Addressing maladaptive interpersonal schemas, poor metacognition and maladaptive coping strategies in Avoidant Personality Disorder: The role of experiential techniques

Abstract

Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) is the most prevalent diagnosis amongst the personality disorders. However, it remains under-researched, and few psychotherapeutic approaches have proven effectiveness in treating the disorder. Focusing on specific elements of psychopathology may therefore help in refining treatments for this disorder. Here we present a case where Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT) was used to directly address the negative metacognitive schemas held by clients with APD. We also describe the theoretical background of MIT and why it may be effective in the psychotherapeutic treatment of APD.