Personality Disorders

I am formally trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech - Marsha Linehan's training foundation. I have both residential and outpatient experience treating symptoms common in personality disorders such as suicidality, self-harm, and interpersonal struggles.

I have extensive experience treating personality disorders and truly enjoy working with the brilliant and creative individuals who often receive this label. If you have a PD diagnosis, I know that you have likely experienced a great deal of pain and fear in this life. You may been feeling alone or rejected because relationships are not your strong suit. If you are ready to practice vulnerability and learn a new way of connecting to yourself and others, I can help.

I specialize in helping identify patterns of coping and behavior that may no longer serve you well. Through compassionate curiosity, I can help you find healthier, happier ways of relating to yourself and others.

I specialize in the treatment of borderline personality disorder and the whole spectrum of personality disorders. I am also skilled in treating suicidal behaviors, non-suicidal self injury, suicidal ideation and any self harm behaviors.

During my time in private practice, and prior to my experiences with VA and DOD, I worked in an acute care facility, where I focused largely on the effects and healing from personality disorders. It takes a nuanced approach and deep clinical understanding to be able to align with someone dealing with a personality disorder without judgement or biased. We all deserve to have a fulfilling life and solid relationships, which is often the distressing fallout of these disorders.

At their root, I view any personality disorder as behaviors that worked for us at one time but don’t work anymore. Employing a combination of methods, including Functional Analytic Psychotherapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy, I enjoy helping others recognize their inherent value.

All relationships come with their own hurdles; however, sometimes they can feel extra difficult to navigate. If being in close relationships has often felt difficult, please reach out and learn how to feel closer and more engaged with those you care about.

As a clinician, I have came across individuals from all walks of life. Many variables, from genetics to chaotic upbringings, can impact the onset and prevalence of personality disorders. The effects can be burdening on mental, physical, and interpersonal levels, yet, these disorders are treatable. I work to help people embrace their situations from a healthier, developed mindset through strategic skill building. With the proper treatment and care, increased quality of life is achievable.

Tami’s initial training in master’s level clinical work began at Pacifica Graduate Institute. This individual focused training emphasizes psychological forces such as feelings and emotions that influence behaviors. In essence, asking how our pasts effects our present. Tami’s ongoing training consists of specializations in treating Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Managing personality disorders can be really overwhelming. It is overwhelming for the individual as well as family and loved ones. I assist clients in managing personality disorders, primarily borderline personality disorder (BPD), through an intervention known as DBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. We work together and learn skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance.

I am intensively trained in DBT through the Linehan Institute. I have extensive experience working with clients with borderline personality disorder and those struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts both individually and in a group setting.

I have worked for 5 years with over 50 clients experiencing some type of personality disorder and with co-occurring diagnoses. I strive to support those I work with to help normalize the experience of the symptoms of personality disorder, work through stuck points, and provide alternate methods of therapy to help tackle their challenges from different ways. It is very important to me to change the stigma that has historically been put on personality disorders and offer validation and support.

I have experience providing comprehensive Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) services to individuals struggling with personality traits. DBT was originally developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan to support those struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT, however, has been found to also be helpful for individuals struggling with other mental health concerns, such as anxiety, addiction, and eating disorders.

Experiencing chronic emotional distress and dysregulation can leave us feeling isolated and alone, and like we can't get connected to ourselves. I have worked extensively with people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Borderline Traits for years with empathic validation and effective Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Many of my clients utilize DBT skills to soothe distress, regulate emotions, and truly build a life that's worth living.

I work with a wide variety of individuals ranging from 14 to 74, some of which struggle with symptoms of Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, and Dependent Personality Disorders. These individuals have stories revealing a great deal of pain from wounds that did not heal properly or completely and manifest in patterns throughout their lives. Together we will uncover and process through experiences while establishing a safe and healthy therapeutic relationship towards hope and healing.

I specialize in supporting people with Borderline Personality Disorder as well as people who have been impacted by Narcissistic abuse. I create a safe place for you to uncover the coping skills you learned as a result of your trauma and develop skills for navigating experiences of abandonment, rejection, and emotional instability. Together, we can help you feel safe in your body, heal your trauma, and develop healthy relationships in your life today.

Feeling like your emotions are all over the place? Feeling empty, insecure, and reactive? Do you find yourself engaging in harmful, impulsive behaviors when feeling rejected or abandoned? Having difficulty maintaining stable relationships? Whether this is your experience or the experience of someone you love, therapy can genuinely make a difference, and I'm here to help you!

I work closely with abuse victims and family members of personality disordered individuals, especially cluster B (Borderline, Narcissistic, and Histrionic Personality).

I specialize in helping people recover from narcissistic relationships. Together, we will: process the relationship and emotional trauma, explore emotional triggers, recognize healthy and unhealthy relationships, set boundaries, prioritize your needs, and build a healthy support system.