64. EMDR Rethinking Personality Disorders

This episode explores a new way of understanding personality disorders. Instead of seeing them as fixed and lifelong conditions, emerging research suggests they may actually be adaptive responses to early trauma. We discuss how personality traits develop through both genetics and early experiences, and how difficult childhood environments can lead to protective beliefs and coping patterns that later appear as personality disorders. Drawing on recent training with EMDR experts Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen, the episode highlights promising studies using EMDR combined with exposure therapy to treat trauma underlying personality disorders. Early research shows significant improvements, with many clients no longer meeting diagnostic criteria after intensive or short-term treatment. The episode emphasises that by targeting the traumatic memories and negative self-beliefs at the core of these patterns, therapy can help people move beyond long-standing defences and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of relating to themselves and the world. It offers hope that personality disorder diagnoses do not have to last a lifetime and that effective trauma treatment can lead to meaningful change.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • How personality traits are partly inherited, but are shaped by early life experiences. • How, traditionally, personality disorders have been viewed as fixed and difficult to treat, often requiring many years of therapy. • How, new research suggests personality disorders may actually be adaptive responses to trauma, especially trauma experienced in childhood. • How, these disorders may be built on deep negative beliefs about oneself, which lead to protective behaviours or defences. • If the trauma and negative beliefs are treated, the defensive personality patterns may no longer be necessary.   Key Highlights: • Therapists such as Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen are researching treatments using EMDR combined with exposure therapy to target the trauma underlying these beliefs. • Studies show that intensive 5-day treatment led to about 73% of patients losing their personality disorder diagnosis. • Outpatient EMDR (10 sessions over 5 weeks) led to about 44% remission. • This approach offers hope that personality disorders may not be lifelong conditions and can improve with trauma-focused therapy like EMDR.   Resources Mentioned: • New research by EMDR therapists Ad de Jongh and Suzy Matthijssen. • EMDR Therapy for Trauma: If you're in Australia and want personalized support, Dr. Lloyd’s individual or group therapy sessions may be right for you. • EMDR Doctor Membership: If you’ve worked with Dr. Lloyd before and need ongoing support, check out the EMDR Doctor Membership page for monthly opportunities to continue EMDR therapy.   Contact and Feedback: If you’ve been affected by trauma, or if you want to discuss how EMDR can help you heal from past wounds, get in touch with Dr. Lloyd at https://www.emdrdoctor.com.au    . Appointments for in-clinic consultation for clients, or consultation/supervision for therapists, can be made with Dr. Lloyd, via https://www.halaxy.com/book/appointment/caroline-lloyd/location/799391 Remember, healing from trauma is a journey — you don’t have to do it alone.   Subscribe & Stay Connected: • Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Each week, we dive into the powerful ways EMDR therapy can help you heal, grow, and reclaim your life. If you’ve found today’s episode helpful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information. • See me in person over on my YouTube channel — it’s a great way to connect face-to-face, learn more about EMDR, and get a sense of how we might work together in therapy.   Join me, Dr. Caroline Lloyd, as we unpack trauma, explore the science of EMDR, and share real stories of recovery and resilience.