• Book sessions with Psychologists, Therapists & Coaches
  • Talk to a Psychologist, Therapist or Coach within 10 min.
  • Conduct sessions from your home computer
  • ..Or conduct by telephone or in person
  • Call our team between 8am-5pm on (0)20-319-19050
Live chat support
Create user
Search

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Rafael Toia
I can help you or your loved once move forward overcoming the issues you face in regards to Avoidant Personality Disorder. Click Read more to find out all about how I can help you and book a session or book me for a Free Pre-Session.
Below you can read a extensive article giving you the basic information and I'm sure you'll find the information relevant and insightful.
 Read more Free Pre-Session

What is Mentaline?

On Mentaline you can book online therapy and coaching sessions with psychologists, therapists and coaches.

  •  Get Skype or Phone Counselling
  •  Book your sessions and pay online
  •  +300 individual professionals online
  •  Save time by conduct sessions from home

Online Therapy & Coaching

Booking sessions on Mentaline is quite easy, all you need to do is:

  1.  Click the "Find Professional" button
  2.  Find a professional that you like
  3.  Find a date/time that suits you
  4.  Enter misc. booking details
  5.  Complete payment online

Find Professional


Helpful Shortcuts

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Some people are never happy with their appearance or position in life. They usually are extremely sensitive to rejection because of their feelings of inadequacy. These fears can become quite intense and lead to serious problems socially, leaving people unable to form interpersonal relationships. Avoiding social situations can have many other negative effects on a person's life. Because the symptoms sometimes make it difficult for a person to decide to get treatment, we offer online therapy for avoidant personality disorder here at Mentaline.com.  Lifelong problems with work and relationships don’t have to be a problem.

Causes of Avoidant Personality Disorder 

The exact cause of avoidant personality disorder is now known, but as with similar disorders it is thought to be a mix of physical and psychological factors. On the physical side, genes may play a role in whether or not a person develops this disorder in their life. There may also be problems with an imbalance of the chemistry in the brain, which can cause the symptoms to appear. Others may develop the disorder after a traumatic experience in childhood or as a result of poor parenting.

Symptoms and Dangers of Avoidant Personality Disorder 

One of the main symptoms of avoidant personality disorder is a preoccupation with appearance, especially perceived shortcomings. This obsessing over looks can lead to an intense fear of rejection which can cause a person to avoid forming relationships. Social advancement may be slow or nonexistent if someone doesn’t try because of a fear of failure. As you might imagine, this cycle can lead to quite a few other mental disorders developing, including major depression, which has many serious risks associated with it. There is also a chance that a person may withdraw from the world completely, living a life of complete and total isolation.

Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder 

A person with avoidant personality disorder may not want to get treatment because of the very symptoms they need help with. This is one of the reasons we developed online therapy for this and other personality disorders. On Mentaline.com you can find - and book online therapy sessions with - therapists that understand the difficulties a person with this disorder will face in their life. This understanding is used to create a behavioral therapy program that can help a person learn to be more active socially in life, which can lead to a more rewarding life overall. Learning to deal with avoidant personality disorder doesn’t have to be a difficult process.

Definition of Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder causes a person to be extremely sensitive to rejection because of inflated fears of inadequacy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended as part of treatment for avoidant personality disorder.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Avoidant Personality Disorder

  • Preoccupation with shortcomings
  • Sensitivity to rejection
  • Inhibited interpersonal relationships
  • Fear of inadequacy

Related articles
Related articles

Parent Category: Personality Disorders

Counselors in

Mentaline.com is the world's biggest online therapy and coaching universe with hundreds of therapists and coaches available for online sessions.

We've listed the top professionals in this specialty below.


Phoebe Swan
Phoebe Swan

Phoebe Swan

Counsellor/Therapist
About me

I am a fully qualified counsellor. I provide counselling in fluent English and Chinese Mandarin. I offer Local face-to-face counselling in Bristol, United Kingdom, and Online face-to-face counselling by Skype webcam or MSN webcam.

Specialties
  • - Separation
    • » Symptoms
    • Anger
    • Guilt
    • Resentment

    » Definition Separation is typically a step taken before a divorce or a break-up that consists of partners living separately and not having a close, intimate relationship. Relationship therapy can help both partners deal with all the issues that come with separation.
  • - Relationship Problems
    • » Symptoms
    • Avoiding intimacy
    • Lack of communication
    • Stress
    • Anxiety
    • Constant arguing
    • Inability to resolve conflicts
    • Fights that last for days, weeks or months

    » Definition Relationship problems are situations and difficulties that have a negative effect on the short and long term success of an intimate relationship. Both therapy and coaching are recommended to help with learning how to better deal with all sorts of relationship problems.
  • - Bullying
    • » Symptoms
    • Anxiety, depression, and loneliness
    • Repressed anger
    • Self-esteem issues
    • Bruising or other signs of physical contact

    » Definition Bullying is the struggle for power, often between children, and the resultant abuse of that power. It can take both direct (physical) and indirect (mental or emotional) forms.
  • - Low Self-Esteem
    • » Symptoms
    • Low self-confidence
    • Low self-worth
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Withdrawal

    » Definition A person with a low self-esteem may be unable to lead a full and healthy life because of their problems with self-image and self-worth. Whatever the cause of the self-esteem issues, a life coach can help by providing practical tips and advice on how to overcome low self-esteem.
  • - Depressive Disorders
    • » Symptoms
    • Feeling sad everyday for more than two weeks
    • Apathy and a lack of interest in normal activities

    » Definition Depressive disorders are mental illnesses that affect the chemistry of the brain, causing people to have intense, long periods of sadness that leaves them unable to function in society. Symptoms of depressive disorders include being sad every day for more than 2 weeks or being so sad that there are suicidal thoughts. Treatment with psychotherapy can help with a variety of depressive disorders.
  • - Childhood Trauma
    • » Symptoms
    • Slow development
    • Fatigue
    • Insomnia
    • Nightmares
    • Self-blame
    • Guilt
    • Anxiety
    • Fear

    » Definition Childhood trauma occurs generally in the first six years of a child's life. Although young, children should be given treatment for trauma that includes both therapy and counseling.
Prices
Online Face-to-Face Counselling session
(60 min.)		 30 GBP
Show Profile Free Pre-Session
Tony Novissimo
Tony Novissimo

Tony Novissimo

Richmond | Age: 71
Psychotherapist
About me

My name is Tony Novissimo and I am a qualified psychotherapist and a full , accredited member of the BACP. I have been a practicing counsellor in the South West London area for the past eight years.

Specialties
  • - Personality Disorders
    • » Symptoms
    • Feelings of emptiness
    • Avoidance of personal responsibility
    • Constantly blaming failure on others
    • Lack of guilt or remorse
    • Fights, lies, and steals often
    • Self-injury
    • Anti-social behavior
    • Self-centeredness

    » Definition Personality disorders cause chronic, negative behavior patterns that can result in serious problems with relationships and work. Psychotherapy is recommended for treatment of personality disorders.
  • - Anxiety Disorders
    • » Symptoms
    • Anxiety
    • Panic attacks
    • Detached feelings
    • Feelings that the world is unreal
    • Trembling or twitching

    » Definition Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses that affect a person's anxiety levels, leaving them unable to function in society. Psychotherapy is very useful in treatment for anxiety disorders.
  • - Binge Eating Disorder
    • » Symptoms
    • Lack of self-control when it comes to food
    • Inability to stop eating large amounts of food
    • Avoidance of healthy food
    • Embarrassment about either weight or food eating habits

    » Definition Binge eating disorder refers to a person that is unable to control the amount of food they consume in a single setting, often eating due to emotions rather than because they are hungry. It is usually caused by a combination of genetics and emotional problems. While nothing can be done about the genetics side of the problem, a combination of counseling and therapy has been shown to be very successful in helping people get their binge eating under control.
  • - Cognitive Disorders
    • » Symptoms
    • Rapid changes in mental states
    • Poor short term memory
    • Disorganized thinking
    • Mental problems - language, memory, perception
    • Inability to recognize language
    • Learning difficulties
    • Memory and recall problems
    • Trouble with critical thinking
    • Reliance on notes and calendars

    » Definition Cognitive disorders cause a significant impairment of cognition, memory or both, either for short or long periods of time depending on the exact type of cognitive disorder. Symptoms will vary, but they will center around cognitive and memory impairments and everything associated with them. Therapy and counseling are recommended for the treatment of cognitive disorders.
  • - Mood Disorders
    • » Symptoms
    • Sleep problems
    • Hopelessness
    • Low self-esteem
    • Bad eating habits
    • Fatigue

    » Definition Mood disorders are mental illnesses that center around chemical imbalances in the brain that cause emotional problems with depression, mania, or a combination of both. Symptoms of mood disorders include feelings of hopelessness, sleep troubles and other problems. Treatment with psychotherapy is helpful for dealing with a variety of mood disorders.
  • - Depression
    • » Symptoms
    • Concentration problems
    • Bad judgment or trouble making decisions
    • Fatigue and a general decrease of energy
    • Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
    • Extreme pessimism
    • Insomnia
    • Excessive sleeping
    • Irritability
    • Loss of interest in sex
    • Loss of interest in life
    • Eating problems
    • Physical pains
    • Suicidal thoughts
    • Suicide attempts

    » Definition Depression is defined as a mental state that causes extreme sadness, pessimism, and a loss of interest in life. Symptoms of depression include sleep problems, uncontrollable crying, loss of interest in life, as well as other physical and mental signs. Counseling and therapy are two recommended ways to get help with depression. While depression is a normal human state of mind, when it lasts for a long time or is very intense, it may be a sign of bigger problems.
Prices
Counselling
(60 min.)		 50 GBP
Show Profile Free Pre-Session
Hayley Daniels-Lake
Hayley Daniels-Lake

Hayley Daniels-Lake

Luton | Age: 27
Coach , Psychotherapist , Counsellor/Therapist
About me

I offer counselling, CBT and coaching.

A session with me will enable you to make the changes you need to lead the kind of life you always dreamed of, free from all the things that are currently holding you back.

Specialties
  • - Communication Disorders
    • » Symptoms
    • Trouble speaking
    • Trouble understanding
    • Convulsions
    • Repetition of words - stuttering

    » Definition Communication disorders are those that affect speech, language, and hearing. The symptoms vary depending on the particular type of communication disorder, but they generally center around problems communicating. Therapy and counseling are both helpful with the treatment of various communication disorders.
  • - Gay and Lesbian Issues
    • » Symptoms
    • Gay Couple Issues
    • Gay Parenting
    • Confusion
    • Various other issues

    » Definition Gay and lesbian issues are those that affect men and women and deal primarily with issues of sexuality. Therapy can assist a person when dealing with a variety of gay and lesbian issues.
  • - Abuse
    • » Symptoms
    • Anxiety
    • Post traumatic stress disorder
    • A severe reaction to being chastised or scolded
    • Dissociation
    • One person completely controlling another
    • Unexplained marks or bruises on the body
    • Repeated injuries that cannot be explained
    • Limping, broken bones, or bruising

    » Definition Abuse is the mistreatment or harm (physical or mental) done to another person over a period of time. Therapy can help a person learn to deal with all the issues that come with long term abuse.
  • - Parenting
    • » Symptoms
    • Depression
    • Feelings of worthlessness
    • Sadness
    • Grief
    • Exhaustion
    • Stress

    » Definition Parenting is the task of supporting and encouraging the emotional, intellectual, physical and social development of a child from infancy until adulthood. This is one of the most difficult tasks a person can face, whether they have a partner helping or not. This is why therapy and coaching are recommended to help with any parenting issues that may arise.
  • - Computer Addiction
    • » Symptoms
    • Excessive amounts of time on the computer
    • Compulsions to be on the computer at all times
    • Lies about time spent on the computer
    • Withdrawal symptoms

    » Definition Computer addiction happens when someone spends an excessive amount of time using the computer. The symptoms include problems with relationships and work because of the amount of time spent on the computer while neglecting other duties or responsibilities. Behavioral therapy can help with recognizing the addiction and doing something about stopping it.
  • - Business Coaching
    • » Symptoms
    • Nonverbal communication skills
    • Verbal communication skills
    • Public speaking
    • Making the sale or negotiation
    • Managing time
    • Starting a business
    • Improving performance
    • Being a better manager

    » Definition Business coaching is counseling that is directed toward helping a person achieve more in the business world. There are many specific areas that a business coach can help, but business coaching is recommended for those who want to accomplish more in their career.
Prices
First session 26 GBP
Normal price (60 min.) 35 GBP
You save 9 GBP
Coaching
(60 min.) 26 GBP
Show Profile Free Pre-Session
Anita Douglas
Anita Douglas

Anita Douglas

Redditch | Age: 41
Coach , Hypnotherapist , Counsellor/Therapist
About me

As a highly skilled, ethical and professional practitioner I adopt a down to earth approach. I recognise that each client is an individual and therefore deserves the benefit of a tailored plan. A gentle non-judgmental approach is taken.

Specialties
  • - Business Coaching
    • » Symptoms
    • Nonverbal communication skills
    • Verbal communication skills
    • Public speaking
    • Making the sale or negotiation
    • Managing time
    • Starting a business
    • Improving performance
    • Being a better manager

    » Definition Business coaching is counseling that is directed toward helping a person achieve more in the business world. There are many specific areas that a business coach can help, but business coaching is recommended for those who want to accomplish more in their career.
  • - Relationship Problems
    • » Symptoms
    • Avoiding intimacy
    • Lack of communication
    • Stress
    • Anxiety
    • Constant arguing
    • Inability to resolve conflicts
    • Fights that last for days, weeks or months

    » Definition Relationship problems are situations and difficulties that have a negative effect on the short and long term success of an intimate relationship. Both therapy and coaching are recommended to help with learning how to better deal with all sorts of relationship problems.
  • - Anxiety Disorders
    • » Symptoms
    • Anxiety
    • Panic attacks
    • Detached feelings
    • Feelings that the world is unreal
    • Trembling or twitching

    » Definition Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses that affect a person's anxiety levels, leaving them unable to function in society. Psychotherapy is very useful in treatment for anxiety disorders.
  • - Trauma
    • » Symptoms
    • Inability to talk
    • Blackout - memory loss
    • Acting automatically
    • Sleeplessness
    • Irritability
    • Anger
    • Limiting of life choices
    • Hopelessness

    » Definition Trauma is damage to a person's psyche (soul, mind) as a result of a traumatic event. There are various causes of trauma, but both therapy and counseling are recommended for treatment of all trauma related problems.
  • - Phobias
    • » Symptoms
    • Dread of certain objects
    • Extreme fear of certain situations
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fast heart rate
    • Irrational fears

    » Definition Phobias are an intense and persistent fear (usually irrational) of things, activities, or situations. Symptoms include anxiety, loss of breath, racing heart, as well as other physical and emotional signs. Treatment for phobias with counseling and therapy is recommended.
  • - Anger Management
    • » Symptoms
    • An excess of anger that can lash out at any time
    • Often not understanding why you are angry about something
    • Being unable to focus your anger to appropriate parties

    » Definition Anger management is the process of controlling one’s anger through therapeutic techniques and exercises.
Prices
Hypnotherapy Meeting (Redditch)
(60 min.)		 65 GBP
Show Profile Free Pre-Session
Russell Joseph
Russell Joseph

Russell Joseph

Welling | Age: 46
Psychotherapist , Counsellor/Therapist
About me

I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist/counsellor of many years experience, providing a safe, secure space for exploration of peoples' emotional issues. Many have benefited from the counselling/psychotherapy services that I provide.

Specialties
  • - Abuse
    • » Symptoms
    • Anxiety
    • Post traumatic stress disorder
    • A severe reaction to being chastised or scolded
    • Dissociation
    • One person completely controlling another
    • Unexplained marks or bruises on the body
    • Repeated injuries that cannot be explained
    • Limping, broken bones, or bruising

    » Definition Abuse is the mistreatment or harm (physical or mental) done to another person over a period of time. Therapy can help a person learn to deal with all the issues that come with long term abuse.
  • - Work Stress
    • » Symptoms
    • Calling in sick to work
    • Dreading going to work every day
    • Verbal lashing out at co-workers or bosses
    • Insomnia 
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Substance abuse
    • Burnout or breakdown

    » Definition Work stress is an intense emotional strain caused primarily by matter with a person's job. Because having a career - or even just a job - is so important, learning to deal with work stress is important so that it does not interfere with a person's ability to do their job.
  • - Separation
    • » Symptoms
    • Anger
    • Guilt
    • Resentment

    » Definition Separation is typically a step taken before a divorce or a break-up that consists of partners living separately and not having a close, intimate relationship. Relationship therapy can help both partners deal with all the issues that come with separation.
  • - Work / Life Balance
    • » Symptoms
    • Too much work
    • Too much partying
    • Stress
    • Exhaustion
    • Interpersonal problems

    » Definition Achieving a proper balance between work and life is an important method to achieve happiness. Life coaching can help a person learn techniques and principles that will help with balancing life and work.
  • - Social Phobia
    • » Symptoms
    • Elevated blood pressure
    • Rapid heart rate
    • Fear of social situations
    • Nervousness
    • Substance abuse

    » Definition Social phobia is a constant and irrational fear of situations that may involve judgment or scrutiny by others. Social phobia is treatable with psychotherapy.
  • - Anxiety
    • » Symptoms
    • Nervousness
    • Feeling anxious
    • Worry

    » Definition Anxiety is a normal human emotion that allows people to deal with stressful situations. It could also be described as nervousness. For some people, existing mental problems can make anxiety levels extreme and difficult to deal with. In any case, psychotherapy is recommended for help with anxiety.
Prices
First session 60 GBP
Normal price (90 min.) 80 GBP
You save 20 GBP
Counselling / Psychotherapy Session
(90 min.) 60 GBP
Show Profile Free Pre-Session
Show full list
This icon indicates whether the professional offers sessions conducted via Skype
This icon indicates whether the professional offers sessions conducted by phone
This icon indicates whether the professional offers In-Person sessions.
This icon indicates whether the professional
offers sessions conducted by Mentaline video
A coach helps clients determine and achieve their personal goals.
Hypnotherapist is a therapist, who works with your own internal resources and capabilities through deep relaxation.
A counsellor is a person, who gives advice, but is non directive.
Psychotherapy is a 'talking' therapy, helping to overcome emotional & behavioral anxieties