Alternative therapies can support traditional treatment for personality disorders by promoting emotion regulation, reducing distress, and improving daily functioning. Understanding these options helps people and clinicians collaborate to tailor care safely and effectively.
In this guide, you’ll find evidence-informed approaches, how they fit with standard therapies, practical examples you can discuss with your care team, and essential safety considerations. The goal is to inform — not replace — professional guidance and individualized care plans.
Evidence-based alternative approaches
Mindfulness- and meditation-based therapies
Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive approaches, focus on nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. In personality disorders, these practices are associated with improvements in emotional regulation, reduced rumination, and better distress tolerance for some individuals. They are often offered as an adjunct to psychotherapy rather than a standalone treatment. Training with a qualified instructor and ongoing supervision through a clinician can help tailor practices to individual needs.
Learn more about mindfulness resources and programs:
Exercise, movement, and somatic approaches
Regular physical activity supports mood regulation, sleep quality, and stress resilience, all of which can influence emotional stability in personality disorders. Somatic practices — where attention is placed on the body and bodily sensations — can help people learn to notice early signs of dysregulation and respond more calmly. The exact type of activity matters less than consistency, enjoyment, and safety.
Helpful resources:
Creative and expressive therapies
Art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy, and related expressive modalities offer nonverbal avenues to explore emotions, relationships, and self-expression. They can complement talk therapy by helping individuals identify feelings, build self-awareness, and rehearse new ways of relating to others. These approaches are particularly helpful when traditional talk therapy feels challenging or overwhelming.
- American Art Therapy Association
- American Music Therapy Association
- Animal-assisted and pet-facilitated therapy resources
Sleep, nutrition, and circadian-friendly routines
Stable sleep patterns and balanced nutrition support emotional regulation and cognitive functioning. Sleep disturbances are common in many personality disorders and can amplify symptoms such as irritability and impulsivity. Practical changes — consistent bedtimes, limiting caffeine late in the day, and balanced meals — can improve daytime functioning and therapy engagement.
Technology-assisted self-help and digital tools
Digital tools — such as guided mindfulness apps, mood-tracking, and psychoeducation platforms — can support practice between sessions. These tools are best used under the guidance of a clinician, who can help interpret data, tailor exercises, and ensure safety. When using digital options, prioritize privacy, evidence-based content, and clear boundaries with professionals.
How these approaches complement traditional therapy
Alternative and complementary therapies are most effective when integrated thoughtfully with established treatments such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapies, or schema-focused approaches. The aim is to enhance core skills — emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and self-awareness — without replacing proven treatments. Collaboration between the person, their therapist, and any integrative providers helps ensure consistent messages, safe practice, and monitoring for adverse effects.
- Use complementary modalities to reinforce skills learned in conventional therapy (for example, mindfulness practice to strengthen DBT’s distress tolerance and emotion regulation modules).
- Coordinate schedules and goals across providers to avoid conflicting strategies or safety concerns.
- Document responses to new practices (what helps, what doesn’t, any side effects) and share this with your treatment team.
Specific therapies that may help
Mindfulness-based cognitive approaches
Beyond generic mindfulness, structured programs that blend mindfulness with cognitive strategies can help with rumination, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity. These approaches are typically delivered by trained professionals and can be incorporated into ongoing therapy across a range of personality disorders.
Accessible resources:
Expressive and arts-based modalities
Art therapy and related expressive approaches provide nonverbal routes to process complex emotions and relational patterns. When used with reflective discussion and clinical oversight, these modalities can enhance insight and resilience.
Trauma-informed approaches and related therapies
For some personality disorders, trauma-focused work may be relevant. Therapies like EMDR or other evidence-based approaches for trauma can address underlying trauma-related symptoms that contribute to emotional dysregulation and relationship difficulties. These should be pursued with trained clinicians and within an appropriate treatment plan.
Integration with professional care
Integrating alternative approaches requires clear communication with your mental health professionals. Steps to maximize safety and effectiveness include:
- Discuss proposed modalities before starting them, including expected benefits and possible risks.
- Share any changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or functioning as soon as they occur.
- Seek therapies that are delivered or supervised by licensed or credentialed practitioners, and verify credentials for creative therapies or somatic practitioners.
- Establish a plan for monitoring safety, especially if self-harm or suicidality is present.
Important safety considerations
- Do not replace evidence-based treatment with unproven therapies without clinician input; use adjunctive approaches only in consultation with a care team.
- Be mindful of triggers: some expressive therapies can surface intense emotions. Ensure a plan for support and grounding during or after sessions.
- Check for contraindications: certain physical activities, supplements, or therapies may not be suitable for everyone (e.g., sleep disorders, seizure history, pregnancy, or medical conditions).
- Verify the safety and privacy of digital tools, especially mood-tracking apps or online programs. Use tools from reputable sources and share results with your clinician.
- Guard against overgeneralizing personal benefits. What helps one person may not help another; tailor choices to your own needs and preferences.
⚠️ This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about medications, mental health treatment, or alternative and holistic treatment.
