Book Online Counselling and Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder

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Mental Health Care for AVPD

People with this condition may have low self-esteem. They might determine their worth based on what others think of them. Because of this disease, any negative comments can cause extreme pain. So, they may avoid meeting new people and social interaction. AVPD can make it difficult to form an intimate relationship.
They may still want to have friends and desire intimacy. But because they are hyper aware of the potential criticism, they may try to do everything to avoid it. This fear of rejection may seem difficult to overcome. Yet, there are ways to cope with the symptoms and live a happy life.
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Dr Navni Mehta

Counselling Psychologist
1 years of experience
No matter what’s bringing you to therapy, it’s safe to say something’s not going the way you’d like. Whatever you are facing today, know that tomorrow is an opportunity to thrive and overcome. Hello! my name is Dr Navni Mehta and in my journey, I have helped 300+ individuals, couples and families with Anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, marital/relationship issues, addiction, trauma, parent-teen issues, personality disorders and work-life balance. My expertise includes CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), PCT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dream Analysis, Couple Therapy, and Family Therapy addressing various concerns. I bring a unique perspective shaped by my diverse background in dentistry, hospital management and psychology. Over the past 7 years, I have worked closely with doctors, medical professionals, founders, entrepreneurs and individuals gaining a deep understanding of their viewpoints through my experience in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers and palliative care facilities. All sessions remain confidential. My sessions are impactful and introspective; you may laugh, cry or sit silently. The environment is judgment-free so that you can give voice to your inner self without hesitation, guilt or shame. As your therapist, I will walk beside you and assist you in navigating life challenges leading to wholeness for yourself and your relationships. The very essences of my therapy are self-realization, Applied positive psychology, Anger management, potential maximization, Problem-Solving, Behaviour counseling, relationship counseling, body image issues, low self-worth, attention deficit issues and mindfulness techniques to offer my clients a full-circle approach. Finding the right therapist can be challenging, but my mission is to lead with compassion and empathy, creating a space where my clients can be their authentic selves.
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Ms Zarina Poonawalla

Life Coach, Counselling Psychologist
14 years of experience
Zarina Poonawalla is a Life Coach, Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, Educator and podcaster. She is the founder of Abbzoh Expertise Unique which constantly thrives on learning and evolving to benefit individuals, leaders, stakeholders and organizations worldwide. Zarina is the podcast host of 'The Life Manifesto', ‘The Empowering Series with Zarina Poonawalla’ on the IVM Podcasts and is widely available on Apple podcast, Spotify, Jio Saavn, Originals, Audioboom, Stitcher and anywhere you can listen to podcasts. Her shows have garnered enormous listenership and are making a difference in the lives of many globally. In her professional capacity, Zarina has worked closely with Founders, Entrepreneurs, CEOs, Business Honchos, Management Gurus, Families, Individuals, Parents and Student communities worldwide for over a decade. She believes every individual has unleashed potential which can be recognised and tapped to enhance the quality of life, relationships and professions. The very essences of her programs are self-realisation, potential maximisation, a positive state of mind and embracing happiness. She completed her Bachelors from the reputed H.R College in Mumbai and pursued her degree in International Business from The University of Sydney, Australia. During her years in education, she kept self-learning, completed diplomas in various vocations and took up plenty of jobs. In recent times she was exclusively selected on merits by John Mattone, coach to Steve Jobs, for personal coaching and certification with Mr Mattone enabling her to have insights on World Leader mindsets, success stories and understanding of leadership virtues, further adding to her expertise and international experiences. She has been certified in ‘The Signature Intelligence Leadership’ Program and has also successfully certified in various programs, including an international certification in ‘Train the Trainer’, ‘NLP ’, ‘Peak Performance Coach Certification’, ‘ EQ’, among others. Zarina has nurtured her unique ability in people's skills with her solitary core principle and believes one can truly inspire positive change with the CAPE principle – Compassion, Attitude, Perseverance and Empathy. Her valuable proficiency and prolific method of imparting the same have kept her encompassed with an ever-growing clientele, consistent retainer ship, high rated feedback and credits. Zarina has been a catalyst aiding the successful growth and transformation of over 40,000 people globally with her ‘I Choose Happiness’, ‘Changing with Change’, ‘You are a Leader’, ‘Your Life Your Reign’ and ‘Impactful Communication’, more than 250 individual high profile clientele through one-on-one coaching and above 35 Educational Institutes with ‘Walk the Talk’, ‘Technology your friend or foe!’, ‘Dealing with Parental and Peer Pressure’, ‘Be Confident Be You’. Zarina has been sanctified with happy participants in all her programs. This keeps her driven and passionate to improve the quality of life for those she associates with through her intricately customised and invigorating life boosters. Her patrons include MNCs, SMEs, Celebrities, Industrialists, Refineries, Real Estate, Financial Institutions, startups, IT & Technology, F&B, Lifestyle & Fashion Brands, Banks, Diamond Merchants, and Steel Tycoons. She is also the Knowledge Partner for a film production house enabling her to share thoughts and insights on various film-related events, social issues and human behavioral patterns. Her last film affiliation hit 2 million views with a worldwide screening and her talk post the premiers internationally was very well received. She is currently in the process of penning down her book and associating for a TV program to reach global audiences and elevate happy people.
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Dr Shabana M.S.

Counselling Psychologist
23 years of experience
In my professional journey as a Psychologist, I've come to believe deeply in the inherent goodness and potential within each individual. Hey, I am Dr. Shabana, and my therapeutic approach is grounded in unconditional positive regard. In my practice, I aim to foster an environment where clients can embrace their uniqueness and embark on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and transformation. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I've had the privilege of working across various settings, including hospitals, educational institutions, NGOs, and government projects, serving as a Consultant and in-house Psychologist. As the Principal Psychologist and Founder of LitmuS Psychological Services, I also provide online psychological support and training. Additionally, I am honored to be associated with Manipal Hospital as a Consultant Psychologist, where I continue to contribute to the field of mental health. Throughout my career, I've addressed a diverse range of mental health issues and provided family and marital counseling, along with offering support to chronically and terminally ill patients. My academic journey includes earning a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Department of Psychology, University of Calicut, where I conducted an in-depth study on the Psychosocial Correlates of Conduct Disorders and the Efficacy of an Intervention Programme. I've also received training in Hypnotherapy, further enhancing my therapeutic toolkit. Additionally, as an active member of professional organizations such as the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, Tamil Nadu Psychology Association, Indian Association of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis, British Psychological Society, and American Psychological Association, I remain committed to staying updated with the latest developments in the field. My areas of focus in therapy include individual therapy, relationship counseling, marital counseling, family counseling, and psychotherapy for depression and anxiety. I also specialize in grief and bereavement counseling, infertility counseling, and providing support to the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, I offer counseling for coping with chronic illness, managing caregiver stress, achieving work-life balance, and stress management. I am also passionate about promoting well-being, building confidence and resilience, and providing life coaching for adolescents and adults, along with offering psychoeducation to empower individuals with knowledge about mental health and self-care.
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FAQs

A Quick Overview

An avoidant personality disorder (APVD) can create feelings of extreme shyness and social anxiety. It could also lead to avoidance of social situations. If you have this condition, you may avoid socializing due to the fear of rejection and negative criticism. This ailment may be more than shyness and social awkwardness. It is also characterized as Cluster C personality disease. Anxious, fearful thinking or behavior characterizes this illness. If not treated with counseling, you may find doing daily tasks, like your job, extremely difficult.

Major Causes

What causes this ailment is unknown. However, it may involve genetic, environmental, social, and psychological factors.
This condition might be prevalent in some families and passed down to new generations. It may also result from the early childhood environment, the relationships you form as a child, and life experiences.
Some experts believe that this condition may develop as a coping mechanism for challenging or traumatic situations. It could be the body's way of protecting itself from painful experiences. Extreme shyness and avoiding relationships can serve as defense mechanisms to protect you from emotional pain.
Shyness, common in early childhood, can extend throughout adolescence and maturity in those with this illness. Those suffering from the disease report previous experiences of parental or peer rejection. This could harm a person's self-esteem and sense of worth.
Your attachment or abandonment experiences with your initial caregivers may impact the development of this ailment. Childhood caregiver bonds might often serve as the foundation for later-life partnerships. If you accept their criticism, you may develop a negative self-image and have difficulty trusting others.
Personality disorders can develop if your caregivers used to criticize, demean, and ignore your needs instead of providing a nurturing and encouraging environment. Such experience in the early stages of life can lead to the development of a fearful attachment style. Thus, they crave intimacy but distrust others, which leads to them being alone.
Adopted children may be more likely to have mental conditions like this one compared to non-adopted children. Studies suggest there is a high chance for patients to perceive their parents as less affectionate, encouraging, and endearing.
This fearful or avoidant attachment pattern might make forming partnerships harder. Despite your yearning for intimacy, you may be unable to overcome the underlying fear of encountering the same rejection and scorn.

Common Signs

Key signs of this illness may include:
  • Avoiding jobs that may need extensive interpersonal contact because of worries about criticism, disapproval, or rejection.
  • Hesitating to engage with anyone until they are sure of being liked.
  • Fear of being disliked or ridiculed. This may cause restraint in close relationships.
  • Constant worry about criticism or rejection in social situations.
  • Withholding from new interpersonal situations due to thoughts of inadequacy.
  • Considering themselves socially awkward, unpleasant, or inferior to others.
  • Hesitating to take personal risks or engage in new activities for fear of embarrassment.
  • Avoiding conflict and can come across as a people-pleaser.
  • Anhedonia
  • Desire to be liked and are sensitive to negative feedback.
  • Lack of a social network.
  • They might not share intimate feelings with someone or avoid close relationships.

Risk Factors

The risk factors include:
  • Family history: Some members may have a genetic predisposition toward developing such ailments. As this genetic material passes down through generations, some family members can be prone to them.
  • Childhood abuse and neglect: Abuse as a child can increase the risk of almost every mental illness, including AVPD. Plus, parental neglect could be involved in the development of this condition.
  • Adoptions: Adopted children might be more prone to developing personality diseases. They may feel that their needs, whether emotional or physical, are usually neglected. It can increase the risk of the development of these diseases.
  • Fearful attachment style: It is a need for connection in the face of interpersonal distrust and rejection dread. It may be particularly relevant to AVPD.
  • Temperament: Men and women with this disease might be cautious about avoiding harm. This trait links to neuroticism and shy or anxious traits. These characteristics might exhibit themselves in childhood. They are likely related to a combination of heredity and early-life experiences.

Related Conditions


Other mental health conditions can occur along with avoidant personality conditions. In these circumstances, medical professionals may tailor treatments to reduce the symptoms of each illness. Among the most common conditions associated with this ailment are:
  • Social phobia: A condition in which a person experiences feelings of overwhelming anxiety and self-consciousness in everyday social situations. There is a clear relationship between social anxiety disorder and this condition. In some instances, the two diseases may be diagnosed together. Those with both conditions might experience extreme and disabling anxiety symptoms. Without treatment, they may struggle at work and with loneliness.
  • Dependent personality disorder: A condition in which people may rely on others for advice or decision-making. Feelings of inadequacy, a need for reassurance, and hypersensitivity to criticism mark dependent personality disease and AVPD. Both of these conditions may occur together in historic and BPDs.
  • Borderline personality disorder: People with BPD may have difficulties in many areas. These include social relationships, behavior, mood, and self-image.
Social support can be beneficial when it comes to usual life stress. If you don't have that support, you might struggle to manage difficulties and feel overwhelmed.
Research also suggests that loneliness can factor into other health issues, including:
  • Sleep disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Substance use

How is it Different From Social Anxiety?

A person with social anxiety may have a heightened fear of social engagement due to potential scrutiny concerns. People suffering from SAD might know that their fears of severe judgment may be unjustified, even if they can't control them. But, people with AVPD may believe they are inferior, and criticism could be warranted. SAD patients can also experience performance anxiety. They may be concerned that they might say or do something embarrassing.
AVPD can cause negative self-evaluation in comparison to others. Those suffering from this condition may be highly critical of themselves and have a negative self-image. They might project this onto others, assuming that others see them the same way they do.
SAD patients may avoid certain situations, such as meeting new people and public speaking. A person with an avoidant personality might feel discouraged from participating in activities that affect all aspects of their life. They may repress their emotions, avoid being in a relationship, have restricted employment prospects, do not trust others, and so on.

How to Deal With Your Symptoms

Psychotherapy could be the most effective treatment for this condition. There are no specific medications to treat this condition. However, antidepressants and anxiety medications could help with your symptoms. Therapy aims to help you identify your unconscious beliefs and how others perceive you. It also aims to help you function better socially and at work.
Psychodynamic Therapy: It can help you become aware of your unconscious. It can assist you in comprehending how your past experiences influence your current behavior. You can evaluate and address old emotional disputes and traumas. Then you can move forward with a more positive attitude about yourself and how others perceive you.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT can help people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that may negatively influence behavior and emotions.
Other than therapy, a mental health professional can help you reframe negative beliefs and practice social skills. They may also help you learn coping strategies to manage distress and address other mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, or depression.

Get Treatment From a Licensed Therapist Who’s Right For You

If you have such a condition, discussing your concerns with a therapist may feel terrifying. Even if you believe counseling could help ease some of your distress, your fear of criticism and judgment may outweigh your desire for help.
When it comes to treatment for this disease, it's usually best to choose a therapist specializing in treating these conditions, especially since its symptoms might mimic social anxiety symptoms.

Schedule a Virtual Psychotherapy Appointment with a Counsellor Today

If you or a loved one suspects you have this ailment, making an appointment with a mental health counselor, therapist, or psychologist may be the best place to start. From the comfort of your own home, you can make an appointment with a compassionate therapist with experience in these illnesses. Make an appointment with a therapist through Docvita right now.

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