Ep 47: Avoidant Personality | The 6 Subtypes

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into Avoidant Personality Disorder, exploring Dr. Theodore Millon’s six subtypes. We discuss a few interesting historical names before jumping into the characteristics of mild (Anxiously & Imaginatively shy); moderate (Hypersensitively & Phobicly Reticent); and severe (Conflicted & Self-Deserting) subtypes. Our conversation also critiques Millon’s work, questioning the distinctiveness of avoidant traits compared to other personality disorders, and we invite listeners/viewers to share their thoughts and opinions.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction & Historical Names
• 05:18 Millon’s Six Subtypes of Avoidant Personality
• 5:38 Mild Type Overview
  • 6:44 Anxiously Shy Type
  • 9:14 Imaginatively Shy Type
• 12:05 Moderate Level Overview
  • 12:28 Hypersensitively Reticent Type
  • 14:31 Phobicly Reticent Type
• 16:55 Severe Level Overview
  • 17:29 Conflicted Avoidant Type
  • 19:40 Self-Deserting Avoidant Type
• 22:21 Our Opinions About the Subtypes
• 26:14 Summary & Conclusion