Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Washington, DC
![Photo of Meme Rhee, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9872ea4-e4f3-4c4b-a485-68f42296e03c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meme Rhee
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
My area of expertise include: (teens and adults) Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, Eating Disorders/Body Image EMDR/Trauma Resolution, Cross Cultural Counseling for Asian Americans, Creativity/Performance Enhancement, Couples/Family Therapy.
As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety; obsessive-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.
My area of expertise include: (teens and adults) Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, Eating Disorders/Body Image EMDR/Trauma Resolution, Cross Cultural Counseling for Asian Americans, Creativity/Performance Enhancement, Couples/Family Therapy.
As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety; obsessive-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.
![Photo of Amanda Pezzanite - DBT Maryland LLC, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b37778de-3754-48bb-b420-8ef8a85dfa50/1/320x400.jpeg)
At DBT Maryland, we believe that in order to grow and make changes in their lives, people need validation, support and practical skills. We strive to provide empathic, accepting and productive therapeutic relationships so you can feel safe while moving toward your goals. Each person's situation is unique and our therapy approach will be designed to meet your individual needs. Many of our clients suffer from problems of emotional dysregulation (borderline personality, PTSD, depression, anxiety & bipolar) most effectively addressed by a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program.
At DBT Maryland, we believe that in order to grow and make changes in their lives, people need validation, support and practical skills. We strive to provide empathic, accepting and productive therapeutic relationships so you can feel safe while moving toward your goals. Each person's situation is unique and our therapy approach will be designed to meet your individual needs. Many of our clients suffer from problems of emotional dysregulation (borderline personality, PTSD, depression, anxiety & bipolar) most effectively addressed by a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program.
![Photo of Sara Meldon, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7184d8e5-9a05-48b2-beeb-3dec94a99df6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in DBT, a treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder and related problems with emotion regulation.
I work with adults (18+) who have difficulty managing their emotions and who struggle with depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, and problems functioning at work or school. I provide evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients change ineffective behavioral patterns, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and accept difficult realities to build the lives they want. I also see clients with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through all stages of the pregnancy and parenthood process.
I specialize in DBT, a treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder and related problems with emotion regulation.
I work with adults (18+) who have difficulty managing their emotions and who struggle with depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, and problems functioning at work or school. I provide evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients change ineffective behavioral patterns, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and accept difficult realities to build the lives they want. I also see clients with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through all stages of the pregnancy and parenthood process.
![Photo of Manal Abukishk - Active Psychotherapy Services, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f492460-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Active Psychotherapy Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
I have an extensive and unique clinical experience with more than 15 years in inpatient and outpatients settings. I have helped many individuals with assorted emotional problems, including PTSD, mood and adjustment disorders, grief, anger, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder. I also serve as a mental health consultant for childhood and early childhood programs in Fairfax where I provide play therapy for young children with emotional and behavioral problems and parents' consultations.
I have an extensive and unique clinical experience with more than 15 years in inpatient and outpatients settings. I have helped many individuals with assorted emotional problems, including PTSD, mood and adjustment disorders, grief, anger, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder. I also serve as a mental health consultant for childhood and early childhood programs in Fairfax where I provide play therapy for young children with emotional and behavioral problems and parents' consultations.
![Photo of Lucy Rose Freshour, LGPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5747fd37-efb3-49f8-a655-1cb4ac137377/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lucy Rose Freshour
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
I am trained and experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, grief, adjustment, and more.
Hello! I’m a therapist who is committed to helping my clients reach their innate potential. My approach is empathetic, comforting, and inquisitive. I’m especially passionate about working with young adults and LGBTQIA+ populations. My personal framework incorporates Person-Centered, Adlerian, and Existential Therapy. I work with individuals to explore, understand, address, and improve self-worth, impact of transitions, behavioral issues, immigrant identity and cultural issues, relationship stress, trauma, shame, and more.
I am trained and experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, grief, adjustment, and more.
Hello! I’m a therapist who is committed to helping my clients reach their innate potential. My approach is empathetic, comforting, and inquisitive. I’m especially passionate about working with young adults and LGBTQIA+ populations. My personal framework incorporates Person-Centered, Adlerian, and Existential Therapy. I work with individuals to explore, understand, address, and improve self-worth, impact of transitions, behavioral issues, immigrant identity and cultural issues, relationship stress, trauma, shame, and more.
![Photo of Lindsay Summers, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1e249f1-d19a-43ab-ad80-44580b47ae25/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay Summers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20001 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
These include depression, anxiety, neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism), borderline personality disorder, grief, and suicidality.
I am a licensed therapist practicing in Maryland, DC, and South Carolina. I approach my practice through a lens of anti-oppression, feminist, and queer theory. Recognizing the healing potential of the therapeutic relationship, I emphasize client-centered therapy that values and honors all aspects of my clients' identities. I continuously strive to address my power and privilege, serving as an ally to BIPOC, disabled individuals, sex workers, those living in poverty, fat/larger bodied individuals, immigrants, houseless individuals, the aging population, individuals under the age of 18, and those who are or have been incarcerated.
These include depression, anxiety, neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism), borderline personality disorder, grief, and suicidality.
I am a licensed therapist practicing in Maryland, DC, and South Carolina. I approach my practice through a lens of anti-oppression, feminist, and queer theory. Recognizing the healing potential of the therapeutic relationship, I emphasize client-centered therapy that values and honors all aspects of my clients' identities. I continuously strive to address my power and privilege, serving as an ally to BIPOC, disabled individuals, sex workers, those living in poverty, fat/larger bodied individuals, immigrants, houseless individuals, the aging population, individuals under the age of 18, and those who are or have been incarcerated.
![Photo of Erica (Suh) Lee, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/406002f4-a916-4bc0-bd02-ffff8e72af69/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erica (Suh) Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20037 (Online Only)
Sometimes there are significant disruptions in life that not only affect the present, but also the future. They have the potential to impact how we see ourselves, how we talk to ourselves and others, and can even create negative beliefs about our world. I believe our past experiences shape who we are and how we interact with people today and in the future. My goal is to help you explore different areas of your life that need love and healing, and equip you with the strategies you need to handle what life throws at you. I also believe in using the strengths you already have to help you use them for healing, growth, and change.
Sometimes there are significant disruptions in life that not only affect the present, but also the future. They have the potential to impact how we see ourselves, how we talk to ourselves and others, and can even create negative beliefs about our world. I believe our past experiences shape who we are and how we interact with people today and in the future. My goal is to help you explore different areas of your life that need love and healing, and equip you with the strategies you need to handle what life throws at you. I also believe in using the strengths you already have to help you use them for healing, growth, and change.
![Photo of Courtney Conn - The Wake Kendall Group PLLC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4100b34-0b28-4454-8bd2-b4683d8ea949/1/320x400.jpeg)
The Wake Kendall Group, PLLC is a private practice in Washington, DC offering a wide variety of psychological services to our community. Our services include psychotherapy for children, adults and couples, comprehensive outpatient DBT for adults, and psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. Our team of highly skilled clinicians sees clients of all ages and stages of life for a broad range of concerns.
The Wake Kendall Group, PLLC is a private practice in Washington, DC offering a wide variety of psychological services to our community. Our services include psychotherapy for children, adults and couples, comprehensive outpatient DBT for adults, and psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. Our team of highly skilled clinicians sees clients of all ages and stages of life for a broad range of concerns.
![Photo of Adrian J Connolly, LPC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ea2bf73-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I view therapy as an invitation to bring awareness to the here and now. For many of us, we press forward, through, and over difficult feelings when they arise in our daily lives. Often they show up as unwanted thoughts or images. They not only fill us with dread, but we will go to great lengths to avoid them. On the other hand, what if moving toward our feelings actually reduces the influence they have over us, allowing us to attend to the very things we value, thereby creating meaning and purpose in our lives.
I view therapy as an invitation to bring awareness to the here and now. For many of us, we press forward, through, and over difficult feelings when they arise in our daily lives. Often they show up as unwanted thoughts or images. They not only fill us with dread, but we will go to great lengths to avoid them. On the other hand, what if moving toward our feelings actually reduces the influence they have over us, allowing us to attend to the very things we value, thereby creating meaning and purpose in our lives.
![Photo of Dr. Lude Pierre - Caring Through Healing, LLC, LPC, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be24191f-7405-4216-a972-5e618e1df555/1/320x400.png)
Caring Through Healing, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008
I am a licensed professional counselor who has a passion for helping individuals explore and solve their own problems. I have over 17 years of experience in the field of mental health working with a diverse population. I am an innovative and effective professional with outstanding therapeutic and interpersonal skills. I have a talent for motivating, teaching, supporting, and effectively collaborating with individuals to meet their treatment goals. I am highly motivated and conscientious. I can offer a wealth of knowledge, experience, and transferable skills in therapeutic sessions.
I am a licensed professional counselor who has a passion for helping individuals explore and solve their own problems. I have over 17 years of experience in the field of mental health working with a diverse population. I am an innovative and effective professional with outstanding therapeutic and interpersonal skills. I have a talent for motivating, teaching, supporting, and effectively collaborating with individuals to meet their treatment goals. I am highly motivated and conscientious. I can offer a wealth of knowledge, experience, and transferable skills in therapeutic sessions.
![Photo of Sandra Rublee, MSW, LCSW-C, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2f3efc2-0275-4430-b1ef-05a1f09e5120/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandra Rublee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LISW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005 (Online Only)
Do you have intense feelings and upsetting thoughts that get in the way of moving forward in your life? Are you anxious about gaining weight or how your body looks? Do you feel really sad and it makes it hard to socialize with friends or get out of bed? Are you anxious at school or work which prevents you to complete an important task? Do you struggle in relationships and have difficulties in communicating your needs? As your therapist and specialist, I show compassion for your problems and help you feel safe and understood. You will feel better and approach your emotions in a more accepting way while creating a life you desire.
Do you have intense feelings and upsetting thoughts that get in the way of moving forward in your life? Are you anxious about gaining weight or how your body looks? Do you feel really sad and it makes it hard to socialize with friends or get out of bed? Are you anxious at school or work which prevents you to complete an important task? Do you struggle in relationships and have difficulties in communicating your needs? As your therapist and specialist, I show compassion for your problems and help you feel safe and understood. You will feel better and approach your emotions in a more accepting way while creating a life you desire.
15 Second Videos
Katie Bowler
Mia Newell
Helena (Mimi) Martin
Dr. Wayne Bullock
Elana Hoffman
Allyson Watson
The Heights Counseling and Wellness, LLC
Eric Jones
Danny Shaheen
Safe Space Therapy and Retreats
Tanisha T. Richardson
Corene Alvarado
Jessica Cetoute
Mariam Gregorian
Courtney Dinsmore
Eva Chiriboga
Lea Didion
Modyfi
Carla De Simone
Kara Peters Veigas
Salus Vita, LLC
Sandhya Sharma
Andrea Miller
Nun Sava-Siva Amen-Ra
Jordan L. Costen
Eliza Stucker-Rozovsky
Jessica Venglarcik
John Perry
Kristin G Sweeney
Samantha Rodman Whiten
Alexandra E. Repke
Mike Ghali
Tricia Ryan Counseling PLLC
Alexandra Grundleger
Hallie Fleisch
Drea Renzelli- EMDR Intensive Therapy
Liz Goggin
![Photo of Emily Rizzo - The Counseling Center of Washington, DC, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/036a5d5f-56ce-4567-bc22-8dc66bf1f39f/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Counseling Center of Washington, DC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20001
The mission of the Counseling Center Group is to offer expert counseling therapy services delivered by experienced therapists with diverse specialties. Our approach is rooted in the belief that equipping clients with effective tools can enhance their daily lives. As a result, we strive to empower our clients to live their lives independently, without relying on prolonged therapy.
The mission of the Counseling Center Group is to offer expert counseling therapy services delivered by experienced therapists with diverse specialties. Our approach is rooted in the belief that equipping clients with effective tools can enhance their daily lives. As a result, we strive to empower our clients to live their lives independently, without relying on prolonged therapy.
![Photo of Craig Alexander Gordon - Consider Mindfulness LLC, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80907cef-a43b-4bb5-a124-b6653ad10bc8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Consider Mindfulness LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
Clients can experience a life situation or a series of life situations that cause some level of unwanted emotional arousal (sadness, hurt, pain, fear, anxiety) and as a result of the intensity, increases an urge to do a behavior they consider ineffective (self harm, suicidal behavior, isolate, withdrawal, shutdown, verbally/physically aggressive, tantrums, obsessions, compulsions, avoidance, school refusal). They are in need of skills to help them cope with their emotions and problem solve their life situations. Despite the discomfort, they want to be effective, maintain relationships and feel better.
Clients can experience a life situation or a series of life situations that cause some level of unwanted emotional arousal (sadness, hurt, pain, fear, anxiety) and as a result of the intensity, increases an urge to do a behavior they consider ineffective (self harm, suicidal behavior, isolate, withdrawal, shutdown, verbally/physically aggressive, tantrums, obsessions, compulsions, avoidance, school refusal). They are in need of skills to help them cope with their emotions and problem solve their life situations. Despite the discomfort, they want to be effective, maintain relationships and feel better.
![Photo of Katie Bowler, LCSW, MSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc5d055f-59f1-4e85-aaa7-ed7d4b225892/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Bowler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I'm Katie and I'm a DBT Therapist. I specialize in working with adults & teens (12+) struggling with mood disorders, depression, self-harm, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, personality disorders and overall life changes. DBT teaches concrete & useful coping skills to replace negative behaviors with positive skills. It is an amazing therapy modality to 'do something different'. I also work with clients who identify as a mother including postpartum depression & anxiety, pregnancy, postpartum transition, pregnancy loss and PPD in spouses. I am also Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through PSI.
Hello! I'm Katie and I'm a DBT Therapist. I specialize in working with adults & teens (12+) struggling with mood disorders, depression, self-harm, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, personality disorders and overall life changes. DBT teaches concrete & useful coping skills to replace negative behaviors with positive skills. It is an amazing therapy modality to 'do something different'. I also work with clients who identify as a mother including postpartum depression & anxiety, pregnancy, postpartum transition, pregnancy loss and PPD in spouses. I am also Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through PSI.
![Photo of Patricia Ortez Aparicio, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10e6f2bd-d8ca-42d0-8ac0-f48b788accec/2/320x400.png)
Patricia Ortez Aparicio
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20250 (Online Only)
My name is Patricia Ortez Aparicio a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist at Hola Counseling Services, LLC. I have my masters in Mental Health Counseling. I'm currently Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington DC, Mental Health Counselor in Hawaii.
My name is Patricia Ortez Aparicio a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist at Hola Counseling Services, LLC. I have my masters in Mental Health Counseling. I'm currently Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington DC, Mental Health Counselor in Hawaii.
![Photo of Marcela Kepic, PhD, LPC, NCC , ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a064f4a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marcela Kepic
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC , ACS
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Thank you for embarking on this courageous journey towards self-improvement. Life's path is often strewn with challenges, yet each hurdle presents an opportunity for growth and resilience. I firmly believe in the inherent capacity of every individual to learn, evolve, and heal, irrespective of the adversities they face. Together, let's awaken the dormant potential within.
Thank you for embarking on this courageous journey towards self-improvement. Life's path is often strewn with challenges, yet each hurdle presents an opportunity for growth and resilience. I firmly believe in the inherent capacity of every individual to learn, evolve, and heal, irrespective of the adversities they face. Together, let's awaken the dormant potential within.
![Photo of Josephine A Bulkley, JD, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb0e40e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
People seek psychotherapy feeling unhappy or helpless to bring about change in their life or fulfill their dreams. Patients are overcome with symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse or other problems, which in reality are unconscious defenses, blocking repressed feelings about something that went wrong, often in childhood, which is not yet resolved. These defenses once were adaptive, by protecting and helping them survive, but are no longer effective. I help people work through their underlying grief and face their feelings (sadness, anger, disappointment, yearning, powerlessness) surrounding trauma or loss, enabling them to engage in more free, authentic, satisfying lives.
People seek psychotherapy feeling unhappy or helpless to bring about change in their life or fulfill their dreams. Patients are overcome with symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse or other problems, which in reality are unconscious defenses, blocking repressed feelings about something that went wrong, often in childhood, which is not yet resolved. These defenses once were adaptive, by protecting and helping them survive, but are no longer effective. I help people work through their underlying grief and face their feelings (sadness, anger, disappointment, yearning, powerlessness) surrounding trauma or loss, enabling them to engage in more free, authentic, satisfying lives.
![Photo of Christopher Edwards, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3366ad24-1012-4623-9195-90d5f61ddee6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life can constantly challenge our sense of self and confidence. I strongly feel that everyone is exactly who they ought to be. Each individual has strengths, and they can be difficult to identify when you’re struggling with your mental health. In my nearly 15 years of experience, I have worked with individuals who are experiencing every level of mental illness from its most disruptive forms to the day-to-day challenges. I have supported people in even the heaviest places recover, find a life of hope, and reaffirm their purpose.
Life can constantly challenge our sense of self and confidence. I strongly feel that everyone is exactly who they ought to be. Each individual has strengths, and they can be difficult to identify when you’re struggling with your mental health. In my nearly 15 years of experience, I have worked with individuals who are experiencing every level of mental illness from its most disruptive forms to the day-to-day challenges. I have supported people in even the heaviest places recover, find a life of hope, and reaffirm their purpose.
![Photo of Mia Newell, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8894a52-d153-4f0b-bc59-f5e2d1ca7432/4/320x400.jpeg)
Mia Newell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
Sometimes the world can feel impossibly heavy, and it is exhausting to cope with underlying challenges like chronic stressors, depression, anxiety, or trauma. Having a space to fully vent your worries and frustrations without fear or guilt is so important for mental health, but often so difficult to find. I approach my clients with warmth and without judgment. I work to cultivate a collaborative connection with clients, while empowering them to make sustainable, long-term changes, beyond our time together.
Sometimes the world can feel impossibly heavy, and it is exhausting to cope with underlying challenges like chronic stressors, depression, anxiety, or trauma. Having a space to fully vent your worries and frustrations without fear or guilt is so important for mental health, but often so difficult to find. I approach my clients with warmth and without judgment. I work to cultivate a collaborative connection with clients, while empowering them to make sustainable, long-term changes, beyond our time together.
![Photo of Abby Brown, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49179242-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
I specialize in working with adults with eating disorders and disordered eating, and the conditions that often co-occur with eating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I also have an extensive research background in chronic fatigue syndrome (sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) and have worked on multiple NIH-funded studies; I am aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals living with ME/CFS and other poorly understood, stigmatized health conditions. I provide evidence-based interventions that are tailored to my client’s needs and progress.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.