Learn to recognize these three red flags that the therapeutic process isn’t likely to work for a character disturbed individual in your life. Successful therapy for character disturbance does not depend on any of the these mainstays of traditional therapy, like focusing on feelings, trying to ‘see’ what the person is doing, or working on fears and insecurities and self-esteem issues. Part 3 of a series.

Whether as a couple or as an individual, keep these three things in mind to increase your chances of finding and working with a therapist who will actually be able to help with disturbed characters in your life and relationships. Part 2 of a series.

It is extremely difficult to manage character-disturbed individuals — for those who are in relationships with them and also for therapists trying to help. This is Part 1 of a three-part series on how to get the right kind of help with character disturbance, including tips for finding therapy that works, plus red flags that indicate when it probably won’t.

Beginning in the 1950s, Albert Ellis laid the foundations for a major portion of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with his colorful descriptions of negative thought patterns, descriptions that remain useful to the present day. Yet these venerable tools also have their limitations and misuses.

Although film critics have given Limitless tepid praise, I found this movie to be deeply meaningful as a therapist. Understand Limitless and you understand many of the dreams and nightmares that haunt modern life.

Your first sessions in therapy are likely to revolve around collecting details of your life. What your family tree, your childhood friends, or a major illness may have to do with your current situation may not be apparent at first, but there’s more to know about taking a client history.

We adults are supposed to be the responsible ones. We have a duty to protect those who are dependent upon us for their welfare. Ensuring the safety of our children is a duty we all share.