Self Defeating Personality Disorder Treatment Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL

We recognize the significant impact that self-defeating behavioral patterns can have on an individual’s well-being and quality of life. While self-defeating personality disorder is not formally recognized as a diagnosis in the latest DSM, many individuals struggle with persistent feelings of inadequacy, self-sabotaging behaviors, and difficulty maintaining personal or professional success. Our experienced clinicians are skilled in a range of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches to help individuals overcome these challenging patterns.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Our therapists guide clients in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to self-defeating behaviors. Through structured sessions, clients learn practical skills to replace automatic, self-critical thoughts with healthier, more adaptive perspectives—leading to improved emotional responses and more constructive behaviors.

We understand that each individual’s experiences and needs are unique. Our clinicians work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that may combine elements of these therapies. Most importantly, we believe that a strong therapeutic alliance and ongoing support are essential for overcoming self-defeating patterns and achieving lasting change.

We are committed to helping individuals overcome the challenges of self-defeating personality disorder (SDPD), also known as masochistic personality disorder. Our experienced team understands that SDPD can lead to chronic patterns of self-sabotage, low self-esteem, and persistent difficulties in forming or sustaining healthy, fulfilling relationships.

One of the evidence-based approaches we offer is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which has shown significant benefits in helping patients with SDPD build stronger, healthier connections with others. Our clinicians use IPT to help patients recognize and understand how their self-defeating behaviors and negative self-beliefs impact their everyday relationships. Through guided therapy sessions, we work together to identify unhelpful relationship patterns—such as seeking out criticism, consistently prioritizing others’ needs to a harmful degree, or expecting rejection.

At Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, we create a safe and supportive environment where patients can explore the root causes of their emotional distress and how these are linked to specific interpersonal events or misunderstandings. Our therapists help patients develop healthier communication skills, including how to express their needs and set boundaries effectively. This often leads to fewer misunderstandings and conflicts, and a more positive dynamic in existing relationships.

Interpersonal therapy at our practice also addresses key issues such as unresolved grief, role disputes, life transitions, and social skill deficits—all of which can perpetuate self-defeating cycles. By fostering greater self-awareness and insight, we empower our patients to see how their behaviors influence those around them, and support them in adopting more constructive and empathetic approaches to interpersonal challenges.

We understand that sleep quality plays a crucial role in mental health, especially for individuals living with self-defeating personality disorder (SDPD), sometimes known as masochistic personality disorder. Our experience shows that people with SDPD often struggle with persistent patterns of self-sabotage, chronic feelings of inadequacy, and a tendency to undermine their own success or happiness. When these individuals experience poor sleep, their symptoms can become even more challenging to manage.

Sleep is essential for emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and overall mental well-being. Disrupted or insufficient sleep can make it harder for individuals with SDPD to manage negative emotions, leading to increased irritability, sadness, and anxiety. These emotional disturbances can further intensify the self-critical and pessimistic thinking that characterizes SDPD. Additionally, lack of restorative sleep can significantly decrease energy levels and motivation, making it more difficult for patients to engage in positive activities or work towards their goals—thus reinforcing the cycle of self-defeating behaviors.

Research shows that poor sleep is closely linked to lower mood, higher stress, and reduced motivation in the general population. For individuals with SDPD, these effects may be even more pronounced. Our team works closely with patients to address sleep hygiene as an integral part of their comprehensive treatment plan. Improving sleep quality can help stabilize mood, boost motivation, and support other therapeutic interventions aimed at breaking self-defeating patterns.

At Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, we understand that trauma can deeply affect an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—even years after the initial experience. Many of our clients who struggle with self-defeating patterns, such as self-sabotage, chronic procrastination, substance misuse, or unhealthy relationship cycles, often discover these behaviors are rooted in unresolved trauma. Our trauma-informed therapy services are designed to compassionately address these challenges in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Our board-certified psychiatrists and therapists utilize trauma-informed therapy to help clients reframe self-defeating behaviors—not as personal shortcomings, but as survival strategies that once served to protect them during times of distress. By shifting the therapeutic focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”, we help reduce the shame and guilt that often accompany these struggles, promoting greater self-understanding.

Central to our trauma-informed approach is the creation of a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship. We work collaboratively with our clients to explore the origins of their behaviors, gradually process traumatic memories, and develop healthier coping skills for stress and emotional regulation. This process is carefully paced and always respects the individual’s comfort and readiness, ensuring that each person feels empowered and in control of their healing journey.

At Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, our team offers a personalized approach to treating self-defeating personality disorder (SDPD). Through targeted therapies, our team helps patients recognize and address the patterns of self-sabotage, guiding them to healthier emotional and behavioral habits. The treatment focuses on empowering patients to make positive life changes and overcome challenges related to SDPD.

We also prioritize client autonomy and shared decision-making in every treatment plan. Our goal is to help clients regain a sense of agency that trauma may have taken away, recognize their triggers, and make conscious, positive changes in their lives. Over time, trauma-informed therapy at our practice supports the replacement of self-defeating patterns with adaptive, self-nurturing choices—fostering resilience and promoting lasting emotional well-being. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have a convenient location to serve you at 3107 Stirling Road, Suite 107, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312. We serve patients from Ft. Lauderdale FL, Hollywood FL, Oakridge FL, Dania Beach FL, Lauderhill FL, and surrounding areas.