Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) is a deeply distressing condition that can interfere with your ability to form meaningful relationships, express yourself, or even engage in daily activities. At Wholesome Psychology, we offer trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy for individuals in Edmonton and St. Albert who are seeking relief from the isolation and anxiety that AVPD can create.

What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Avoidant Personality Disorder is classified as a Cluster C personality disorder, which includes disorders associated with fear and anxiety. People living with AVPD often experience an overwhelming fear of rejection, criticism, or embarrassment. This fear can be so intense that it leads to complete avoidance of social interaction—even if the individual deeply desires connection and belonging.

Although AVPD shares certain features with Social Anxiety Disorder, it is more pervasive and persistent. Where social anxiety might flare up in specific scenarios, AVPD influences nearly all aspects of a person's interpersonal life and self-concept.

Common Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder

Symptoms can vary from person to person but typically include:

• Extremely low self-esteem or feelings of unworthiness
• Persistent fear of embarrassment, criticism, or rejection
• Reluctance to take personal risks or engage in new activities
• Strong desire for social relationships coupled with social withdrawal
• Chronic feelings of inadequacy or inferiority
• Avoidance of work or social activities involving interpersonal contact
• Heightened sensitivity to perceived disapproval or failure

Many individuals with AVPD are aware of their social limitations and suffer internally, longing for connection but fearing it at the same time. This inner conflict often leads to emotional distress, depression, or co-occurring disorders like generalized anxiety or agoraphobia.

When to Seek Help

If you often feel paralyzed by fear in social settings, or if your avoidance has limited your relationships, career, or quality of life, it may be time to seek professional help. Living with Avoidant Personality Disorder doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’ve been trying to protect yourself in ways that are no longer serving you.

Our Edmonton and St. Albert therapists offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your fears, reshape your self-perception, and begin to move toward a more connected and fulfilling life.

Therapeutic Approaches for Avoidant Personality Disorder

At Wholesome Psychology, we use a variety of evidence-based therapies to treat AVPD. Treatment is always personalized, trauma-informed, and guided by your pace and comfort. Common modalities include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and challenge the automatic negative beliefs that fuel fear and avoidance. Through gradual exposure and thought restructuring, you can learn to approach social interactions with greater confidence.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Many clients with AVPD struggle in close relationships. EFT focuses on building secure emotional bonds and understanding attachment styles that may be contributing to avoidance.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is especially useful for clients with past trauma. It helps process distressing memories that may be feeding current fears of judgment or humiliation.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness practices help you become more present, reducing anxious forecasting and negative self-evaluation. It also supports emotional regulation in social contexts.

Art and Expressive Therapies

Creative modalities provide a non-verbal avenue to explore emotions that may feel overwhelming or difficult to articulate in traditional talk therapy.

Our Team’s Approach to AVPD Therapy

Our team of psychologists and therapists in Edmonton and St. Albert are experienced in working with personality disorders, trauma, and anxiety-related conditions. We view our clients as whole, resilient individuals—not as broken or disordered.

We believe in your capacity to grow, heal, and build the kind of life you want, even if it feels out of reach right now. Therapy at Wholesome Psychology is always collaborative. We’ll move at your pace and build a relationship founded on trust, safety, and mutual respect.

You can read more about our clinical team on our Therapists page.

Online and In-Person Therapy Options

We offer both in-person therapy in Edmonton and St. Albert, and secure virtual counselling sessions for individuals across Alberta. This flexibility allows you to access therapy in the format that feels safest and most convenient for you.

Whether you're looking to gently dip your toes into therapy or you're ready to dive deep, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why Choose Wholesome Psychology?

• Trauma-informed, compassionate care
• Local expertise in Edmonton and St. Albert
• Flexible online and in-person options
• Inclusive, affirming, and culturally sensitive practices
• Therapists who truly listen, without judgment

We understand how hard it is to ask for help—especially when fear of rejection is at the core of your struggle. Taking this step is an act of courage. You're not alone, and healing is possible.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

If you're ready to take the next step, we're here to walk alongside you. Contact us today to book a consultation or to learn more about therapy for Avoidant Personality Disorder in Edmonton and St. Albert. Let’s move toward connection, together.