Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Glendale, CA

Photo of Taji Huang - Dr. Taji Huang PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Taji Huang PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91207  (Online Only)
Additionally, I offer dialectical behavior therapy for those with borderline personality disorder.
Dr. Taji Huang is a compassionate and experienced Individual, Celebrity, and Adult Psychologist based in Glendale, California. With a strong dedication to helping others navigate challenging phases in their lives, Dr. Huang serves as a trusted Life Coach for individuals seeking support and guidance. Specializing in severe and persistent mental illness, couples counseling, trauma-related conditions, and more, she offers a comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being. If you are facing difficulties and seeking to regain control over your life, Dr. Taji Huang is here to support you.
Additionally, I offer dialectical behavior therapy for those with borderline personality disorder.
Dr. Taji Huang is a compassionate and experienced Individual, Celebrity, and Adult Psychologist based in Glendale, California. With a strong dedication to helping others navigate challenging phases in their lives, Dr. Huang serves as a trusted Life Coach for individuals seeking support and guidance. Specializing in severe and persistent mental illness, couples counseling, trauma-related conditions, and more, she offers a comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being. If you are facing difficulties and seeking to regain control over your life, Dr. Taji Huang is here to support you.
(424) 704-0198 View (424) 704-0198
Photo of Arlette Zargarian, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Arlette Zargarian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91208
You don't have to continue feeling depressed or anxious. I can help you learn effective ways to manage difficulties and challenges so that you may feel more in control of your life. Replace debilitating negative thoughts and embrace your strengths and capabilities. You can learn to trust that you're ready to make decisions, move forward, reach your goals, and attain what you want, feeling hopeful, motivated and optimistic. Individuals, couples and families learn new ways to communicate effectively, resolve ongoing conflicts, repair trust, learn to support each other, heal and grow a stronger relationship.
You don't have to continue feeling depressed or anxious. I can help you learn effective ways to manage difficulties and challenges so that you may feel more in control of your life. Replace debilitating negative thoughts and embrace your strengths and capabilities. You can learn to trust that you're ready to make decisions, move forward, reach your goals, and attain what you want, feeling hopeful, motivated and optimistic. Individuals, couples and families learn new ways to communicate effectively, resolve ongoing conflicts, repair trust, learn to support each other, heal and grow a stronger relationship.
(818) 918-9159 View (818) 918-9159
Photo of Danielle Kronfli, MMFT, PsyD, Psychologist
Danielle Kronfli
Psychologist, MMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Danielle Kronfli Child & Family Psychology offers therapy and parenting support that is without judgement and guilt for new and growing families. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment to begin setting goals and believe that developing a stronger sense of self is key to feeling fulfilled and finding inner peace and serenity in the home. With over 10 years of experience working with children and families, I am confident that we can work together to build stronger more meaningful parent-child connections.
Dr. Danielle Kronfli Child & Family Psychology offers therapy and parenting support that is without judgement and guilt for new and growing families. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment to begin setting goals and believe that developing a stronger sense of self is key to feeling fulfilled and finding inner peace and serenity in the home. With over 10 years of experience working with children and families, I am confident that we can work together to build stronger more meaningful parent-child connections.
(626) 469-5829 View (626) 469-5829
Photo of Yulia Fox, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Yulia Fox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91209  (Online Only)
Yulia Fox (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Yulia’s clinical interest includes working with individuals struggling with emotional and behavioral dysregulation, suicidal or self-harm behaviors, and relationship challenges.
Yulia Fox (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Yulia’s clinical interest includes working with individuals struggling with emotional and behavioral dysregulation, suicidal or self-harm behaviors, and relationship challenges.
(310) 388-8305 View (310) 388-8305
Photo of Vanessa Icazbalceta-Soto, MS, LPCC, Counselor
Vanessa Icazbalceta-Soto
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m a Spanish speaking sex-positive therapist, here to support in dismantling negative sex tropes upheld by society. I am trauma informed, centered on experiences of the kink, queer, LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities. I can also help individuals needing support on their weight loss journey while still supporting body positivity as well as fat pride/liberation towards eliminating the social stigma of obesity. Let’s eradicate long-standing negative attitudes towards sex and body for a more fulfilling, meaningful life and elevate your strengths, develop coping skills and open a space for you to feel authentic, safe, and empowered.
Welcome! I’m a Spanish speaking sex-positive therapist, here to support in dismantling negative sex tropes upheld by society. I am trauma informed, centered on experiences of the kink, queer, LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities. I can also help individuals needing support on their weight loss journey while still supporting body positivity as well as fat pride/liberation towards eliminating the social stigma of obesity. Let’s eradicate long-standing negative attitudes towards sex and body for a more fulfilling, meaningful life and elevate your strengths, develop coping skills and open a space for you to feel authentic, safe, and empowered.
(562) 609-4284 View (562) 609-4284
Photo of Lydia Kosinar, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lydia Kosinar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.
As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.
(323) 379-1328 View (323) 379-1328
Photo of Patrycja Anna Malinowska, MA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Patrycja Anna Malinowska
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91225
My clinical experience includes treatment of culturally and socio-economically diverse adult population with range of diagnosis in outpatient and inpatient settings. My treatment experience includes individuals, couples, family, and groups utilizing Brief Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Structural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. Areas addressed in private practice consists of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, self esteem, body image, family conflicts, and bereavement.
My clinical experience includes treatment of culturally and socio-economically diverse adult population with range of diagnosis in outpatient and inpatient settings. My treatment experience includes individuals, couples, family, and groups utilizing Brief Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Structural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. Areas addressed in private practice consists of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, self esteem, body image, family conflicts, and bereavement.
(323) 745-2451 View (323) 745-2451
Photo of Erin Lotz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Lotz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201
Erin Lotz, L.C.S.W., Licensed Clinical Social Worker, earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California, and is a well respected Psychotherapist who integrates traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy with progressive psychotherapeutic principles of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Erin offers practical strategies to calming our "anxious minds", facilitating greater self acceptance, freedom and inner peace.
Erin Lotz, L.C.S.W., Licensed Clinical Social Worker, earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California, and is a well respected Psychotherapist who integrates traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy with progressive psychotherapeutic principles of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Erin offers practical strategies to calming our "anxious minds", facilitating greater self acceptance, freedom and inner peace.
(310) 455-8286 View (310) 455-8286
Photo of Joshua C Richmond Psychoanalyst, MPW
Joshua C Richmond Psychoanalyst
MPW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91208
Deciding to come into treatment is never an easy decision even when it feels necessary. I work from a psychoanalytic-psychotherapy approach meaning I'm most interested in what your experience is. What that means is that through careful listening and dialogue, I'll work with you to better identify and understand what may be behind painful symptoms like lack of impulse control, binge eating, depression that's so heavy you can't get out of bed, or the terrible grief that comes from losing a loved one.
Deciding to come into treatment is never an easy decision even when it feels necessary. I work from a psychoanalytic-psychotherapy approach meaning I'm most interested in what your experience is. What that means is that through careful listening and dialogue, I'll work with you to better identify and understand what may be behind painful symptoms like lack of impulse control, binge eating, depression that's so heavy you can't get out of bed, or the terrible grief that comes from losing a loved one.
(323) 430-9319 View (323) 430-9319
Photo of Trauma And Ed Recovery Specialist Natasha Aftandilians, MA, AMFT, PPS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Trauma And Ed Recovery Specialist Natasha Aftandilians
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91207  (Online Only)
As a first generation Middle Eastern therapist, I have had the privilege of working with clients from a wide variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, but what they've all had in common is the desire to feel stronger; whether they're battling eating disorders, social anxiety, depression, or PTSD my clients want to feel empowered and capable of living a better life, and my goal is to teach them the skills they need to overcome the barriers to wellness. My clients are resilient, and I help them discover how their past traumas affect their present and future, and how they can be successful regardless of these challenges.
As a first generation Middle Eastern therapist, I have had the privilege of working with clients from a wide variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, but what they've all had in common is the desire to feel stronger; whether they're battling eating disorders, social anxiety, depression, or PTSD my clients want to feel empowered and capable of living a better life, and my goal is to teach them the skills they need to overcome the barriers to wellness. My clients are resilient, and I help them discover how their past traumas affect their present and future, and how they can be successful regardless of these challenges.
(323) 886-0526 View (323) 886-0526
Photo of Nansi Manokian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nansi Manokian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91206
I want you to imagine that it's very possible that what you are going through right now can be managed and that you will overcome this struggle. It's not easy going through difficulties without seeking professional help and at times we may look for guidance from friends and loved ones and other times we need someone else to step in and guide us. Throughout the past 10 years, I have worked with individuals, children, adolescents and couples struggling from a vast variety of issues such as difficulties with social skills, depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma and relationship issues.
I want you to imagine that it's very possible that what you are going through right now can be managed and that you will overcome this struggle. It's not easy going through difficulties without seeking professional help and at times we may look for guidance from friends and loved ones and other times we need someone else to step in and guide us. Throughout the past 10 years, I have worked with individuals, children, adolescents and couples struggling from a vast variety of issues such as difficulties with social skills, depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma and relationship issues.
(818) 276-9820 View (818) 276-9820
Photo of Viken Yacoubian, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Viken Yacoubian
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91205
At different points of our lives, we may find ourselves facing obstacles that seem to be very difficult to overcome. Strategies that used to help us move forward no longer seem to work. As overbearing as such periods in our lives may seem, they also present an opportunity for growth, for important changes that offer hope and possibilities for a better and reimagined future. As a therapist, I see my role as a facilitator, as someone who has the expertise to guide and support clients to achieve a space in their lives where they feel fulfilled and whole.
At different points of our lives, we may find ourselves facing obstacles that seem to be very difficult to overcome. Strategies that used to help us move forward no longer seem to work. As overbearing as such periods in our lives may seem, they also present an opportunity for growth, for important changes that offer hope and possibilities for a better and reimagined future. As a therapist, I see my role as a facilitator, as someone who has the expertise to guide and support clients to achieve a space in their lives where they feel fulfilled and whole.
(323) 403-0957 View (323) 403-0957
Photo of Kobra Schabanpour, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kobra Schabanpour
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
Frustrated? Having difficulty sleeping? Feeling overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless? With over 23 years of experience, I can help you understand the causes of such problems and set you on a path of healing. There are many sources of stress that can affect the brain and immune system and impair your capacity to cope. In my work with individuals and groups, I work with you to achieve overall wellbeing of mind, body and spirit.
Frustrated? Having difficulty sleeping? Feeling overwhelmed, helpless or hopeless? With over 23 years of experience, I can help you understand the causes of such problems and set you on a path of healing. There are many sources of stress that can affect the brain and immune system and impair your capacity to cope. In my work with individuals and groups, I work with you to achieve overall wellbeing of mind, body and spirit.
(310) 986-2306 View (310) 986-2306
Photo of Danah Kim, MA, AMFT, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Danah Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91226  (Online Only)
누구에게나 만남이 있고 그 만남 속에는 첫 만남이 있습니다. 첫 입학, 첫 직장, 첫 사랑, 첫 결혼, 첫 아이, 첫 집, 첫 이민,,,,,,, 무엇인가를 처음 시작한다고 생각하면 기쁨, 설렘, 행복이라는 감정이 생깁니다.. 하지만 우리의 삶은 시간이 지날수록 처음 느낀 그 기쁨과 행복을 점점 기억 속에서 사라지게 만듭니다. “나는 열심히 잘 살았는데,, 왜 나에게 이런 고통이?” “나를 괴롭히는 사람들은 왜 이리 많은 거지?” “너무 힘들어” 이런 생각과 감정들은 우리의 삶에 많은 영향을 미치게 됩니다. 사실, 여러분들에게는 현재의 어려움을 잘 이겨낼 능력이 있습니다. 또한 여러분들은 내면의 생각이나 감정에 따라 삶이 달라질 수 있습니다. 여러분이 얼마나 대단한 존재인가를 잊으시면 안 됩니다. 상담을 통해 여러분들 자신을 믿고, 행복한 삶을 살 수 있도록 도와 드리고 싶습니다, 첫 상담을 시작하시는 분들에게는 새로운 설렘을, 상담 경험이 계신 분들에게는 색다른 행복감 을 함께 나누며 힘든 상황을 이겨 나갈 수 있기를 원합니다.
누구에게나 만남이 있고 그 만남 속에는 첫 만남이 있습니다. 첫 입학, 첫 직장, 첫 사랑, 첫 결혼, 첫 아이, 첫 집, 첫 이민,,,,,,, 무엇인가를 처음 시작한다고 생각하면 기쁨, 설렘, 행복이라는 감정이 생깁니다.. 하지만 우리의 삶은 시간이 지날수록 처음 느낀 그 기쁨과 행복을 점점 기억 속에서 사라지게 만듭니다. “나는 열심히 잘 살았는데,, 왜 나에게 이런 고통이?” “나를 괴롭히는 사람들은 왜 이리 많은 거지?” “너무 힘들어” 이런 생각과 감정들은 우리의 삶에 많은 영향을 미치게 됩니다. 사실, 여러분들에게는 현재의 어려움을 잘 이겨낼 능력이 있습니다. 또한 여러분들은 내면의 생각이나 감정에 따라 삶이 달라질 수 있습니다. 여러분이 얼마나 대단한 존재인가를 잊으시면 안 됩니다. 상담을 통해 여러분들 자신을 믿고, 행복한 삶을 살 수 있도록 도와 드리고 싶습니다, 첫 상담을 시작하시는 분들에게는 새로운 설렘을, 상담 경험이 계신 분들에게는 색다른 행복감 을 함께 나누며 힘든 상황을 이겨 나갈 수 있기를 원합니다.
(657) 213-2734 View (657) 213-2734
Photo of Seta Haig, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Seta Haig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91206
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you ready for a change? Would you like to learn more about yourself? Take steps towards accomplishing those goals that have been brushed aside because of obstacles? My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. Although we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to understand and resolve challenges in your life. We will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you ready for a change? Would you like to learn more about yourself? Take steps towards accomplishing those goals that have been brushed aside because of obstacles? My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. Although we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to understand and resolve challenges in your life. We will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(818) 877-4986 View (818) 877-4986
Photo of Dr. Andrew J Leone, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Andrew J Leone
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91202  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Just living in today’s world can be difficult and exhausting. Many of us feel as if we are just “getting by.” We all struggle with our mental health, from daily conflict with others, feeling frustrated or irritable, painful past experiences(trauma), struggles with work and family, and anxious thoughts. These issues can hinder our ability to heal and grow. We can all use help at times, even if we don’t know how to ask for it. I provide comprehensive support and direct feedback to help guide you through this difficult journey, to reach a path that leads to healing, understanding, acceptance, and resolution.
Just living in today’s world can be difficult and exhausting. Many of us feel as if we are just “getting by.” We all struggle with our mental health, from daily conflict with others, feeling frustrated or irritable, painful past experiences(trauma), struggles with work and family, and anxious thoughts. These issues can hinder our ability to heal and grow. We can all use help at times, even if we don’t know how to ask for it. I provide comprehensive support and direct feedback to help guide you through this difficult journey, to reach a path that leads to healing, understanding, acceptance, and resolution.
(310) 361-0831 View (310) 361-0831
Photo of Maria Kasparian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria Kasparian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91214
Navigating life's complexities, you often feel invisible strings pulling you in unfamiliar directions. You find yourself in repetitive emotional patterns, relationships that seem all too familiar. Intriguing dreams and symbols capture your imagination as you desire a deeper connection to your authentic self. Analytical psychoanalysis offers a path to compassionately explore these nuanced layers within you. Our work together will aim for more than quick fixes; my goal is to facilitate your profound self-realization, individuation and emotional well-being. If you’re called to go on this introspective journey I’m here to walk with you.
Navigating life's complexities, you often feel invisible strings pulling you in unfamiliar directions. You find yourself in repetitive emotional patterns, relationships that seem all too familiar. Intriguing dreams and symbols capture your imagination as you desire a deeper connection to your authentic self. Analytical psychoanalysis offers a path to compassionately explore these nuanced layers within you. Our work together will aim for more than quick fixes; my goal is to facilitate your profound self-realization, individuation and emotional well-being. If you’re called to go on this introspective journey I’m here to walk with you.
(818) 650-4205 View (818) 650-4205
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(323) 417-9393 View (323) 417-9393
Photo of Brian Henley, PhD, Psychologist
Brian Henley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
I treat a wide range of issues, but I specialize in the treatment of complex PTSD. Complex PTSD is a type of PTSD that can result from prolonged trauma and trauma experienced during childhood. It is notoriously difficult to treat, because trauma becomes entwined with personality and identity. Healing from something that has colored every aspect of your life, and become part of who you are, is a hideously difficult process. The normal treatments for traumatic stress - CBT, EMDR - don't get very far.
I treat a wide range of issues, but I specialize in the treatment of complex PTSD. Complex PTSD is a type of PTSD that can result from prolonged trauma and trauma experienced during childhood. It is notoriously difficult to treat, because trauma becomes entwined with personality and identity. Healing from something that has colored every aspect of your life, and become part of who you are, is a hideously difficult process. The normal treatments for traumatic stress - CBT, EMDR - don't get very far.
(562) 501-4725 View (562) 501-4725
Photo of Christine Chae, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Chae
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203
Want to use your insurance for therapy but can't find an in-network therapist who is accepting new clients? Welcome to Abundance Therapy Center where you can get high-quality therapy using your insurance for therapy sessions! We accept most major insurances and will help you verify coverage and navigate the insurance maze. We believe in making high-quality therapy accessible and affordable to our community. We care about your healing journey. ***PLEASE VISIT "ABUNDANCETHERAPYCENTER.COM" TO SUBMIT AN INTAKE REQUEST.***
Want to use your insurance for therapy but can't find an in-network therapist who is accepting new clients? Welcome to Abundance Therapy Center where you can get high-quality therapy using your insurance for therapy sessions! We accept most major insurances and will help you verify coverage and navigate the insurance maze. We believe in making high-quality therapy accessible and affordable to our community. We care about your healing journey. ***PLEASE VISIT "ABUNDANCETHERAPYCENTER.COM" TO SUBMIT AN INTAKE REQUEST.***
(323) 274-1727 View (323) 274-1727
1
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.