American Psychological Association Specific Treatments for Specific Populations: Dependent Personality Disorder

Robert F. Bornstein demonstrates his integrated treatment approach to working with clients who have a dependent coping style. This approach integrates techniques from the psychodynamic and cognitive traditions, along with experiential and behavioral elements. Treatment initially focuses on helping the client gain insight into the origin and dynamics of their problematic dependency.In this session, Dr. Bornstein works with a recently married woman in her early 30s who is experiencing problems because her husband is critical and needy, and she is not assertive enough to deny his requests for help. Dr. Bornstein helps the client to see her part in creating this dependent dynamic, and together they look for ways to move toward a healthier relationship.