When Complex Trauma Looks Like a Personality Disorder: Dr. Kirk Honda on What Most Therapists Miss

What if your "personality disorder" was actually trauma? The truth is, most therapists still don’t know how to spot complex PTSD — and way too many people get mislabeled in the process.

In this episode, Andrea has compiled the best moments from her past conversations with Dr. Kirk Honda — licensed therapist and host of Psychology in Seattle. They unpack the blurred lines between complex trauma and personality disorders, challenge common therapy pitfalls, and offer real insight into what trauma-informed care actually requires.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why complex trauma often gets mistaken for a personality disorder — and how that mislabeling can delay real healing
• The red flags of a therapist who isn’t truly trauma-informed (and how to vet the right one)
• How repressed memories work (what they actually are, and why trying to “dig them up” can be risky without the right support)
• The overlap between borderline personality disorder and CPTSD — and why labels aren’t always helpful
• What most people get wrong about narcissism (hint: it’s not just a buzzword for people you don’t like)

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