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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a dependent personality disorder can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Starting Dependent personality disorder therapy

What is dependent personality disorder therapy?

Dependent personality disorder therapy from our therapists in Lynchburg, VA helps clients establish their individuality and self-reliance, as those with dependent personality disorder harshly criticize themselves and underestimate their abilities.

How does dependent personality disorder therapy work?

Dependent personality disorder therapy often involves exploration into one’s past — specifically, events or relationships that may have led to the development of their dependent personality disorder. These experiences and their subsequent behaviors are discussed to help one develop healthier behaviors moving forward.

Is dependent personality disorder therapy conducted in person or online?

Dependent personality disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does dependent personality disorder therapy last?

Dependent personality disorder with a provider at Thriveworks in Lynchburg, VA is a short-term therapy, as long-form treatment can lead to the development of a dependence on one’s therapist.

Need more help deciding?

Therapy for Dependent Personality Disorder in Lynchburg, VA

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD), often referred to as “The Cinderella Complex,” is characterized by an overwhelming need to be taken care of and an intense fear of being alone. Those suffering from this disorder often face significant challenges in both personal and professional areas of their lives.

At Thriveworks Lynchburg, our skilled therapists are here to help you overcome dependency and build a unique, independent life. Give us a call at (434) 771-0495 to schedule your appointment today.

Understanding Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent Personality Disorder is marked by:

  • Low self-esteem
  • A deep desire to please authority figures
  • The need to be cared for
  • Difficulty in maintaining mutual relationships

These symptoms can lead to significant difficulties in daily life, but effective treatments are available. Personalized and holistic treatment plans can help individuals heal from dependency and learn to live independently.

Development and Diagnosis

DPD is often not diagnosed until adulthood, as it is natural for children and teenagers to rely on caregivers for many decisions. Certain cultural practices that emphasize deference to authority figures can also overlap with symptoms of the disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), DPD becomes evident when adults continue to display adolescent-like dependency behaviors.

Signs and Symptoms of Dependency

Dependent Personality Disorder is fueled by two core, negative beliefs:

  1. The individual is incapable of meeting their own needs.
  2. Others must meet those needs.

These beliefs result in behaviors such as:

  • Clinginess and separation anxiety
  • Overly deferential behavior
  • A core need for someone to care for them
  • Fear of being alone
  • Seeking constant permission, advice, and reassurance from authority figures
  • Handing over significant responsibilities to caregivers
  • Hiding personal thoughts and preferences to satisfy authority figures
  • Complying with a caretaker’s beliefs and wishes
  • Replacing one caregiving relationship with another if it ends
  • Fear of abandonment

These symptoms can severely disrupt an individual’s personal and professional life, leading to difficulties in job procurement, career advancement, and maintaining social relationships. Additionally, individuals with DPD are at higher risk for other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Scheduling Therapy at Thriveworks Lynchburg

Living a self-reliant and self-sufficient life is possible for those with DPD. Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy have proven effective. Medications may also be beneficial in some cases. At Thriveworks Lynchburg, our skilled therapists create personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs.

Start Your Journey Toward Independence

If you’re ready to overcome dependency and live your unique life, Thriveworks Lynchburg is here to help. We accept many insurance plans and offer evening and weekend sessions for your convenience.

Contact us at (434) 771-0495 to schedule your appointment and start your journey toward independence today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Lynchburg therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Lynchburg
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Read more My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Natasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It was so difficult to find a therapist my daughter liked. So glad I made the initial call to Thriveworks. She was matched to a therapist that she finally talks to! She liked her so much that now my oldest daughter and I use her therapist as well. We love Lora!
Read more It was so difficult to find a therapist my daughter liked. So glad I made the initial call to Thriveworks. She was matched to a therapist that she finally talks to! She liked her so much that now my oldest daughter and I use her therapist as well. We love Lora!
Shannon Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It been comforting talking to someone who understands what you are going through.
Holly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Lynn Lemmon is a wonderful therapist! I feel so comfortable with her!
Amy Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kim is the absolute best counselor! She is very kind and caring and adapts to whatever works best for you personally. She does not use the typical counselor answers or “by the book” responses. She talks to you like you are a real person. She always make me feel like the things that I am going through are important and the feelings are valid. She provides a completely judgement free zone to talk about anything that is needed. She understands that things take time and she does not force you to talk about anything. She allows you to process in your own time. She has a way of working with me that allows me to fully trust her. Kim has a heart of Gold! You can tell throughout your sessions with her that this is more than just a job for her. You feel legitimately cared for by her. You can tell that she genuinely wants to help you to move through the things that are holding you back in life. She’s very encouraging and reassuring. Her genuine compassion and encouragement helps me feel like I am actually important and deserving of growth. I would highly recommend Kim as your counselor if you are looking for someone who will make you feel valued and heard and not like you are just another name on their client list! She has definitely made a huge impact on my life!
Read more Kim is the absolute best counselor! She is very kind and caring and adapts to whatever works best for you personally. She does not use the typical counselor answers or “by the book” responses. She talks to you like you are a real person. She always make me feel like the things that I am going through are important and the feelings are valid. She provides a completely judgement free zone to talk about anything that is needed. She understands that things take time and she does not force you to talk about anything. She allows you to process in your own time. She has a way of working with me that allows me to fully trust her. Kim has a heart of Gold! You can tell throughout your sessions with her that this is more than just a job for her. You feel legitimately cared for by her. You can tell that she genuinely wants to help you to move through the things that are holding you back in life. She’s very encouraging and reassuring. Her genuine compassion and encouragement helps me feel like I am actually important and deserving of growth. I would highly recommend Kim as your counselor if you are looking for someone who will make you feel valued and heard and not like you are just another name on their client list! She has definitely made a huge impact on my life!
Lynchburg Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Working with Dr. Tiffany Stephens has been so helpful! She is very approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about concerns and circumstances. She can help think through problems and works toward a better outlook and teaching real skills that help toward calmness and strength in the midst of complicated issues. She helps teach courage to be vulnerable in the moment, so I can learn patterns and work at replacing them with more healthy ones— her style of preparing clients to approach things differently makes all the difference when difficulty arises. I feel safe and confident (but not tight and overly-clinical) when talking with her. I absolutely recommend working with her if you are working toward a better you!
Read more Working with Dr. Tiffany Stephens has been so helpful! She is very approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about concerns and circumstances. She can help think through problems and works toward a better outlook and teaching real skills that help toward calmness and strength in the midst of complicated issues. She helps teach courage to be vulnerable in the moment, so I can learn patterns and work at replacing them with more healthy ones— her style of preparing clients to approach things differently makes all the difference when difficulty arises. I feel safe and confident (but not tight and overly-clinical) when talking with her. I absolutely recommend working with her if you are working toward a better you!
Lynchburg Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Tiffany Stephens is an amazing therapist. She is engaging as well as empathetic. I highly recommend Tiffany for anyone looking for a highly skilled and compassionate therapist.
Read more Dr. Tiffany Stephens is an amazing therapist. She is engaging as well as empathetic. I highly recommend Tiffany for anyone looking for a highly skilled and compassionate therapist.
Lynchburg Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Bryan Hunsley has been a great help in providing counseling to myself and my husband! He begins our ZOOM sessions on time. Bryan is great at his job in that he is easy to talk to and nonjudgmental. His feedback is even tempered (appropriate, positive and welcoming), plus clear and easy to understand. My husband and I feel that Bryan provides sensitive care and treats us both with ultimate respect! He is flexible in that he can easily switch gears according to the urgency of our needs for any particular session and is quick to offer any needed support between sessions. He provides a professional high quality of care that is also relaxing and informative. I am more than satisfied with his services being provided and find myself looking forward to the next session! Bryan has and continues to strengthen our marital wellness with his superb counseling expertise!
Read more Bryan Hunsley has been a great help in providing counseling to myself and my husband! He begins our ZOOM sessions on time. Bryan is great at his job in that he is easy to talk to and nonjudgmental. His feedback is even tempered (appropriate, positive and welcoming), plus clear and easy to understand. My husband and I feel that Bryan provides sensitive care and treats us both with ultimate respect! He is flexible in that he can easily switch gears according to the urgency of our needs for any particular session and is quick to offer any needed support between sessions. He provides a professional high quality of care that is also relaxing and informative. I am more than satisfied with his services being provided and find myself looking forward to the next session! Bryan has and continues to strengthen our marital wellness with his superb counseling expertise!
Lynchburg Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Lynchburg is located on Jefferson St. in the heart of the downtown area. The James River runs directly behind our building, which we share with Zola’s Beauty Studio and Stimulus Adverstising and Web Design.

Phone number

(434) 771-0495

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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