Personality disorders can be managed by focusing on decreasing negative behaviors. In simple terms, this is done by making cause and effects connections and observations for the clients to help them develop what is called an observing ego (awareness of how they carry themselves in the world).

One form of therapy is called Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It is a form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that was developed in the late 80's by Dr. Marsha Linehan, a psychology researcher at the University of Washington. Interestingly, although DBT was originally developed for men and women who struggle with borderline personality disorder, research has demonstrated that DBT is also effective in treating anxiety, depression, anger, eating disorders, and substance abuse. DBT consists of four modules that are learned and implemented into daily life.  They are 1) Mindfulness Skills (learning how to live in the present moment), 2) Emotion Regulation Skills, 3) Distress Tolerance Skills, and 4) Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills.  Via DBT skills, clients are often able to self-regulate more successfully and stabilize enough to work through their problems.

Over time, the focus can shift from decreasing negative behaviors to developing personality traits that are missing or underdeveloped through psychodynamic and other therapies.