Unmasking Trauma: The Misunderstood Link to Personality Disorders
Episode Overview
Complex trauma is often mistaken for personality disorders. Safe relationships are key in healing relational trauma. Therapists must be aware of trauma-informed care practices. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment outcomes. Understanding narcissistic personality disorder can help in therapy.
When you give tools to the general public, you're going to see them run away with it and misinterpret it.
What if the label 'personality disorder' is masking something deeper, like trauma? In this eye-opening episode of 'Adult Child', Andrea teams up with Dr. Kirk Honda to tackle a common yet often misunderstood issue in therapy. Dr. Honda, a licensed therapist and the mind behind 'Psychology in Seattle', shares his experiences and reflections on the blurred lines between complex trauma and personality disorders. You'll hear about his early career missteps and how they shaped his understanding of trauma-informed care.
Andrea and Dr. Honda explore why many therapists might miss the signs of complex PTSD, leading to misdiagnoses that can affect treatment outcomes. They discuss the importance of safe therapeutic relationships in healing relational trauma, and how inner child work can be a valuable tool for clients. Dr. Honda also shares his insights on working with individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, addressing whether change is possible and what it takes to achieve it.
This episode isn't just about therapy techniques; it's about understanding human behaviour and the complexities of mental health labels. If you've ever questioned a diagnosis or wondered about the roots of your emotional struggles, this episode offers a fresh perspective. It's a conversation filled with empathy, wisdom, and a touch of humour—perfect for anyone seeking clarity on their mental health journey.