In their chapter, Bach and Presnall-Shvorin (this volume) introduce guidelines for incorporating empirically-driven trait models of personality pathology, codified in the DSM-5 and ICD-11, into therapeutic practice. Though the authors of this commentary are supportive of the effort to bridge research with clinical practice, they suggest that a mechanistic model which accounts for personality processes underlying descriptive traits could offer greater precision than traits alone. Furthermore, they argue that clinical dysfunction can only be meaningfully defined and treated with an understanding of dynamic, contextualized aspects of personality. To illustrate how a mechanistic model could complement and extend Bach and Presnall’s recommendations, the authors present a case conceptualization using cybernetic theory. Finally, they review how idiographic data gleaned from ambulatory assessment methods provide insight into pathological processes ideal for therapeutic intervention. To achieve a generalizable approach flexible enough to adapt to the individual, they encourage the development of treatment models that go beyond traits to mechanistically link stable and dynamic personality features into a unified framework.