Photo of Laura Picard, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Picard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
(310) 340-1848 View (310) 340-1848
Photo of Sandy Kong, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandy Kong
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95125
I work with Complex PTSD, BPD, Sexual Trauma, Grief/Loss, Substance Use, Anxiety, Depression, and Relationship Issues.
Are you tired of code/persona switching? Maybe there are some underlying behaviors & emotions that don't make sense & you want to learn more? Or maybe you can't seem to connect with someone who actually "gets it", which doesn't mean they're terrible people, because they're endearing when they try, but they just don't seem to fully understand. It's hard trying to navigate life & all it's complexities. As humans, we're multi-faceted, multi-dimensional beings which can be really overwhelming. There are parts that we love, other parts that we dislike, maybe even hate. This can cause to act in self-sabotaging ways, unintentionally.
I work with Complex PTSD, BPD, Sexual Trauma, Grief/Loss, Substance Use, Anxiety, Depression, and Relationship Issues.
Are you tired of code/persona switching? Maybe there are some underlying behaviors & emotions that don't make sense & you want to learn more? Or maybe you can't seem to connect with someone who actually "gets it", which doesn't mean they're terrible people, because they're endearing when they try, but they just don't seem to fully understand. It's hard trying to navigate life & all it's complexities. As humans, we're multi-faceted, multi-dimensional beings which can be really overwhelming. There are parts that we love, other parts that we dislike, maybe even hate. This can cause to act in self-sabotaging ways, unintentionally.
(408) 822-9054 View (408) 822-9054
Photo of Jessica C Silsby, PsyD, Psychologist
Jessica C Silsby
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121
I provide comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (adults & adolescents) experiencing emotional dysregulation, strained relationships, overwhelming suffering (w/wo diagnosis of BPD), and/or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. My frame is client-centered, believing that you are the expert of your life, & therapy is a collaborate effort. I also work extensively within the Trans*/Nonbinary community, supporting an affirmed life for you and those around you. This can be at any age and include issues of disclosure, life changes, overcoming fear while balancing safety, & community advocacy.
I provide comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (adults & adolescents) experiencing emotional dysregulation, strained relationships, overwhelming suffering (w/wo diagnosis of BPD), and/or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. My frame is client-centered, believing that you are the expert of your life, & therapy is a collaborate effort. I also work extensively within the Trans*/Nonbinary community, supporting an affirmed life for you and those around you. This can be at any age and include issues of disclosure, life changes, overcoming fear while balancing safety, & community advocacy.
(619) 430-2475 View (619) 430-2475
Photo of Laura Picard, LMFT, 135100, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Picard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 135100
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
(415) 877-9215 View (415) 877-9215
Photo of Jessica Ulmer, PsyD, Psychologist
Jessica Ulmer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121
I completed my doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD) at La Salle University in Philadelphia and am licensed in CA and WA. I have worked with children, teens, & adults with emotional & behavioral dysregulation, relationship issues, suicidal thinking, substance abuse issues, & difficulty with life transitions. I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness acceptance-based approaches. Specializing further, using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure for treating trauma. I have expertise in treating Eating Disorders, Body image issues, Trauma, Suicidal behaviors, & Borderline Personality disorder.
I completed my doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD) at La Salle University in Philadelphia and am licensed in CA and WA. I have worked with children, teens, & adults with emotional & behavioral dysregulation, relationship issues, suicidal thinking, substance abuse issues, & difficulty with life transitions. I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness acceptance-based approaches. Specializing further, using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure for treating trauma. I have expertise in treating Eating Disorders, Body image issues, Trauma, Suicidal behaviors, & Borderline Personality disorder.
(619) 389-3246 View (619) 389-3246
Photo of Max Gezerseh, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Max Gezerseh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Based on personal belief and experience and coming from a Humanistic Existential theoretical perspective I believe in the great innate potential every individual has and the helper's role as a facilitator or coach to assist the individual to discover and to utilize such strength to live up to one's highest potential. My practice areas include: Substance Abuse (adults & adolescents), Grief Counseling, Marital & Premarital Counseling, Adolescent Misbehavior, Anger-Management, Domestic Violence, Depression, Anxiety, and Stage of Life. I am experienced to work with challenging behavioral problems like borderline personality disorder and adolescents' substance abuse or misbehavior.
Based on personal belief and experience and coming from a Humanistic Existential theoretical perspective I believe in the great innate potential every individual has and the helper's role as a facilitator or coach to assist the individual to discover and to utilize such strength to live up to one's highest potential. My practice areas include: Substance Abuse (adults & adolescents), Grief Counseling, Marital & Premarital Counseling, Adolescent Misbehavior, Anger-Management, Domestic Violence, Depression, Anxiety, and Stage of Life. I am experienced to work with challenging behavioral problems like borderline personality disorder and adolescents' substance abuse or misbehavior.
(949) 531-7104 View (949) 531-7104
Photo of Alejandra Arce, PhD
Alejandra Arce
Registered Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025  (Online Only)
I am passionate about providing evidence-based, culturally-sensitive interventions for a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I approach treatment from an ecological and family systems lens to consider ways in which individuals influence and are influenced by other people, systems, and settings. In my work, treatment plans are collaboratively developed with clients and are often broadly focused on goals around regulating intense emotions and/or healing from traumatic experiences.
I am passionate about providing evidence-based, culturally-sensitive interventions for a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I approach treatment from an ecological and family systems lens to consider ways in which individuals influence and are influenced by other people, systems, and settings. In my work, treatment plans are collaboratively developed with clients and are often broadly focused on goals around regulating intense emotions and/or healing from traumatic experiences.
(310) 340-0618 View (310) 340-0618
Photo of Danielle Williamson Lcsw, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danielle Williamson Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116  (Online Only)
Are you ready for deeper healing than talk therapy? I am currently practicing Brainspotting/EMDR treatment to provide the deepest brain-based healing which goes much further than plain talk therapies. I specialize in trauma, first responders, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and other diagnosis which inhibit you from living you best life.
Are you ready for deeper healing than talk therapy? I am currently practicing Brainspotting/EMDR treatment to provide the deepest brain-based healing which goes much further than plain talk therapies. I specialize in trauma, first responders, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and other diagnosis which inhibit you from living you best life.
(619) 776-3371 View (619) 776-3371
Photo of De Anda Psychological Services, PsyD, Psychologist
De Anda Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whittier, CA 90605
We work with people of all ages struggling with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder and those with a history of trauma.
Accepting Clients: De Anda Psychological Services counsels individuals, couples and families, helping them to restore hope, find solutions and transform their lives. Life often presents us with challenges – Injury, illness, loss of relationship, problems with children or family, loss of a job, or an inexplicable inability to function and a sense of feeling powerless. Much of the time with can manage these difficulties; but occasionally these problems become too overwhelming.
We work with people of all ages struggling with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder and those with a history of trauma.
Accepting Clients: De Anda Psychological Services counsels individuals, couples and families, helping them to restore hope, find solutions and transform their lives. Life often presents us with challenges – Injury, illness, loss of relationship, problems with children or family, loss of a job, or an inexplicable inability to function and a sense of feeling powerless. Much of the time with can manage these difficulties; but occasionally these problems become too overwhelming.
(714) 623-0997 View (714) 623-0997
Photo of Candace Deese - Guiding Hope Marriage and Family Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Guiding Hope Marriage and Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calimesa, CA 92320
Our experience is extensive but not limited to working with substance use, Eating DO, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, dual diagnosis, chronic illness, mood and depressive disorders such as MDD, BPD, and many others.
Have you noticed an an increase in anxiety, chronic stress, loss of sleep or experiencing difficulty due to depression, difficulty within relationships, isolation or create behaviors that are harmful? Has life begun to feel like it is rocking you to our core and beginning to feel like life is unmanageable? If you are experiencing effects of trauma, mental health feeling unstable, addiction, individual, martial, family issues, teens, adjustment concerns, we are here to walk with you as we learn to understand the inner truth with healthy coping skills and restoration of strength to embrace life with all it has to offer.
Our experience is extensive but not limited to working with substance use, Eating DO, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, dual diagnosis, chronic illness, mood and depressive disorders such as MDD, BPD, and many others.
Have you noticed an an increase in anxiety, chronic stress, loss of sleep or experiencing difficulty due to depression, difficulty within relationships, isolation or create behaviors that are harmful? Has life begun to feel like it is rocking you to our core and beginning to feel like life is unmanageable? If you are experiencing effects of trauma, mental health feeling unstable, addiction, individual, martial, family issues, teens, adjustment concerns, we are here to walk with you as we learn to understand the inner truth with healthy coping skills and restoration of strength to embrace life with all it has to offer.
(909) 316-1866 View (909) 316-1866
Photo of Irenda Rios Immigration Evaluation Evaluaciones Inmigracion, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Irenda Rios Immigration Evaluation Evaluaciones Inmigracion
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
My specialty includes working with disorders such as Bipolar spectrum, schizophrenia, anxiety, phobias, borderline personality, and depression.
Mental health, addiction and traumas can be treated with the appropriate psychotherapy. With thirteen years of experience in the field, I have had the opportunity to work with clients who have different problems, needs and objectives. People of all ages, ethnicities and cultures; therefore, giving me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on how to detect and treat various conditions. Psychotherapy helps people to go through a recovery process without problems.
My specialty includes working with disorders such as Bipolar spectrum, schizophrenia, anxiety, phobias, borderline personality, and depression.
Mental health, addiction and traumas can be treated with the appropriate psychotherapy. With thirteen years of experience in the field, I have had the opportunity to work with clients who have different problems, needs and objectives. People of all ages, ethnicities and cultures; therefore, giving me the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding on how to detect and treat various conditions. Psychotherapy helps people to go through a recovery process without problems.
(619) 304-3617 View (619) 304-3617
Photo of Wray De Anda, PsyD, Psychologist
Wray De Anda
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whittier, CA 90605  (Online Only)
I counsel individuals, couples and families, helping them to restore hope, find solutions and transform their lives. I have extensive experience working with trauma issues, from the little hurts and rejections we go through every day, to childhood abuse and neglect. I work with individuals of all ages struggling with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder and those with a history of trauma.
I counsel individuals, couples and families, helping them to restore hope, find solutions and transform their lives. I have extensive experience working with trauma issues, from the little hurts and rejections we go through every day, to childhood abuse and neglect. I work with individuals of all ages struggling with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder and those with a history of trauma.
(714) 623-0997 View (714) 623-0997
Photo of Hollie Granato, PhD, Psychologist
Hollie Granato
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I am licensed in CA, TX, HI, and all psypact states. My mission as a clinical psychologist is to help individuals reduce suffering and achieve purpose in their lives. I view therapy as teamwork and am dedicated to collaboratively helping clients reach their goals. I strive to provide evidence-based treatment, rooted in the latest scientific findings, facilitated by a validating and safe space.
I am licensed in CA, TX, HI, and all psypact states. My mission as a clinical psychologist is to help individuals reduce suffering and achieve purpose in their lives. I view therapy as teamwork and am dedicated to collaboratively helping clients reach their goals. I strive to provide evidence-based treatment, rooted in the latest scientific findings, facilitated by a validating and safe space.
(424) 363-7586 View (424) 363-7586
Photo of Laura Michelle Eklund, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Michelle Eklund
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
If you are ready to move forward in your life and need someone who you can trust in their expertise and experience, I am the right provider for you. I specialize in treating trauma especially abuse, assaults, domestic violence and injuries. I can attend to the specific needs of police officers, first responders, veterans. I am a proud support of survivors of childhood abuse and sexual abuse/ exploitation, provider for California Victims of Crime Compensation.
If you are ready to move forward in your life and need someone who you can trust in their expertise and experience, I am the right provider for you. I specialize in treating trauma especially abuse, assaults, domestic violence and injuries. I can attend to the specific needs of police officers, first responders, veterans. I am a proud support of survivors of childhood abuse and sexual abuse/ exploitation, provider for California Victims of Crime Compensation.
(925) 266-3134 View (925) 266-3134
Photo of M. Reza Emami - Community Behavioral Health Research Foundation, MS, CPRP, MFT, LPCC, Counselor
Community Behavioral Health Research Foundation
Counselor, MS, CPRP, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534
I am a licensed therapist and certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner providing individual, and family therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have experience treating anxiety, trauma, depression, mood disorder, panic disorder, self-injurious behaviors, relationship difficulties, family conflicts, and significant life transitions. I am a practical therapist helping individuals deal with childhood trauma, substance use, addiction, job stress, anger, loss, and grief. I also focus my practice on helping individuals, families, and couples cope with life challenges with a culturally sensitive approach.
I am a licensed therapist and certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner providing individual, and family therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have experience treating anxiety, trauma, depression, mood disorder, panic disorder, self-injurious behaviors, relationship difficulties, family conflicts, and significant life transitions. I am a practical therapist helping individuals deal with childhood trauma, substance use, addiction, job stress, anger, loss, and grief. I also focus my practice on helping individuals, families, and couples cope with life challenges with a culturally sensitive approach.
(661) 463-3980 View (661) 463-3980
Photo of Dr. Lacey Lynn Palmer, CDS, C-PD, LMFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Lacey Lynn Palmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, CDS, C-PD, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Cotati, CA 94931
Welcome! I recently completed my PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, meaning I have a more in-depth understanding of the intersection between the mental health and criminal justice systems - this does not make me a clinical psychologist. I have also been recently certified as a Certified Personality Disorder Provider (C-PD). My primary therapeutic modality is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which has been empirically proven to help individuals struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideation, intense mood fluctuations, unstable relationships, poor emotion regulation capabilities, and frequent impulsive & risk-taking behaviors.
Welcome! I recently completed my PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, meaning I have a more in-depth understanding of the intersection between the mental health and criminal justice systems - this does not make me a clinical psychologist. I have also been recently certified as a Certified Personality Disorder Provider (C-PD). My primary therapeutic modality is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which has been empirically proven to help individuals struggling with self-harm, suicidal ideation, intense mood fluctuations, unstable relationships, poor emotion regulation capabilities, and frequent impulsive & risk-taking behaviors.
(415) 358-3840 View (415) 358-3840
Photo of Karie Ochoa, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karie Ochoa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Sobrante, CA 94803  (Online Only)
People come to me because they are struggling and tired. They are struggling in their relationships with others and with themselves. Often, that includes self harm or suicidal thoughts. They might be told they tend to overreact, are dramatic, or intense. Many are struggling with identity, how they see the world and how they see themselves in the world. My clients want to feel more balanced and in control. People come to me because day to day tasks can be so distressing and overwhelming and they want to have a better quality of life.
People come to me because they are struggling and tired. They are struggling in their relationships with others and with themselves. Often, that includes self harm or suicidal thoughts. They might be told they tend to overreact, are dramatic, or intense. Many are struggling with identity, how they see the world and how they see themselves in the world. My clients want to feel more balanced and in control. People come to me because day to day tasks can be so distressing and overwhelming and they want to have a better quality of life.
(510) 983-8563 View (510) 983-8563
Photo of Rhonda Carol Van Cleve, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rhonda Carol Van Cleve
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
(661) 490-9491 x1 View (661) 490-9491 x1
Photo of Michelle Conover - Southern California Neuropsychology Group, PhD, Psychologist
Southern California Neuropsychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
Neuro-Psychotherapy: This unique therapeutic modality combines psychotherapy with a brain and behavior perspective. The integrative format helps you better understand your brain patterns in relationship to your behavior and emotional output. This information will help you to permanently correct the negative feeling or behavior, allowing you to establish positive patterns instead. We offer individual, family and couples therapy to children, adolescents and adults with the following problems or difficulties: sadness/depression, mood swings, anxiety (panic attacks), social phobia, poor social skills, OCD, substance abuse (relapse prevention), video game/internet/pornography addiction, gambling, eating disorders, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anger problems, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, PTSD.
(747) 236-6291 View (747) 236-6291
Photo of Patricia Wilson - Patricia Wilson, MSW, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Patricia Wilson, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212  (Online Only)
I believe successful therapy needs to begin with a trusting, compatible relationship between you and me. If we can establish this foundation for treatment then we can move forward to identify your strengths as a unique individual, and work to uncover and resolve the elements in your life that are preventing personal growth and a gratifying lifestyle. I provide an initial free phone consultation, and offer phone sessions. I work on a sliding scale, and am a provider for Medicare, Blue Shield, Magellan, and Humana. I am NOT a provider for Medi-Cal. I can also bill your insurance company excluding your co-pay.
I believe successful therapy needs to begin with a trusting, compatible relationship between you and me. If we can establish this foundation for treatment then we can move forward to identify your strengths as a unique individual, and work to uncover and resolve the elements in your life that are preventing personal growth and a gratifying lifestyle. I provide an initial free phone consultation, and offer phone sessions. I work on a sliding scale, and am a provider for Medicare, Blue Shield, Magellan, and Humana. I am NOT a provider for Medi-Cal. I can also bill your insurance company excluding your co-pay.
(310) 910-9214 View (310) 910-9214
Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists

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.