Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Simi Valley, CA

Photo of Dr. Brendan J Nierenberg, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Brendan J Nierenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
I have been very fortunate to work with a wide range of populations including traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples and relationship issues, gender identity issues, borderline personality disorder, and men's issues.
It takes a great amount of courage to be seeking a therapist as you are doing right now. You have made the choice to seek out help, and for that, I can say you are already on your journey of healing. In a session with me, you will find acceptance, understanding, and compassion with any challenge you are facing. No matter what your goal is, you don't have to do it alone.
I have been very fortunate to work with a wide range of populations including traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples and relationship issues, gender identity issues, borderline personality disorder, and men's issues.
It takes a great amount of courage to be seeking a therapist as you are doing right now. You have made the choice to seek out help, and for that, I can say you are already on your journey of healing. In a session with me, you will find acceptance, understanding, and compassion with any challenge you are facing. No matter what your goal is, you don't have to do it alone.
(805) 243-1580 View (805) 243-1580
Photo of Kristie Meyer, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristie Meyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
Do you feel like you're not living your life to its fullest? The decision to seek therapy often comes after a painful process of self-evaluation. The realization that your life may be lacking in vitality can be upsetting but may provide the opening for something new and more hopeful to emerge. I believe that when we choose to experience our suffering willingly and openly, we create the opportunity for personal transformation. I can facilitate this process of change to help you find greater meaning in your life.
Do you feel like you're not living your life to its fullest? The decision to seek therapy often comes after a painful process of self-evaluation. The realization that your life may be lacking in vitality can be upsetting but may provide the opening for something new and more hopeful to emerge. I believe that when we choose to experience our suffering willingly and openly, we create the opportunity for personal transformation. I can facilitate this process of change to help you find greater meaning in your life.
(714) 804-0905 View (714) 804-0905
Photo of Jeffrey Aaron Spike - Spike The Psych, MA, LEP, #3394, CCTMHP
Spike The Psych
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, LEP, #3394, CCTMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Hi, I'm Jeffrey Spike, AKA Spike the Psych. Unlike several mental health providers and ADHD coaches who overcharge, I'm certified, I charge less, and I'm excellent at what I do. I've been a licensed educational psychologist since 2012, I started my career as a School Psychologist in 2005. I won the LA Association of School Psychologists Outstanding Psychologist of the Year award. With 20 years of experience, I have successfully evaluated and counseled people (kids and adults) with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, emotional and behavior difficulties; I give them the help they deserve for success. My services are in office or virtual (online).
Hi, I'm Jeffrey Spike, AKA Spike the Psych. Unlike several mental health providers and ADHD coaches who overcharge, I'm certified, I charge less, and I'm excellent at what I do. I've been a licensed educational psychologist since 2012, I started my career as a School Psychologist in 2005. I won the LA Association of School Psychologists Outstanding Psychologist of the Year award. With 20 years of experience, I have successfully evaluated and counseled people (kids and adults) with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, emotional and behavior difficulties; I give them the help they deserve for success. My services are in office or virtual (online).
(747) 203-0768 View (747) 203-0768
Photo of Avrille Birnbaum, LCP, Psychologist
Avrille Birnbaum
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Hi, I'm Avrille Birnbaum! I'm a Clinical Psychologist, practicing therapy via video for clients who are in need but might not be able to take time off weekly to come to an office. I am a believer in doing what I can to make self-care accessible and relevant for each client, and I strive to make each person feel that they are having a conversation in which they feel supported, heard, and receive tools to use in their daily lives. Most often, my clients come to me struggling with issues regarding neurodivergence, depression, social anxiety, living with bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders.
Hi, I'm Avrille Birnbaum! I'm a Clinical Psychologist, practicing therapy via video for clients who are in need but might not be able to take time off weekly to come to an office. I am a believer in doing what I can to make self-care accessible and relevant for each client, and I strive to make each person feel that they are having a conversation in which they feel supported, heard, and receive tools to use in their daily lives. Most often, my clients come to me struggling with issues regarding neurodivergence, depression, social anxiety, living with bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders.
(805) 360-4291 View (805) 360-4291
Photo of Elizabeth Hope Sorenson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Hope Sorenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
I am committed to guiding my clients through barriers that hinder or impede upon thier inner peace. Trauma-informed treatment aims to equip the client with an experience that increases their ability to trust themselves, others, and the world around them. I am EMDR Certified and DBT Trained. These modalities compliment the therapeutic alliance and are aimed at outcomes that work to see, affirm, and celebrate you as a whole person. You deserve to experience life without carrying all of the weight of what has happened to you. I look forward to working together to find, explore, and safeguard what makes life meaningful to you.
I am committed to guiding my clients through barriers that hinder or impede upon thier inner peace. Trauma-informed treatment aims to equip the client with an experience that increases their ability to trust themselves, others, and the world around them. I am EMDR Certified and DBT Trained. These modalities compliment the therapeutic alliance and are aimed at outcomes that work to see, affirm, and celebrate you as a whole person. You deserve to experience life without carrying all of the weight of what has happened to you. I look forward to working together to find, explore, and safeguard what makes life meaningful to you.
(661) 215-8212 View (661) 215-8212
Photo of Julie Colfax, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Colfax
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Hello, I am Julie Pennington (previously Colfax) LMFT. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with people of all ages, levels of development, abilities, and stages of life. My focus is on you, your goals for yourself, and your family in the therapy space. The majority of the clients I see working to recover from trauma and minimize the impact or development of trauma responses (Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD), dealing with depression (bipolar or unipolar), anxiety, neuro-divergent and differently-abled, wanting to improve emotional management skills or work through substance use and addiction challenges.
Hello, I am Julie Pennington (previously Colfax) LMFT. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with people of all ages, levels of development, abilities, and stages of life. My focus is on you, your goals for yourself, and your family in the therapy space. The majority of the clients I see working to recover from trauma and minimize the impact or development of trauma responses (Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD), dealing with depression (bipolar or unipolar), anxiety, neuro-divergent and differently-abled, wanting to improve emotional management skills or work through substance use and addiction challenges.
(805) 600-8854 View (805) 600-8854
Photo of Shanna Rayyan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shanna Rayyan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
I’m Shanna Rayyan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist who is passionate about helping my clients work through their traumas, hardships, and mental illness in order to improve their quality of life. I use an eclectic approach, implementing various evidence-based therapeutic modalities that best fit my specific client’s life story, needs, and goals.
I’m Shanna Rayyan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist who is passionate about helping my clients work through their traumas, hardships, and mental illness in order to improve their quality of life. I use an eclectic approach, implementing various evidence-based therapeutic modalities that best fit my specific client’s life story, needs, and goals.
(408) 540-6850 View (408) 540-6850
Photo of Lital Diament - Diament Wellness Marriage & Counseling, PC, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diament Wellness Marriage & Counseling, PC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
Congratulations for reaching out! You are not alone. Your step of seeking therapy and recovery begins now. I see each person as a unique individual. A person with life experiences- needing to relate, confide in and be validated. I treat each person with authenticity and unconditional positive regard. I focus on what is in front of me and not "what could be." My approach is a holistic one; I look at the whole person, including any underlying medical concerns, in order to help you identify your basic core self. Remember, you are brave for making the first step - reach out!
Congratulations for reaching out! You are not alone. Your step of seeking therapy and recovery begins now. I see each person as a unique individual. A person with life experiences- needing to relate, confide in and be validated. I treat each person with authenticity and unconditional positive regard. I focus on what is in front of me and not "what could be." My approach is a holistic one; I look at the whole person, including any underlying medical concerns, in order to help you identify your basic core self. Remember, you are brave for making the first step - reach out!
(406) 623-7733 View (406) 623-7733
Photo of Lesley Sears, MS, LPC, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lesley Sears
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065
I have been helping individuals, couples & families overcome challenges and live the lives they were created for by working through issues of depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, etc. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and am also licensed in Arizona as an (LPC) Licensed Professional Counselor and a (LMFT) Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Also, I am a Certified Life Coach through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and have training as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). This certification uniquely equips me to help you resolve trauma in a gentle and effective way.
I have been helping individuals, couples & families overcome challenges and live the lives they were created for by working through issues of depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, etc. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and am also licensed in Arizona as an (LPC) Licensed Professional Counselor and a (LMFT) Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Also, I am a Certified Life Coach through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and have training as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). This certification uniquely equips me to help you resolve trauma in a gentle and effective way.
(805) 246-9786 View (805) 246-9786
Photo of Rob Scheidlinger, MA, LMFT, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rob Scheidlinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, JD
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065
The decision to engage a therapist is deeply personal and may seem challenging. It is a unique relationship, where ideally, you can be in a safe, empathic environment and talk to someone with in depth psychological training and significant life experience. I offer both to my clients, treating individuals, couples, children, adolescents and families. These relationships have led me to focus on the treatment of: anxiety, depression, relational communications, work place stressors, substance use/abuse, attachment disorders, emotional regulation issues, self image, family systems, ADHD, grief and loss, parenting, obsessive/compulsive behaviors, impulse control, mood disorders and relational conflicts.
The decision to engage a therapist is deeply personal and may seem challenging. It is a unique relationship, where ideally, you can be in a safe, empathic environment and talk to someone with in depth psychological training and significant life experience. I offer both to my clients, treating individuals, couples, children, adolescents and families. These relationships have led me to focus on the treatment of: anxiety, depression, relational communications, work place stressors, substance use/abuse, attachment disorders, emotional regulation issues, self image, family systems, ADHD, grief and loss, parenting, obsessive/compulsive behaviors, impulse control, mood disorders and relational conflicts.
(805) 259-3415 View (805) 259-3415
Photo of Jennifer Kadin, Psy D, Psychologist
Jennifer Kadin
Psychologist, Psy D
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical and Forensic Psychologist for the past 9 years. I currently work at Family Psychological Services providing psychological evaluations and testing in children, adolscents and adults for attention, learning and memory problems. I specialize in individual, family, and couples’ therapy for all ages and utilizes cognitive -behavioral as well as solution focused, psychodynamic, and object relations interventions. I also have many years of experience with risk assessment and psychological testing for children, adolescents, and adults and is a skilled diagnostician and treatment planner.
I am a licensed clinical and Forensic Psychologist for the past 9 years. I currently work at Family Psychological Services providing psychological evaluations and testing in children, adolscents and adults for attention, learning and memory problems. I specialize in individual, family, and couples’ therapy for all ages and utilizes cognitive -behavioral as well as solution focused, psychodynamic, and object relations interventions. I also have many years of experience with risk assessment and psychological testing for children, adolescents, and adults and is a skilled diagnostician and treatment planner.
(747) 322-4420 View (747) 322-4420
Photo of Brandon Reed, LCP, Psychologist
Brandon Reed
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Hello, I am Dr. Brandon Reed, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California. My expertise lies in the research and treatment of adults who suffer from emotion dysregulation, addiction, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. My psychotherapy approach is evidence-based, with a primary focus on improving relationships and enhancing motivation for positive change. In therapy, my approach is first to gain a complete understanding of who you are, the challenges you are facing, and the impact of your relationships on your life.
Hello, I am Dr. Brandon Reed, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California. My expertise lies in the research and treatment of adults who suffer from emotion dysregulation, addiction, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. My psychotherapy approach is evidence-based, with a primary focus on improving relationships and enhancing motivation for positive change. In therapy, my approach is first to gain a complete understanding of who you are, the challenges you are facing, and the impact of your relationships on your life.
(760) 512-8626 View (760) 512-8626
Photo of Mary Swift, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Swift
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Mary Louise Swift, LCSW CA6286. I am a relationship-centered Tx with 50 years of experience. I work with adult individuals in all modalities. Women’s issues such as relationship, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, work issues, parenting issues, postpartum depression. Client-centered, non-judgmental, transparent, confidential examining relationship issues, women’s issues. I work to create a safe and supportive environment that is intimate and inclusive. I love people, and I love sharing intimacy and being a coach for others.
Mary Louise Swift, LCSW CA6286. I am a relationship-centered Tx with 50 years of experience. I work with adult individuals in all modalities. Women’s issues such as relationship, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, work issues, parenting issues, postpartum depression. Client-centered, non-judgmental, transparent, confidential examining relationship issues, women’s issues. I work to create a safe and supportive environment that is intimate and inclusive. I love people, and I love sharing intimacy and being a coach for others.
(951) 498-5608 View (951) 498-5608
Photo of Teresa Irvin, MA , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Teresa Irvin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Whether you are looking to improve what is already working or are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, loss or even the daily challenges of being a caregiver to a loved one, together we can work to help you live your very best life.
Whether you are looking to improve what is already working or are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, loss or even the daily challenges of being a caregiver to a loved one, together we can work to help you live your very best life.
(805) 706-0995 View (805) 706-0995
Photo of Hannah Hicks, MSW, LCSW, CCTS-I, C-DBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Hicks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCTS-I, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
Being a woman today can mean living with a lot of insecurity and anxiety. You want to appear successful and put together, but deep down you are struggling to figure out who you are, cope with the chaos in your life, and work through a difficult past. The pressures of everyday life fill you with constant overwhelm, relationships feel distant and stressful, and your energy reserves have been depleted. You can hold it together and make it through the day, but by the time you get home you are exhausted. Cooking, dinner, socialization, and parenting seem like impossible tasks.
Being a woman today can mean living with a lot of insecurity and anxiety. You want to appear successful and put together, but deep down you are struggling to figure out who you are, cope with the chaos in your life, and work through a difficult past. The pressures of everyday life fill you with constant overwhelm, relationships feel distant and stressful, and your energy reserves have been depleted. You can hold it together and make it through the day, but by the time you get home you are exhausted. Cooking, dinner, socialization, and parenting seem like impossible tasks.
(320) 613-2608 View (320) 613-2608
Photo of Cheryl Beatrice, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cheryl Beatrice
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Relationship issues? Trouble communicating? Anger? Depression? Anxiety? Low self-esteem? Sometimes we need help from a professional to cope with life's challenges. I don't use a "cookie-cutter" approach to psychotherapy. I tailor my approach to meet my client's needs. My goal is to help you develop life-changing habits to help you cope with life's obstacles. I will create a warm, supportive environment where we can work together to identify strengths and areas for growth/ development to reach your fullest potential, enhance relationships, build effective communication skills, or finding your way back to yourself and others.
Relationship issues? Trouble communicating? Anger? Depression? Anxiety? Low self-esteem? Sometimes we need help from a professional to cope with life's challenges. I don't use a "cookie-cutter" approach to psychotherapy. I tailor my approach to meet my client's needs. My goal is to help you develop life-changing habits to help you cope with life's obstacles. I will create a warm, supportive environment where we can work together to identify strengths and areas for growth/ development to reach your fullest potential, enhance relationships, build effective communication skills, or finding your way back to yourself and others.
(805) 749-2506 View (805) 749-2506

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jennifer Ann Miles - Dialectica Family Therapy/Jennifer Miles, LMFT, MA, LMFT, #108153, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dialectica Family Therapy/Jennifer Miles, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, #108153
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91319
Welcome to Dialectica Family Therapy we were established by DBT Therapist Jennifer Miles who opened her Group Practice in Camarillo, CA in 2018 . We offer our clients cutting edge therapeutic interventions , group therapy, EMDR, IEMT, DBT and starting in 2024 in our upcoming Thousand Oaks Office Nuerofeedback. We use a holistic approach to therapy and believe there is not one specific way to healing. We work from a team model which is particularly helpful with Family work and with kids and teens. We specialize in Trauma, Mood D/O, BPD, higher quality of life and finding purpose and meaning in one's life.
Welcome to Dialectica Family Therapy we were established by DBT Therapist Jennifer Miles who opened her Group Practice in Camarillo, CA in 2018 . We offer our clients cutting edge therapeutic interventions , group therapy, EMDR, IEMT, DBT and starting in 2024 in our upcoming Thousand Oaks Office Nuerofeedback. We use a holistic approach to therapy and believe there is not one specific way to healing. We work from a team model which is particularly helpful with Family work and with kids and teens. We specialize in Trauma, Mood D/O, BPD, higher quality of life and finding purpose and meaning in one's life.
(805) 504-6967 View (805) 504-6967
Photo of Gamze Çaltekin, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gamze Çaltekin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91301
I had experience working with clients suffering from addiction, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, trauma, and grief.
To be 'human' is such a simple and yet such a deep and miraculous concept. Suffering is a natural part of human experience and emotional avoidance is one of the main causes of psychological problems. Avoiding negative emotions may bring you short term relief but in the long term it will end up with pain. When we accept a negative emotion, it tends to lose its destructive power. Therapy is a healing journey where the alliance between client and therapist plays an extremely important role in the process of acceptance.
I had experience working with clients suffering from addiction, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, trauma, and grief.
To be 'human' is such a simple and yet such a deep and miraculous concept. Suffering is a natural part of human experience and emotional avoidance is one of the main causes of psychological problems. Avoiding negative emotions may bring you short term relief but in the long term it will end up with pain. When we accept a negative emotion, it tends to lose its destructive power. Therapy is a healing journey where the alliance between client and therapist plays an extremely important role in the process of acceptance.
(424) 233-1840 View (424) 233-1840
Photo of Eric Bellman, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eric Bellman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91361  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Eric Bellman LCSW the Right Therapy -I am dedicated to the right approach in treating BPD and PTSD pain management and addictions. -Therapy is also useful for other complex situations people face from mental illness to life transitions and creative blocks Therapy has many uses from the most serious challenges of emotional disorders to the creative techniques for overcoming mental blocks by helping to channel emotionally regulated energy into a creative life. The right teamwork and approach helps everyone; -individuals of all ages -married couples - families and people undergoing personal life transitions in our fast changing world
Eric Bellman LCSW the Right Therapy -I am dedicated to the right approach in treating BPD and PTSD pain management and addictions. -Therapy is also useful for other complex situations people face from mental illness to life transitions and creative blocks Therapy has many uses from the most serious challenges of emotional disorders to the creative techniques for overcoming mental blocks by helping to channel emotionally regulated energy into a creative life. The right teamwork and approach helps everyone; -individuals of all ages -married couples - families and people undergoing personal life transitions in our fast changing world
(805) 351-4357 View (805) 351-4357
Photo of Rene N Mendoza, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rene N Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
The issues she has treated include marital and relationship issues, parenting, trauma, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, major life transitions, self-esteem, coping skills, and sexual identity.
Rene Mendoza uses an integrative approach to treatment that incorporates her clients’ spiritual practices alongside evidence-based practices such as Solution-Focused Therapy and DBT. Rene works collaboratively with clients to ensure that their treatment aligns with their perspective on life. Rene’s therapeutic perspective includes mindfulness work, strengths-based practices, family systems, expressive work, play therapy, and depth psychotherapy and healing through working with dreams as a window into the psyche. Rene believes that ritual and symbolism work together to deepen the healing process.
The issues she has treated include marital and relationship issues, parenting, trauma, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, major life transitions, self-esteem, coping skills, and sexual identity.
Rene Mendoza uses an integrative approach to treatment that incorporates her clients’ spiritual practices alongside evidence-based practices such as Solution-Focused Therapy and DBT. Rene works collaboratively with clients to ensure that their treatment aligns with their perspective on life. Rene’s therapeutic perspective includes mindfulness work, strengths-based practices, family systems, expressive work, play therapy, and depth psychotherapy and healing through working with dreams as a window into the psyche. Rene believes that ritual and symbolism work together to deepen the healing process.
(805) 804-5429 View (805) 804-5429

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.