FAQs
What exactly is a personality disorder?
A person with a personality disorder psychologically speaking, has negative personality traits that are exhibited in a wide range of social and personal contexts. These traits are often inflexible and maladaptive and cause significant distress and impairment mainly to the people around them. The personality disorders that seem to cause the most distress are from the Cluster B category and include antisocial, borderline, histrionic and narcissistic personality disorder. Paranoid and obsessive-compulsive personality could be included in this category generally reserved for the dramatic, emotional and erratic.
People with personality disorders or personality disorder traits hurt people. Being financially, emotionally or psychologically raped or murdered is the same as being physically raped or killed. The emotions are the same-feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness and abject terror. The difference? The harm that is caused is less obvious and the methods used are more insidious. And you are left feeling invisible and alone.
How do I know if I am dealing with a personality disorder or someone that is just having a bad day?
People with personality disorders or personality disorder traits have similar behaviors. They are often hostile, cold and sarcastic; they lack empathy and cannot or will not take responsibility for their own behavior. In other words, they will blame you for their mistakes. They lie and they rationalize and justify everything that they do.
They are passive-aggressive. This means they will take any opportunity to be critical of you. You will walk away feeling worthless but you won't even know why. People like this are dramatic and entitled and get very angry when they don't get their way. Verbal ambushes are common as well. They are often emotionally-unavailable and rejecting. They are often superficial, seductive and charming but you can sense there isn't much below the surface. People like this can get you fired or destroy your life, in ways you never imagined. You will know you are dealing with a personality disorder because you will feel lonely, anxious, vulnerable and angry. Don't kid yourself. It's a war out here.
How will you help me?
I will obtain a detailed description of what is happening for you, as well as a detailed description of the behavior of the person you are having a problem with. From there, we will figure out what you are dealing with and what outcome would work best for you. There are certain proven strategies that work across the board and the options will range from the least action to the most action. The Forensic Truth will provide emotional support, forensic information, practical solutions and ways to protect yourself. The ultimate goal is that you feel safe and not so alone. And that you walk away from everything feeling better about yourself-not worse.