Our therapists offer personality disorder counseling in Marietta, GA

Counseling for Dependent Personality Disorder in Marietta, GA

A need to be provided for, low self-esteem, an acute desire to please, and difficulty with mutually-beneficial relationships are the key characteristics of the disorder. It presents many professional and personal difficulties in a person’s life, but it also has treatments. Mental health professionals can often tailor a treatment plan to meet an individual’s needs and promote self-reliance and individuality.

The therapists at Thriveworks Marietta have worked with many clients who have dependent personality disorder. We understand how the disorder works and how people may learn how to live resourceful, independent lives.

How Dependent Personality Disorder May Develop

Diagnosing the disorder can be difficult because certain developmental stages or cultural practices can look very much like dependent personality disorder. Children into their late teens rely upon their parents to provide for their needs. This is not a disordered dependence, but it is developmentally appropriate. Similarly, in some cultures, it is respectful to defer to those in authority. Again, this is not a disorder, but such behavior is culturally appropriate.

Because of these factors, it is important for mental health professionals to carefully diagnose the disorder. Often, the condition develops as people transition from adolescence into adulthood. They often have difficulty making that change and enter into a fully self-sufficient maturity. Further, the disorder increases an individual’s risk of other anxiety, depression, personality, and adjustment disorders.

Dependent Personality Disorder: Signs and Symptoms

The three major signs for Dependent Personality Disorder are:

1. Behavior that is overly deferential.
2. Anxiety when separated from care givers.
3. A core need for someone to care for them.

A minimum of five other symptoms will also be displayed:

• Consulting with an authority figure or caretaker for advice and resassurance before making everyday decisions (e.g., calling a caregiver to consult about where to eat dinner).
• Fear of being alone.
• Abdicating a significant portion of responsibility within one’s life (e.g., allowing a parent to pay one’s bills).
• Sacrificing or hiding one’s true identity, feelings, thoughts, and views in order appease a caregiver or authority figure and ensure their continued provision.
• Being overly compliant to a caretaker’s wishes, beliefs, thoughts, and more.
• When a caretaking relationship ends, quickly replacing it with another.

Setting Up Therapy at Thriveworks Marietta for Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder does not have to steal people’s uniqueness and their abilities. It is a serious illness, but there are several therapies available that have been used to help others find their way as a self-sufficient individual. Some people benefit from cognitive behavior therapy; others are aided by psychodynamic therapy. Medication may be helpful as well. Skilled therapists can develop a holistic and personalized treatment plan. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Marietta have worked with many clients who have dependent personality disorder.

When you call our office to make an appointment, here are a few things that would be helpful to know. A scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you schedule a session. We do not have a voicemail. Weekend and evening sessions are offered, and we accept many different forms of insurance. Let’s work toward independence. Call Thriveworks Marietta, GA today.