and how both of these factors are often present with individuals with personality disorders.

I specialize in working with adult clients who have experienced complex trauma and mis-attunements in the childhood environment - this is often where personality disorders take root. Recovery is possible with therapy that is focused on developing skills, discovering yourself, and experiencing new attachment patterns. I have experienced, studied, and worked with many clients to reframe and recover from their experiences. This is my passion.

I have extensive experience and knowledge specifically with borderline personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder.

A personality disorder can be difficult to manage, and most counseling techniques provide minimal relief. Taking lessons from the experts on personality disorders, I apply a specialized program that is entirely different from traditional counseling modalities. Life can be full with a personality disorder and yes, you can do better.