Relationship Difficulties

Persons with personality issues such as Borderline or Narcissistic Personality traits, frequently have problems with relationships. Mood instability and unpredictability of behavior make it difficult for partners of people with personality problems to find consistency and stability in the relationship. Conflict arises around the maladaptive behaviors of the person with a personality issue. Similarly, when one partner suffers from depression it profoundly affects the other partner. The depressed person does not have the energy to effectively participate in the relationship. Sexual dysfunction, isolation, and problems with work and financial difficulties can further sabotage the relationship. Post-partum depression is also a significant cause of marital discord that must be properly identified and addressed. Bipolar personality affects relationships through depression, with the added stressor of manic episodes. During manic episodes, a person may act impulsively or destructively, with risk-taking behaviors that adversely affect their partner or family. Anxiety problems can also produce relationship difficulties, by undermining a person’s ability to have a significant intimate relationship. Isolating behaviors, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and avoidant behaviors can make intimacy and communication difficult.

When a person is having difficulties with interpersonal relationships, such as with family members or a spouse, a mental health evaluation is important to discern if an underlying psychological disorder is responsible. As discussed, anxiety disorders, personality issues, and mood disorders can all sabotage the well-being of a relationship. Couples can also be assessed both individually and together, to discern what role each is playing within a problematic marriage or relationship. Codependency or an inability to respond to one partner’s psychological disorder makes discord likely. Substance abuse, self-medication or alcoholism are serious and dangerous problems that adversely affect relationships. These problems must be addressed first, before individual and couples treatment can be initiated.

When a person with psychological issues is having problems that are negatively impacting their daily school or work life and damaging personal and family relationships, PCH Treatment Center can help. Our treatment program starts by one of our assessment clinicians making a proper diagnosis. Family therapy sessions can be used to work with couples or families, to address ingrained negative patterns that have developed over years.

Dr. Jeff Ball, the Executive and Clinical Director at PCH Treatment Center, has over 25 years of experience in working with persons, families, and couples with psychological problems. Dr. Ball has assembled a highly qualified staff with extensive experience in individual and couples counseling. When a Client enters a PCH Treatment Center program for relationship difficulties, a thorough initial assessment is performed to establish a psychological diagnosis, if present. Couples therapy or family therapy is also a cornerstone in addressing relationship difficulties. PCH Treatment Center has specific programs designed to incorporate family members or loved ones into the treatment environment. Family group therapies allow family members to experience the issues arising in other families or relationships and learn from a different vantage point. Other treatment modalities available include process group, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, anger management, sleep hygiene, psycho-education, and neurofeedback. Holistic therapies including yoga, meditation, acupuncture and massage therapy are important for recovery and healing. At PCH Treatment Center, we have helped many families and couples restore their relationships, through proper psychological counseling and psycho-education.