Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in St Thomas, ON
![Photo of Amelia Holden, MSW, BSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3c08ba8-7d8d-4df2-be76-787ffef17a79/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amelia has been a Registered Social Worker for 24 years working with individuals, couples, and families who may have experienced intergenerational trauma or childhood developmental trauma, leading to mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, or borderline personality disorder. As trauma causes stress on the body and conflict within relationships, the lives of the individuals who are struggling to understand why can often feel confused or lost. By giving them the knowledge and skills of how to accept the things they cannot change and to change the things they can control will assist them in building a life worth living.
Amelia has been a Registered Social Worker for 24 years working with individuals, couples, and families who may have experienced intergenerational trauma or childhood developmental trauma, leading to mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, or borderline personality disorder. As trauma causes stress on the body and conflict within relationships, the lives of the individuals who are struggling to understand why can often feel confused or lost. By giving them the knowledge and skills of how to accept the things they cannot change and to change the things they can control will assist them in building a life worth living.
![Photo of Cindy Steffy, MSW, RSW, RP, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4543b358-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
She developed and facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and developed and facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs used to treat Borderline Personality Disorders.
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
She developed and facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and developed and facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs used to treat Borderline Personality Disorders.
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
![Photo of Hope N Valletta, RP, MSc, BA, DipGIT, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d46aacc-ab0f-4248-a488-b9a5cedc8466/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hope N Valletta
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MSc, BA, DipGIT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
Does any of this sound familiar? You survived emotional neglect. You work hard and are independent. Sometimes, your drive has harmed relationships and partnerships. Perhaps your family members struggle with alcohol or addictions. You often feel isolated and "not enough", and could use help from a person who understands these challenges. If you are Neurodivergent, in Recovery; or considering gender transition, I have specific education + experience to support you (Rainbow Health Ontario provider). I am Autistic (AuDHD), adopted, ACE, trans and in a loving marriage. I work, volunteer and learn in Harm Reduction communities.
Does any of this sound familiar? You survived emotional neglect. You work hard and are independent. Sometimes, your drive has harmed relationships and partnerships. Perhaps your family members struggle with alcohol or addictions. You often feel isolated and "not enough", and could use help from a person who understands these challenges. If you are Neurodivergent, in Recovery; or considering gender transition, I have specific education + experience to support you (Rainbow Health Ontario provider). I am Autistic (AuDHD), adopted, ACE, trans and in a loving marriage. I work, volunteer and learn in Harm Reduction communities.
![Photo of Kristen McFadden, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b18d4d07-72a0-4b22-ba7f-394bbeba1f34/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen McFadden
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone should be able to feel that they have worth and are enough as they are in any given moment. My goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space to be able to work toward this knowledge, while exploring strengths you may have forgotten or don't know that you have. I believe in the importance of meeting people where they are at, and walking alongside them in their journey. I am a Registered Social Worker with over 5 years of clinical experience working with children, youth, and adults. I have worked closely with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and who have experienced trauma.
Everyone should be able to feel that they have worth and are enough as they are in any given moment. My goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space to be able to work toward this knowledge, while exploring strengths you may have forgotten or don't know that you have. I believe in the importance of meeting people where they are at, and walking alongside them in their journey. I am a Registered Social Worker with over 5 years of clinical experience working with children, youth, and adults. I have worked closely with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and who have experienced trauma.
![Photo of Kate Robinson, MSW, RSW, SEP, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b70e2166-b6b2-4791-b58c-4b60449fa161/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Robinson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Registered Social Worker who has been providing counselling and psychotherapy services for over 12 years. I use an integrative approach to practice, using a variety of methods to fit the unique needs of each person I work with. I am trained in CBT, EMDR, NARM and Somatic Experiencing. I have experience in working with a broad spectrum of issues, with extensive experience in working with trauma, co-occurring mental health and physical health symptoms, anxiety, depression and grief. My goal is to assist people in feeling more like they want to feel so that they can live balanced and well lives.
I am a Registered Social Worker who has been providing counselling and psychotherapy services for over 12 years. I use an integrative approach to practice, using a variety of methods to fit the unique needs of each person I work with. I am trained in CBT, EMDR, NARM and Somatic Experiencing. I have experience in working with a broad spectrum of issues, with extensive experience in working with trauma, co-occurring mental health and physical health symptoms, anxiety, depression and grief. My goal is to assist people in feeling more like they want to feel so that they can live balanced and well lives.
![Photo of Nicole Yawney, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e8fd8a8-ea7a-42f7-ba4e-218e605be7e8/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Indigenous mental health clinic providing accessible counselling to meet you where you are at. I embrace a wholistic lens with a philosophy of belonging, being and doing. I use a two-eyed seeing approach bridging western modalities and traditional ways of knowing to manage mental health and unexpected life events. My lens has been shaped by the strength of my community, family, elders and the residential school experience. I have experience in complex trauma, suicide, chronic illness, medical trauma and high risk mental health in my years in community work and in private practice.
I am an Indigenous mental health clinic providing accessible counselling to meet you where you are at. I embrace a wholistic lens with a philosophy of belonging, being and doing. I use a two-eyed seeing approach bridging western modalities and traditional ways of knowing to manage mental health and unexpected life events. My lens has been shaped by the strength of my community, family, elders and the residential school experience. I have experience in complex trauma, suicide, chronic illness, medical trauma and high risk mental health in my years in community work and in private practice.
![Photo of Vicki Wiebe, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b58d85f9-a736-4503-9b98-448a7dd1f686/1/320x400.jpeg)
In this stage of my career, I am being called to coach and support others in the mental health field to thrive in their work through providing clinical supervision services to professionals. As an RP, I want to utilize my experience and create an authentic relationship and learning environment so that new clinicians can develop their competence and skillset. As an experienced clinical leader, and Gallup Certified Manager, I can also offer a unique strengths based assessment using Clifton Strengths. I will work with you to understand how your unique talents can achieve a balance and satisfaction in the important work that we do.
In this stage of my career, I am being called to coach and support others in the mental health field to thrive in their work through providing clinical supervision services to professionals. As an RP, I want to utilize my experience and create an authentic relationship and learning environment so that new clinicians can develop their competence and skillset. As an experienced clinical leader, and Gallup Certified Manager, I can also offer a unique strengths based assessment using Clifton Strengths. I will work with you to understand how your unique talents can achieve a balance and satisfaction in the important work that we do.
![Photo of Amanda Hindley - Amanda Hindley, RN Psychotherapist, RN, BScN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c932394-e4e0-4ee2-8c5e-ed3dcca670ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone has worse days, and it is okay not to know what to do or how to make a change in your life. I am here to help you find the light when you feel stuck in darkness. Like a light post, I will help guide you with compassion, non-judgment, and care to a place where your pain is transformed into peace. I have been working with people in the most difficult times of their lives for 15 years. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, your relationship, your sex life/ intimacy, peers/parents, your health, your body, trauma, substance or behavioral addictions, I am here to help you create change in the direction you want.
Everyone has worse days, and it is okay not to know what to do or how to make a change in your life. I am here to help you find the light when you feel stuck in darkness. Like a light post, I will help guide you with compassion, non-judgment, and care to a place where your pain is transformed into peace. I have been working with people in the most difficult times of their lives for 15 years. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, your relationship, your sex life/ intimacy, peers/parents, your health, your body, trauma, substance or behavioral addictions, I am here to help you create change in the direction you want.
![Photo of Sondra Budd, BA, MA(P), RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82ea05d4-88c5-44a7-85cd-b00dc1c2bfa8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sondra Budd
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA(P), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R (Online Only)
When we're already going through difficult and painful experiences in our lives and we’re feeling emotionally fragile, asking for help can feel scary. We’re all different, and our ability to overcome difficult and painful experiences can depend on our predisposition, resources, and level of support. You may be dealing with everyday stress, past or present traumatic stress, or you may be struggling to cope with symptoms associated with mental, emotional, or physical health. Whatever the issue, we can work through it together.
When we're already going through difficult and painful experiences in our lives and we’re feeling emotionally fragile, asking for help can feel scary. We’re all different, and our ability to overcome difficult and painful experiences can depend on our predisposition, resources, and level of support. You may be dealing with everyday stress, past or present traumatic stress, or you may be struggling to cope with symptoms associated with mental, emotional, or physical health. Whatever the issue, we can work through it together.
![Photo of Tiana Cortina, BASc, OCGC, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/193a2541-5a2c-453a-ab2b-12ffc7d9236c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tiana Cortina
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BASc, OCGC, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P
You are feeling overwhelmed in life - your emotions, thoughts, and circumstances are becoming overbearing. Pulling away from others to try to deal with these issues is no longer working. You find yourself having more “bad” days than good. It’s getting harder to depend on yourself to cope and make it through one more day. Whether you are dealing with work or school stress, relationship stress, loss, or new developments in life, I can help you in finding your way again.
You are feeling overwhelmed in life - your emotions, thoughts, and circumstances are becoming overbearing. Pulling away from others to try to deal with these issues is no longer working. You find yourself having more “bad” days than good. It’s getting harder to depend on yourself to cope and make it through one more day. Whether you are dealing with work or school stress, relationship stress, loss, or new developments in life, I can help you in finding your way again.
![Photo of Jenna Hill, BA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e81bfe7-c9fa-41b7-8e6c-a6ec02fddbd4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Hill
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P (Online Only)
As a therapist specializing in high-conflict separation, parenting coordination, mediation, co-parenting counselling, parental alienation, Family Reunification Therapy, and custody access evaluations and assessments, I've worked with hundreds of families who have struggled through the separation process to become successful co-parents. I also work with individuals or groups who have to deal with high conflict people (You know the ones. The ones who really should be in therapy but won't go. Chaos everywhere.) or relationships to develop better coping and conflict resolution skills, as well as those with ADHD or late diagnosed ASD.
As a therapist specializing in high-conflict separation, parenting coordination, mediation, co-parenting counselling, parental alienation, Family Reunification Therapy, and custody access evaluations and assessments, I've worked with hundreds of families who have struggled through the separation process to become successful co-parents. I also work with individuals or groups who have to deal with high conflict people (You know the ones. The ones who really should be in therapy but won't go. Chaos everywhere.) or relationships to develop better coping and conflict resolution skills, as well as those with ADHD or late diagnosed ASD.
![Photo of Kelsey Vande Ven, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a6c24f2-1cba-4a15-9392-a788ef1b52a3/2/320x400.png)
Does your child struggle with big emotions, anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, struggles with peers or school environment? With close to 10 years experience in the field, I specialize in supporting children, youth and parents. My passion lies with supporting children improve their social skills, coping skills, emotion regulation, and overall wellbeing. I believe there are times that we all struggle and need to shift our habits which requires support. I understand that change is difficult and offer a safe place to share struggles along with helpful resources to meet your needs.
Does your child struggle with big emotions, anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, struggles with peers or school environment? With close to 10 years experience in the field, I specialize in supporting children, youth and parents. My passion lies with supporting children improve their social skills, coping skills, emotion regulation, and overall wellbeing. I believe there are times that we all struggle and need to shift our habits which requires support. I understand that change is difficult and offer a safe place to share struggles along with helpful resources to meet your needs.
![Photo of Chris Chmielewski - Chris Chmielewski, MA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e749a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Chmielewski
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
My background holds 40yr of extensive practice experience and continued learning. Expertise:all relationship concerns; recovery/healing from emotional hurts, losses, trauma. Such events, if in early years, can instill persistent insecurity, fears, loneliness and grief, causing troubled close relationships and inner-life: Restricting our core resilient nature where we keep strong potentials to be more open, creative, confident, realistic/effective persons. Mainly treat “self-regulation” problems: Social anxiety, shame/guilt, anger, depression; Overdependencies; Intimacy-sexuality, Communication; Identity-Personality issues;Selfcare.
My background holds 40yr of extensive practice experience and continued learning. Expertise:all relationship concerns; recovery/healing from emotional hurts, losses, trauma. Such events, if in early years, can instill persistent insecurity, fears, loneliness and grief, causing troubled close relationships and inner-life: Restricting our core resilient nature where we keep strong potentials to be more open, creative, confident, realistic/effective persons. Mainly treat “self-regulation” problems: Social anxiety, shame/guilt, anger, depression; Overdependencies; Intimacy-sexuality, Communication; Identity-Personality issues;Selfcare.
![Photo of Scholastica Asahchop - S A Counselling Services, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50e173f7-135c-40be-b28f-0bfc72de746e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Scholastica Asahchop - S A Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained and not sure of what to do? You are not alone because most people experience psychological issues from time to time in life and need help in resolving these challenges. Seeking professional help is pertinent in attaining and maintaining optimal mental health. I utilize both long-term and brief interventions approach to meet clients’ unique needs. I perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs. I work from a strength based, trauma informed framework, evidence-based practices and committed to an anti-oppressive approach.
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained and not sure of what to do? You are not alone because most people experience psychological issues from time to time in life and need help in resolving these challenges. Seeking professional help is pertinent in attaining and maintaining optimal mental health. I utilize both long-term and brief interventions approach to meet clients’ unique needs. I perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs. I work from a strength based, trauma informed framework, evidence-based practices and committed to an anti-oppressive approach.
![Photo of Jordan Thomas - Jordan- London Trauma Therapy, BSW, MPA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/add82b68-c0f9-4a25-9694-1b6469a522a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan- London Trauma Therapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MPA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P
Trauma & painful early life experiences can get in the way of being able to enjoy our lives today.If you are suffering from PTSD, childhood trauma, persistent anxiety or depression, relationship breakdown or chronic stress, I can help. I am a trauma specialist and will help you to rebuild your life. I have extensive experience with First Responders, including physicians, and I will help you to feel safe and heard. First responders are seen ASAP. If you want to experience profound change, healthy relationships & trauma healing, I can help. Healing from trauma and a whole new outlook on yourself and your life are possible.
Trauma & painful early life experiences can get in the way of being able to enjoy our lives today.If you are suffering from PTSD, childhood trauma, persistent anxiety or depression, relationship breakdown or chronic stress, I can help. I am a trauma specialist and will help you to rebuild your life. I have extensive experience with First Responders, including physicians, and I will help you to feel safe and heard. First responders are seen ASAP. If you want to experience profound change, healthy relationships & trauma healing, I can help. Healing from trauma and a whole new outlook on yourself and your life are possible.
![Photo of Mousumi Saha, MSc, Mphil, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4ed24dd-c813-4b2f-a715-701ebbb9d8df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Imagine a space where you feel truly seen and heard, where your unique experiences and challenges are met with understanding and care. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, managing a diagnosis, dealing with ADHD or anxiety, healing from trauma, or just looking for someone to talk to, I’m here for you. Having walked a similar path myself, I deeply understand the emotional toll these experiences can take. Since 2011, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting clients like you as a certified Trauma-Informed Registered Psychotherapist. I’m committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
Imagine a space where you feel truly seen and heard, where your unique experiences and challenges are met with understanding and care. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, managing a diagnosis, dealing with ADHD or anxiety, healing from trauma, or just looking for someone to talk to, I’m here for you. Having walked a similar path myself, I deeply understand the emotional toll these experiences can take. Since 2011, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting clients like you as a certified Trauma-Informed Registered Psychotherapist. I’m committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
![Photo of Carlie Kramer, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f053e77-2456-44ba-8045-e5ae87bad4e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
When I made the conscious effort to connect emotionally, mentally, and spiritually with myself, others, and my environment, I realized the importance of relationship and the power of sharing our narratives with others. My practice prioritizes nurturing the need to connect. When this connection is made and individuals understand why the body, mind, and spirit respond and react in certain ways, they are ready to learn how to implement skills and strategies.
When I made the conscious effort to connect emotionally, mentally, and spiritually with myself, others, and my environment, I realized the importance of relationship and the power of sharing our narratives with others. My practice prioritizes nurturing the need to connect. When this connection is made and individuals understand why the body, mind, and spirit respond and react in certain ways, they are ready to learn how to implement skills and strategies.
![Photo of Rachel Oegema, MSW RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d95ce45-37dd-43d8-907a-810cdd6fc2b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Clinical Social Worker (MSW) with 20 years of experience. I provide psychotherapy and am in trained in numerous evidence based interventions. I bring an inclusive, non-judgmental and compassionate approach that creates an emotionally safe place to heal, grow and learn about yourself. I work with individuals and couples, ages 12 and up.
I am a Clinical Social Worker (MSW) with 20 years of experience. I provide psychotherapy and am in trained in numerous evidence based interventions. I bring an inclusive, non-judgmental and compassionate approach that creates an emotionally safe place to heal, grow and learn about yourself. I work with individuals and couples, ages 12 and up.
![Photo of Leah Marcoccia - London Trauma Therapy - Leah, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52a82d80-0eee-432d-9386-6075ee7c1261/1/320x400.jpeg)
London Trauma Therapy - Leah
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
Being a teen is truly an effort- for everyone involved! If you're a teen or parent of one, I am here to help. In the teens years, you go through so many tumultuous changes. Issues with body image and eating can rob you of your happiness and joy. Parents struggle and feel helpless as they watch mood changes, relationship issues and anxiety reach new levels of intensity. As a teen, you might feel so misunderstood by friends, parents and teachers. You might be struggling with persistent feelings of unhappiness, anxiety or depression. It can be hard to manage all of these pressures and changes. You can take a big breath- I am here now!
Being a teen is truly an effort- for everyone involved! If you're a teen or parent of one, I am here to help. In the teens years, you go through so many tumultuous changes. Issues with body image and eating can rob you of your happiness and joy. Parents struggle and feel helpless as they watch mood changes, relationship issues and anxiety reach new levels of intensity. As a teen, you might feel so misunderstood by friends, parents and teachers. You might be struggling with persistent feelings of unhappiness, anxiety or depression. It can be hard to manage all of these pressures and changes. You can take a big breath- I am here now!
![Photo of Mitchell Brant, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8ef970b-08da-4667-b85e-0e4dedc9a1df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Facing loss, sorrow and grief can be so isolating. It can be hard to know where to turn, and often times a mainstream approach won't help. If you've faced trauma, loss, depression, grief, or struggle with your self-esteem or identity, I understand. I am sure that you want to feel deeper connections to yourself and others. You want to feel free and hopeful. You want to make meaning of loss and allow it to move you forward in a healthy way. You want to let go of traumatic responses that keep you stuck. Perhaps you're looking for healing methods that incorporate more than just talk therapy. I see you, and know that I can help you heal.
Facing loss, sorrow and grief can be so isolating. It can be hard to know where to turn, and often times a mainstream approach won't help. If you've faced trauma, loss, depression, grief, or struggle with your self-esteem or identity, I understand. I am sure that you want to feel deeper connections to yourself and others. You want to feel free and hopeful. You want to make meaning of loss and allow it to move you forward in a healthy way. You want to let go of traumatic responses that keep you stuck. Perhaps you're looking for healing methods that incorporate more than just talk therapy. I see you, and know that I can help you heal.
See more therapy options for St Thomas
Borderline Personality (BPD) Counsellors
What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.
What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?
Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.
What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?
DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.
What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?
The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.