Adult Child 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)
⬇️DAMN THE JOIN SHITSHOW - ADULT CHILD HEALING COMMUNITY⬇️
- 4 weekly zoom support groups (Sun 3: 30 pm EST, Mon 8:30 pm EST, Tues 1 pm EST, & Thurs 8:30 pm EST)
- Support community at your fingertips with discussion boards and chat
📰SIGN UP FOR SHITSHOW NATION - ADULT CHILD NEWSLETTER
👩HELP A GIRL & CAT EAT🐱
www.buymeacoffee.com/adultchild
www.adultchildpodcast.com/shop
🎙️NEW TO THE POD🎙️
How I learned I was an Adult Child - The Tale of 2 Brians
THE LAUNDRY LIST - Common Characteristics of an Adult Child
Follow Andrea on social
www.instagram.com/adultchildpod
https://www.youtube.com/@adultchildpod
Check out La Pure and use my code ADULTCHILD for a great deal: https://www.lapurecosmetics.com
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code ADULTCHILD for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy