Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) can make it feel impossible to fully participate in life. You may long for connection yet feel intense fear of rejection, criticism, or embarrassment. Even positive opportunities can feel risky, and you might avoid social situations, work projects, or personal relationships to protect yourself from potential judgment.
Living this way can create a painful cycle. The more you avoid, the more isolated you feel, and the harder it becomes to step into situations where connection and growth are possible. At R&R Health, we understand how deeply AvPD can affect your self-esteem, your relationships, and your overall quality of life. We want you to know that change is possible, and you can learn to feel safe, confident, and worthy in the presence of others.
Avoidant Personality Disorder is not about simply being shy or introverted. It is rooted in an overwhelming fear of negative evaluation. Even neutral comments or small mistakes can feel like confirmation of your worst fears about yourself. Over time, this fear can lead to a habit of withdrawing before the possibility of rejection can occur.
While avoidance may provide short-term relief from anxiety, it also prevents the experiences that could disprove those fears. Without intervention, this pattern reinforces the belief that social situations are dangerous and that you are not capable of handling them.
Comprehensive Assessment
We start by learning about your experiences, the situations you find most challenging, and how AvPD has shaped your life. This helps us build a treatment plan that directly addresses your unique needs and goals.
Evidence-Based Therapies
We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge distorted beliefs about yourself and others, and Exposure Therapy to help you gradually face feared situations in a safe and supportive way. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can also be integrated to help you take action toward meaningful goals, even when fear is present.
Holistic and Experiential Healing
We include activities that build confidence and comfort in group settings. Surf therapy, yoga, breathwork, art therapy, music therapy, equine-assisted activities, reiki, and outdoor adventures provide opportunities to connect with others while focusing on shared experiences rather than self-criticism.
Building Social and Communication Skills
We offer structured opportunities to practice conversations, assertiveness, and conflict resolution in a supportive environment. Over time, these skills become tools you can carry into daily life with confidence.
Our goal is to help you move from isolation to engagement. As you build self-esteem and challenge your fears, social situations become less threatening and more rewarding. You begin to see yourself as capable, likable, and worthy of meaningful relationships.
We want you to leave treatment with the confidence to accept invitations, pursue new opportunities, and allow others to see the real you. You will discover that connection does not have to be something you fear — it can become one of the most fulfilling parts of your life.
You do not have to face this alone. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our admissions team will guide you every step of the way.
