How CBT can help with Personality Issues
- Who can Benefit
- “Life just Sucks!”
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality Issues
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Gambling
- Drinking too much
Sometimes our unhappiness and problems with life is caused by our personality. The way we ‘normally’ do life is an expression of our personality. Personality issues often only come to light after a long time. The reason for this is that most people don’t notice their personality. We are so used to it that we are not aware of it.
Psychological coaching or therapy can make us more aware of our personality. Personality can be the issue that needs to be addressed if the habitual and ‘normal’ way of dealing with life is seriously maladaptive. Jane for instance habitually avoided conflicts at all cost. This meant that she never stood up for herself and as a consequence many people too advantage of her. In the end Jane became very depressed. This is just one example how a personality style can lead to emotional problems.
A Case Study: Sonia
Sonia has been diagnosed with a Personality Disorder. Her mood can go from being very positive to being very depressed or angry. When depressed she can do rather drastic things like trying to kill herself and when angry she may hit someone.
Sonia's Early Life Experiences
Sonia’s early life was very chaotic. Her parents had serious problems themselves and as result of that Sonia was seriously neglected.
Sonia's Beliefs
“I have to be in control. If I don’t worry things will go wrong. No one can be relied on”.
“Others will never be there to meet my needs”.
“I am the only person I can rely on, but I can’t cope”.
“Life is just too difficult”.
Unhealthy Negative Feelings
Anxiety and Rage.
Self-Defeating Behaviours
Drinking too much, using illicit drugs irresponsibly, attacking people verbally and physically.
What triggers the problems now?
When Sonia perceives others as not meeting her needs.