Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Dallas, TX
Paige Swanson | Sauna Therapies
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA, MPH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75204
I work with those experiencing DID and have a history of borderline personality disorder.
At Sauna Therapy, we’re here to work with you so you that you can begin celebrating yourself. We believe in honoring your journey and bearing witness to your experience with radical acceptance and kindness. We hear your pain, your story and believe in your growth. We see you with kind eyes rather than through a judgmental lens. We accept you and all of the explosive and raw vulnerability that you bring into our sessions. We partner with you, knowing that therapy is hard work but you’re more than capable. We want to celebrate you.
I work with those experiencing DID and have a history of borderline personality disorder.
At Sauna Therapy, we’re here to work with you so you that you can begin celebrating yourself. We believe in honoring your journey and bearing witness to your experience with radical acceptance and kindness. We hear your pain, your story and believe in your growth. We see you with kind eyes rather than through a judgmental lens. We accept you and all of the explosive and raw vulnerability that you bring into our sessions. We partner with you, knowing that therapy is hard work but you’re more than capable. We want to celebrate you.
Tammy Hyde
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, DBT-LBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75206
I am a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist through the Linehan Institute. I specialize in treating individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, chronic suicidal behaviors, self injurers, and eating disorders. I also specialize in treating trauma and have been trained intensively in DBT based Prolonged Exposure therapy. Most of the clients I treat have co occurring diagnosis including Bipolar, Major Depression, PTSD, and/or Anxiety. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I presently lead DBT skills trainning groups for young adults, adults, and parents/family members. My goal is to help my patients to create a life with living.
I am a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist through the Linehan Institute. I specialize in treating individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, chronic suicidal behaviors, self injurers, and eating disorders. I also specialize in treating trauma and have been trained intensively in DBT based Prolonged Exposure therapy. Most of the clients I treat have co occurring diagnosis including Bipolar, Major Depression, PTSD, and/or Anxiety. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I presently lead DBT skills trainning groups for young adults, adults, and parents/family members. My goal is to help my patients to create a life with living.
DBT is an evidence based cognitive behavioral treatment that emphasizes individual psychotherapy and group skills classes to help people learn new strategies to develop a life that they experience as worth living. DBT skills include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is effective in treating a wide range of issues such as suicidal ideation, nonsuicidal self-injury, depression, addictive behavior, PTSD, eating disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder. It has been shown to be more effective than hospitalization in the treatment of suicidality.
DBT is an evidence based cognitive behavioral treatment that emphasizes individual psychotherapy and group skills classes to help people learn new strategies to develop a life that they experience as worth living. DBT skills include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is effective in treating a wide range of issues such as suicidal ideation, nonsuicidal self-injury, depression, addictive behavior, PTSD, eating disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder. It has been shown to be more effective than hospitalization in the treatment of suicidality.
Brannon La Force, LPC & Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCC, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75204 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I am currently seeing clients exclusively via telemedicine (secure video platform). I am able to see clients in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, and California.
I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I am currently seeing clients exclusively via telemedicine (secure video platform). I am able to see clients in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, and California.
Hi, I am Cari Varela, MS LPC-S, LSOTP, and I have been providing therapeutic services since 2007. I have provided individual, family, and group services for adults and children throughout my career. I have provided counseling for treatment concerns such as Adolescents/Teens, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, Codependency, and Coping Skills. In addition, I use a mix of CBT, Client-Centered Therapy, Clinical Supervision, and Licensed, Humanistic, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that I enjoy helping others, and I think it's fantastic to see people grow.
Hi, I am Cari Varela, MS LPC-S, LSOTP, and I have been providing therapeutic services since 2007. I have provided individual, family, and group services for adults and children throughout my career. I have provided counseling for treatment concerns such as Adolescents/Teens, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, Codependency, and Coping Skills. In addition, I use a mix of CBT, Client-Centered Therapy, Clinical Supervision, and Licensed, Humanistic, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that I enjoy helping others, and I think it's fantastic to see people grow.
Linda Spang O'Toole
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, DBT-LBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75206
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a DBT-Linehan Behavioral Certified Clinician with DALLAS DBT. We specialize in treating Borderline Personality Disorder, Emotion Dysregulation, and Complex PTSD using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Complex PE. Additionally, I treat clients suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, and chronic pain. I work with Adults, Adolescents, Parents, and Families
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a DBT-Linehan Behavioral Certified Clinician with DALLAS DBT. We specialize in treating Borderline Personality Disorder, Emotion Dysregulation, and Complex PTSD using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Complex PE. Additionally, I treat clients suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, anxiety, and chronic pain. I work with Adults, Adolescents, Parents, and Families
Donna June Kirby
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75228 (Online Only)
I conduct Psycho-educational groups for family members and friends of those individuals who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD.
Welcome to your first step towards helping yourself to live the life you've been wanting. I believe what Carl Rogers once stated "a counselor is not an expert but a mirror for clients to see themselves." A counselor's acceptance and reflection of feelings creates a level of safety for deeper exploration and an opportunity for clients to increase their self-awareness which leads to positive action. I encourage my clients to be mindful of thoughts and feelings. By practicing mindfulness you are able to be focused and centered in your life.
I conduct Psycho-educational groups for family members and friends of those individuals who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD.
Welcome to your first step towards helping yourself to live the life you've been wanting. I believe what Carl Rogers once stated "a counselor is not an expert but a mirror for clients to see themselves." A counselor's acceptance and reflection of feelings creates a level of safety for deeper exploration and an opportunity for clients to increase their self-awareness which leads to positive action. I encourage my clients to be mindful of thoughts and feelings. By practicing mindfulness you are able to be focused and centered in your life.
My specialties include depression and anxiety, trauma, family conflict, Autism and ADHD, BPD, and working with queer, trans, and nonbinary clients.
I believe that each person is the expert on themselves and their experiences, and my role is to be a supportive guide throughout the healing process. I always want our work together to be a collaborative process, so we will structure our time together around your goals. This is your space, and you get to decide how it looks. Some clients are looking to stay near the surface, and work on coping skills and solutions to daily life problems. Others want to explore further into their own past or their inner world..
My specialties include depression and anxiety, trauma, family conflict, Autism and ADHD, BPD, and working with queer, trans, and nonbinary clients.
I believe that each person is the expert on themselves and their experiences, and my role is to be a supportive guide throughout the healing process. I always want our work together to be a collaborative process, so we will structure our time together around your goals. This is your space, and you get to decide how it looks. Some clients are looking to stay near the surface, and work on coping skills and solutions to daily life problems. Others want to explore further into their own past or their inner world..
Dusty L Humes, Ph.D., Clinical & Forensic Svcs
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75201 (Online Only)
Special training in treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Parent-Adolescent Conflict.
I had a psychology practice in Austin for 20 years, relocating to Albuquerque in 2012. As an outgrowth of my continuing work with clients from Texas, I have developed a specialty in providing internet therapy. My specialties include eating disorders, complex mood disorders, personality disorders, recovery from narcissistic abuse, and helping families with "failure to launch" young adults. I also provide consultation to parents who are struggling with an oppositional adolescent or an adult child with ongoing difficulties. I provide both therapeutic and forensic psychological evaluations.
Special training in treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Parent-Adolescent Conflict.
I had a psychology practice in Austin for 20 years, relocating to Albuquerque in 2012. As an outgrowth of my continuing work with clients from Texas, I have developed a specialty in providing internet therapy. My specialties include eating disorders, complex mood disorders, personality disorders, recovery from narcissistic abuse, and helping families with "failure to launch" young adults. I also provide consultation to parents who are struggling with an oppositional adolescent or an adult child with ongoing difficulties. I provide both therapeutic and forensic psychological evaluations.
Portia L. Hopkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, CCTP II, C-DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75232 (Online Only)
My practice focus is with individuals seeking support to navigate the emotional and physical healing of trauma, borderline personality disorder and anxiety. The challenges related to this type of healing affect how you show up in you physical body, the ability to stay present in the wake of these challenges and personal acceptance at a profound spiritual level. I offer support through cognitive therapy for processing, teach you manageable mindfulness to soothe your nervous system and help you prevent emotional self abandonment with dialectical behavior therapy, helping you feel better right now and rescue your soul from the past.
My practice focus is with individuals seeking support to navigate the emotional and physical healing of trauma, borderline personality disorder and anxiety. The challenges related to this type of healing affect how you show up in you physical body, the ability to stay present in the wake of these challenges and personal acceptance at a profound spiritual level. I offer support through cognitive therapy for processing, teach you manageable mindfulness to soothe your nervous system and help you prevent emotional self abandonment with dialectical behavior therapy, helping you feel better right now and rescue your soul from the past.
Hi there, it's so nice to meet you and I'm so happy that you have decided to embark on this healing journey. I am a first generation Nigerian America therapist in Austin, TX. I work with a broad range of mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders, and addiction. My therapeutic style is warm and empathetic, while still offering direct feedback. I am also aware of how the body stores trauma and can offer guidance on re-regulating your nervous system through somatic experiencing.
Hi there, it's so nice to meet you and I'm so happy that you have decided to embark on this healing journey. I am a first generation Nigerian America therapist in Austin, TX. I work with a broad range of mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders, and addiction. My therapeutic style is warm and empathetic, while still offering direct feedback. I am also aware of how the body stores trauma and can offer guidance on re-regulating your nervous system through somatic experiencing.
15 Second Videos
Paige Swanson | Sauna Therapies
Dusty L Humes, Ph.D., Clinical & Forensic Svcs
Portia L. Hopkins
Melody McKibbin
Celeste Gusme
Rachel Thomas
DIANA M Chavez
Transformed Life Counseling, PLLC
Euseppi Mind Body
Katie Smelko
Brianna P N Reineke
S. Gabe Hatch
Sarah Robinson
Mend Modern Therapy, PLLC
Vannessa Fuentes
Amanda Stretcher
Rhonda Lee Wright
Neneh Brewah - Holistic Counseling & Wellness, LLC
Healing Mind Psychiatry PLLC
Daniel Kalanyos
Faith Marie Mosher
Morenike Olorunnisomo
Debra Arseneaux
Annalisa Blackham
Chrysalis Counseling Services
Cara Canady
Karen Ramirez
Blane Brazier
Jada Jackson Hill
Veronica Corona-Barker
Haley Alexander
Steve M Reedy
Stacy Tate
Be Sonder Therapy
Therapy Works Counseling, Terapia en tu idioma
Daniel E Helvetius Jr
Rachael David
Mosaic Mind & Body Wellness, PLLC
Mirasol Whitbey
Dominguez Psychiatry and Counseling Center
Jeremy Cooper
Michael Contreras
Nicole Moore
Brooke Nicole Powell
Whitney Russell
Chris Leshinski
Linda Love
Arise Counseling Center
Grace Obame
Kelsey Madenwald
Angele Devezin
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75203 (Online Only)
Have you had an experience that was traumatic, or a history of early childhood trauma that has a grip on you, limiting the joy and love you want in your life? Childhood traumas can result in severe physical and emotional trauma to a survivor and their loved ones. Whether it happened two weeks or two decades ago, sexual trauma can cause sexual, intimacy and relationship issues, symptoms of PTSD or borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideations, problems with memory, etc... Seeking help is a courageous step in transcending harm and regaining power and control over your body and life.
Have you had an experience that was traumatic, or a history of early childhood trauma that has a grip on you, limiting the joy and love you want in your life? Childhood traumas can result in severe physical and emotional trauma to a survivor and their loved ones. Whether it happened two weeks or two decades ago, sexual trauma can cause sexual, intimacy and relationship issues, symptoms of PTSD or borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideations, problems with memory, etc... Seeking help is a courageous step in transcending harm and regaining power and control over your body and life.
Britney is especially passionate about working with people who are living with high acuity concerns such as Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, and PTSD. Additionally, Britney has clinical expertise in the following areas: Addiction, Alcohol/Chemical Dependency, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, ADD/ADHD, Autism, Codependency, Developmental Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Gambling, Grief/Loss, Infidelity, Life Transitions, Marital & Premarital, Narcissism, OCD, and trauma. Brittany works with teens (ages 12 and up), adults, couples, and families.
Britney is especially passionate about working with people who are living with high acuity concerns such as Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, and PTSD. Additionally, Britney has clinical expertise in the following areas: Addiction, Alcohol/Chemical Dependency, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, ADD/ADHD, Autism, Codependency, Developmental Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Gambling, Grief/Loss, Infidelity, Life Transitions, Marital & Premarital, Narcissism, OCD, and trauma. Brittany works with teens (ages 12 and up), adults, couples, and families.
Hello! I’m Melody—your partner on the path to mental wellness, with a specialization in Borderline Personality Disorder ( BPD) and a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Level II Accreditation. I believe therapy is more than just a task; it's a transformative journey, and I’m here to help untangle the complexities of the mind and guide you toward clarity. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me weaving stories of murder and comedy, where mannequins take center stage as suspects. Outside of work, I enjoy quality time with my Russian Blue cats and catching up with family and friends.
Hello! I’m Melody—your partner on the path to mental wellness, with a specialization in Borderline Personality Disorder ( BPD) and a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Level II Accreditation. I believe therapy is more than just a task; it's a transformative journey, and I’m here to help untangle the complexities of the mind and guide you toward clarity. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me weaving stories of murder and comedy, where mannequins take center stage as suspects. Outside of work, I enjoy quality time with my Russian Blue cats and catching up with family and friends.
Celeste Gusme
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75217 (Online Only)
Whether due to childhood trauma, relational trauma, or living with Bipolar Disorder or BPD—I’m here to guide you toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships with self and others.
Do you find it hard to navigate relationships due to childhood trauma, growing up with a family member struggling with addiction or mental illness, or consider yourself to be highly emotionally sensitivity? Whether it's from childhood trauma, relational trauma, or being highly empathetic, diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, or Borderline Personality Disorder, building healthy relationships can feel overwhelming—but it’s entirely possible. I specialize in helping adults process and heal from trauma and develop healthy relationship skills.
Whether due to childhood trauma, relational trauma, or living with Bipolar Disorder or BPD—I’m here to guide you toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships with self and others.
Do you find it hard to navigate relationships due to childhood trauma, growing up with a family member struggling with addiction or mental illness, or consider yourself to be highly emotionally sensitivity? Whether it's from childhood trauma, relational trauma, or being highly empathetic, diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, or Borderline Personality Disorder, building healthy relationships can feel overwhelming—but it’s entirely possible. I specialize in helping adults process and heal from trauma and develop healthy relationship skills.
I was a medical social worker for a psychiatric hospital for over four years, running group therapy and completing biopsychosocial assessments. I have also supported clients with end-stage renal disease for over five years. I work with those struggling with fertility, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression. My specialties include anxiety, depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder I and II, borderline personality disorder, chemical dependency, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. My top modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more.
I was a medical social worker for a psychiatric hospital for over four years, running group therapy and completing biopsychosocial assessments. I have also supported clients with end-stage renal disease for over five years. I work with those struggling with fertility, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression. My specialties include anxiety, depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder I and II, borderline personality disorder, chemical dependency, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. My top modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more.
I work with clients who deal with Anxiety, Depression, Adult ADHD, Addiction, Life Stressors, Gender Identity/LGBTQ+ issues, Borderline & Cluster B Personality Disorders.
You're not a cookie, and I am not a cookie-cutter therapist. Every person is unique, and my counseling approach is very much tailored to your specific needs. For most people, counseling may be a last resort, one final effort after they’ve tried everything else. Some worry that seeking therapy means they’ve failed; and for others, the idea of therapy is just plain scary or not the way they were “taught to deal with things”. Even so, the fact that you’re reading this means you want to take back control and begin creating the life you really want. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
I work with clients who deal with Anxiety, Depression, Adult ADHD, Addiction, Life Stressors, Gender Identity/LGBTQ+ issues, Borderline & Cluster B Personality Disorders.
You're not a cookie, and I am not a cookie-cutter therapist. Every person is unique, and my counseling approach is very much tailored to your specific needs. For most people, counseling may be a last resort, one final effort after they’ve tried everything else. Some worry that seeking therapy means they’ve failed; and for others, the idea of therapy is just plain scary or not the way they were “taught to deal with things”. Even so, the fact that you’re reading this means you want to take back control and begin creating the life you really want. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
I was a medical social worker for a psychiatric hospital for over four years, running group therapy and completing biopsychosocial assessments. I have also supported clients with end-stage renal disease for over five years. I work with those struggling with fertility, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression. My specialties include anxiety, depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder I and II, borderline personality disorder, chemical dependency, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. My top modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more.
I was a medical social worker for a psychiatric hospital for over four years, running group therapy and completing biopsychosocial assessments. I have also supported clients with end-stage renal disease for over five years. I work with those struggling with fertility, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum depression. My specialties include anxiety, depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder I and II, borderline personality disorder, chemical dependency, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. My top modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more.
Rachel Gerbosi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMFT, LCDC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75252 (Online Only)
My experience includes, substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
My first priority in the counseling process is to ensure a trusting therapeutic relationship between you and I. No two people are the same, and it is my mission for us to work together to establish goals that are personalized to fit your unique needs. We, as individuals, encounter challenges in life that cause us to feel overwhelmed. It is important for me to help you see your potential, finding meaning and direction in your life, through positive encouragement. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, in the state of Texas.
My experience includes, substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
My first priority in the counseling process is to ensure a trusting therapeutic relationship between you and I. No two people are the same, and it is my mission for us to work together to establish goals that are personalized to fit your unique needs. We, as individuals, encounter challenges in life that cause us to feel overwhelmed. It is important for me to help you see your potential, finding meaning and direction in your life, through positive encouragement. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, in the state of Texas.
Chris E Goetz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75211
NEW: BPD Group Tuesdays at 7:45am!.
My motto is, “reveal the root, expose the lie and heal the wounded spirit.” It is my passion to work with those who struggle with severe trauma and emotional abuse. Based on the comfort level of the patient - faith, spirituality and prayer can often be a vital part of the therapeutic process. I strive to meet the unique and individual needs of each client and adjust my approach accordingly. I truly consider it an honor and a privilege to partner with you in your journey towards wholeness. There is a plan and a purpose for your life, full of unique strengths and talents. My goal is to help you become all that you were created to be.
NEW: BPD Group Tuesdays at 7:45am!.
My motto is, “reveal the root, expose the lie and heal the wounded spirit.” It is my passion to work with those who struggle with severe trauma and emotional abuse. Based on the comfort level of the patient - faith, spirituality and prayer can often be a vital part of the therapeutic process. I strive to meet the unique and individual needs of each client and adjust my approach accordingly. I truly consider it an honor and a privilege to partner with you in your journey towards wholeness. There is a plan and a purpose for your life, full of unique strengths and talents. My goal is to help you become all that you were created to be.
See more therapy options for Dallas
Nearby Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists Searches for Dallas
- Addison
- Cedar Hill
- Desoto
- DFW
- Farmers Branch
- Garland
- Grand Prairie
- Irving
- Lancaster
- Mesquite
- Richardson
- Rowlett
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.