Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Castle Pines, CO
![Photo of Kristen D Langbauer, MAC, MBA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afcdbe07-3e52-4415-b12f-9aa96091d9bf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen D Langbauer
MAC, MBA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108 (Online Only)
Even the strongest person can be challenged by difficult experiences in their past or present life. Over time, we can become so complacent and comfortable with the discomfort that it becomes our new normal, forming our views and behaviors without knowing it's even happening. Life has a way of forcing us to confront things we believe we already overcame. Remember, therapy is not about “getting over” events and issues; it’s about understanding your triggers and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to move forward and build a fulfilling life.
Even the strongest person can be challenged by difficult experiences in their past or present life. Over time, we can become so complacent and comfortable with the discomfort that it becomes our new normal, forming our views and behaviors without knowing it's even happening. Life has a way of forcing us to confront things we believe we already overcame. Remember, therapy is not about “getting over” events and issues; it’s about understanding your triggers and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to move forward and build a fulfilling life.
![Photo of David J Goodrich, MFT, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7d487d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I understand that your emotional health and relationships are important, and you deserve to receive quality assistance with these vital aspects of your life. The cornerstone of my practice is the belief in the importance of each client's perspective, their wishes and needs. I believe every client with whom I work deserves personalized care, respect, and responsiveness. This attitude helps clients feel safe opening up and trying new ways of approaching life's challenges. Whether you seek individual, couples, or family therapy (or perhaps some combination of these) I invite you to call.
I understand that your emotional health and relationships are important, and you deserve to receive quality assistance with these vital aspects of your life. The cornerstone of my practice is the belief in the importance of each client's perspective, their wishes and needs. I believe every client with whom I work deserves personalized care, respect, and responsiveness. This attitude helps clients feel safe opening up and trying new ways of approaching life's challenges. Whether you seek individual, couples, or family therapy (or perhaps some combination of these) I invite you to call.
![Photo of Camille L. Reich, PhD, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5226fb51-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Camille L. Reich
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castle Pines, CO 80108
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest!
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest!
![Photo of Timi Schuessler - Envision Counseling Clinic, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e48ff96f-5598-4fc0-9fa3-ae190e20a366/1/320x400.png)
Envision Counseling Clinic is bringing hope to our local communities. People across Colorado come to us when they have done all they know to do and are still stuck. We help clients find relief, face their challenges, and forge a new path: a path they couldn't envision alone, a path that leads to life. Our therapists integrate Christian beliefs with sound psychological research, and respect the complicated nature of our clients' concerns. By bringing together psychologists and counselors, our Christian counseling center is able to help our clients open up new possibilities and move forward. Give us a call!
Envision Counseling Clinic is bringing hope to our local communities. People across Colorado come to us when they have done all they know to do and are still stuck. We help clients find relief, face their challenges, and forge a new path: a path they couldn't envision alone, a path that leads to life. Our therapists integrate Christian beliefs with sound psychological research, and respect the complicated nature of our clients' concerns. By bringing together psychologists and counselors, our Christian counseling center is able to help our clients open up new possibilities and move forward. Give us a call!
![Photo of Laurie Anne Marcellin - enCourage Counseling Trauma and Therapist Therapy, MA, LPC, NCC, CATP, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44927ff6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
enCourage Counseling Trauma and Therapist Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CATP, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Therapists need a safe space for healing too! You work hard to be effective and compassionate with your clients, and you know that your work is best when you take care of your own emotional needs. You may be facing burnout, your own trauma or life challenges or just the realization that “it’s time” to return to therapy. As therapists, it's our unique challenge to let ourselves relax and trust someone to take care of us in effective ways. You'll immediately feel supported in a non-judgmental and highly confidential space. I offer a safe place for healing with the therapist in mind.
Therapists need a safe space for healing too! You work hard to be effective and compassionate with your clients, and you know that your work is best when you take care of your own emotional needs. You may be facing burnout, your own trauma or life challenges or just the realization that “it’s time” to return to therapy. As therapists, it's our unique challenge to let ourselves relax and trust someone to take care of us in effective ways. You'll immediately feel supported in a non-judgmental and highly confidential space. I offer a safe place for healing with the therapist in mind.
![Photo of Steven M Ferradino, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d212e7d-4fab-4b60-9ebe-139e5f400ffd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Collaborative Insight Counseling will provide opportunities of hope to children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with emotional health. I believe everyone has the ability to discover their own strengths and lead peaceful, productive and successful lives. My intention is to support you in discovering your own strengths and collaboratively foster those skills promoting personal development.
Collaborative Insight Counseling will provide opportunities of hope to children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with emotional health. I believe everyone has the ability to discover their own strengths and lead peaceful, productive and successful lives. My intention is to support you in discovering your own strengths and collaboratively foster those skills promoting personal development.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Elizabeth Wynn, MA, LPCC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8045a98-a22e-40db-8551-571be878855a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Wynn
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Castle Rock, CO 80104
I specialize in working with individuals and couples experiencing shifts in identity, depression, addiction, attachment ruptures, BPD, childhood trauma, single event trauma and on women's health across the lifespan.
Looking for a therapist is hard! Congratulations on taking the first steps. Perhaps you are often seen as the one who has it all together and gets it all done, making it hard to find the support you need? Or maybe you're a couple looking for support in a life transition. I specialize in addressing "high-functioning" anxiety and depression, life transitions, self-discovery journeys, work-life wellness, avoiding burnout, and relational concerns. By providing each client or couple with holistic, individualized care combined with a safe space to embrace vulnerability, my clients can uncover wounds, heal, and thrive!
I specialize in working with individuals and couples experiencing shifts in identity, depression, addiction, attachment ruptures, BPD, childhood trauma, single event trauma and on women's health across the lifespan.
Looking for a therapist is hard! Congratulations on taking the first steps. Perhaps you are often seen as the one who has it all together and gets it all done, making it hard to find the support you need? Or maybe you're a couple looking for support in a life transition. I specialize in addressing "high-functioning" anxiety and depression, life transitions, self-discovery journeys, work-life wellness, avoiding burnout, and relational concerns. By providing each client or couple with holistic, individualized care combined with a safe space to embrace vulnerability, my clients can uncover wounds, heal, and thrive!
![Photo of Stephanie Bartlett-Goldstein, LPC, LMFT, TF-EAP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1842016-31c9-4edd-bc74-1d93eaedf4c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Bartlett-Goldstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, TF-EAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Our team specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, borderline personality disorder, trauma, fertility and postpartum challenges, and family dynamic challenges. We also offer couples therapy. We utilize techniques that are largely cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and structural as well drawing upon Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Our team also offers biofeedback to help with self-regulation and anxiety. Finally, we offer trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy. We have found that horses & people can help each other heal beautifully.
Our team specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, borderline personality disorder, trauma, fertility and postpartum challenges, and family dynamic challenges. We also offer couples therapy. We utilize techniques that are largely cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and structural as well drawing upon Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Our team also offers biofeedback to help with self-regulation and anxiety. Finally, we offer trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy. We have found that horses & people can help each other heal beautifully.
![Photo of Jesse Dickinson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e948b5be-9c93-41d8-b007-4ad2056c4cc0/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jesse is deeply reflective and intuitive. He is unwavering, steady and compassionate in the collaborative discovery of your true self. It is not uncommon for those who work with Jesse to experience more growth and healing than in previous therapy experiences. Working with Jesse, you will find yourself at ease with his calming presence. You will feel invited to be yourself, truly witnessed, and guided on the rewarding path to unburdening. You will be glad you took this courageous first step.
Jesse is deeply reflective and intuitive. He is unwavering, steady and compassionate in the collaborative discovery of your true self. It is not uncommon for those who work with Jesse to experience more growth and healing than in previous therapy experiences. Working with Jesse, you will find yourself at ease with his calming presence. You will feel invited to be yourself, truly witnessed, and guided on the rewarding path to unburdening. You will be glad you took this courageous first step.
![Photo of Tamara Pintily - The Unbothered Mind, LCSW, LAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f341ef40-b526-4691-b4a9-ea0dc0d30112/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Unbothered Mind
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80104 (Online Only)
Hey friends! If you're on my page, then that's an indication that you're interested in learning more about yourself and obtaining a secure sense of self aka confidence. You may be struggling with your view of self, leading to feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Something happened to you to cause this internal insecurity. And it's not your fault. You're now needing assistance in learning how to discover yourself, how to think differently, and/or how to create healthy responses to stressful situations. You realize that no one can guarantee your happiness besides yourself and are ready to become your own best friend.
Hey friends! If you're on my page, then that's an indication that you're interested in learning more about yourself and obtaining a secure sense of self aka confidence. You may be struggling with your view of self, leading to feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Something happened to you to cause this internal insecurity. And it's not your fault. You're now needing assistance in learning how to discover yourself, how to think differently, and/or how to create healthy responses to stressful situations. You realize that no one can guarantee your happiness besides yourself and are ready to become your own best friend.
![Photo of Kelsie McGuire, MA, LPC, EMDR, MI, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1cdcdd2-1a05-44a7-9770-a66dfda56ab8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsie McGuire
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR, MI
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80104 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In my first years in the field, I noticed the trend of individuals understanding their patterns of self-sabotage but still feeling unable to break these as the therapeutic work they have done was all cognitive and therefore, had not resulted in a heart change. People would be able to understand from a logical sense that they had worth for example, but struggled to feel worthy or treat themselves as having value in spite of having engaged in therapy for years. To address this, I pursued continued education in order to better help these particular clients.
In my first years in the field, I noticed the trend of individuals understanding their patterns of self-sabotage but still feeling unable to break these as the therapeutic work they have done was all cognitive and therefore, had not resulted in a heart change. People would be able to understand from a logical sense that they had worth for example, but struggled to feel worthy or treat themselves as having value in spite of having engaged in therapy for years. To address this, I pursued continued education in order to better help these particular clients.
![Photo of Susan L. Hollander, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb23ddb8-bf6a-4ebf-9e11-7a75efd7f1aa/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan L. Hollander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80104
It’s a new day and you’re disappointed the sun even came up…overwhelmed is the best word to describe you. Sadness waves through you. Sleep is elusive or sometimes you sleep too much. Worry engulfs you. You know exercise is supposed to help. But you don’t have an ounce of energy. The self-criticism that floats through your head can feel like it’s drowning you. You feel helpless and drained. No one knows you’re feeling this way. Sometimes you think that you should be able to pull yourself up by the bootstraps. But you just can’t. And you’ve tried so many different times. Everything you’ve tried has failed. Now what?
It’s a new day and you’re disappointed the sun even came up…overwhelmed is the best word to describe you. Sadness waves through you. Sleep is elusive or sometimes you sleep too much. Worry engulfs you. You know exercise is supposed to help. But you don’t have an ounce of energy. The self-criticism that floats through your head can feel like it’s drowning you. You feel helpless and drained. No one knows you’re feeling this way. Sometimes you think that you should be able to pull yourself up by the bootstraps. But you just can’t. And you’ve tried so many different times. Everything you’ve tried has failed. Now what?
![Photo of Michelle Gerbozy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/439f906d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Gerbozy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Intuition may have led you here not because you know exactly what is wrong, but because something doesn't feel right. I look forward to guiding you back to the health you seek. You are not broken or "damaged" by trauma, abuse, or relationship fracture, you have just lost your way. You know this because anxiety, depression and self doubt have shown up like a relentless storm threatening to capsize you. Sadly, this may even be at its worst within a relationship that should offer nurturing and growth but instead is toxic and painful. I can help you create your life worth living, and thrive in it.
Intuition may have led you here not because you know exactly what is wrong, but because something doesn't feel right. I look forward to guiding you back to the health you seek. You are not broken or "damaged" by trauma, abuse, or relationship fracture, you have just lost your way. You know this because anxiety, depression and self doubt have shown up like a relentless storm threatening to capsize you. Sadly, this may even be at its worst within a relationship that should offer nurturing and growth but instead is toxic and painful. I can help you create your life worth living, and thrive in it.
![Photo of Jennifer Peck, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bbb0bef-e060-4d3f-bcdc-a360ff145a2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Peck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80109 (Online Only)
I am an experienced therapist specializing in TRAUMA, PTSD, DOMESTIC ABUSE, DEPRESSION, SEXUAL ABUSE, SUICIDAL IDEATION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Many people have insight into their problems, but are unable to fix them on their own. We will work together to understand your current feelings and behaviors, why they are disrupting your life, and help build new skills and strategies with the goal of achieving a life worth living.
I am an experienced therapist specializing in TRAUMA, PTSD, DOMESTIC ABUSE, DEPRESSION, SEXUAL ABUSE, SUICIDAL IDEATION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Many people have insight into their problems, but are unable to fix them on their own. We will work together to understand your current feelings and behaviors, why they are disrupting your life, and help build new skills and strategies with the goal of achieving a life worth living.
![Photo of Beth Tamborski, LPCC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f79f9b8a-2482-4ba0-b8e8-f78c0db51df4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beth Tamborski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80108 (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m glad you’ve decided to reach out for counseling, as I know it can often be a difficult step to take. I look forward to getting to know you as you explore what brought you here. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with individuals of all age ranges. I enjoy working with individuals and couples and utilize a person-centered approach, where I meet each individual where they are at on their journey towards wellness. I believe in the mind-body connection and the importance of using a holistic approach to building resilience and meeting life’s challenges.
Welcome! I’m glad you’ve decided to reach out for counseling, as I know it can often be a difficult step to take. I look forward to getting to know you as you explore what brought you here. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with individuals of all age ranges. I enjoy working with individuals and couples and utilize a person-centered approach, where I meet each individual where they are at on their journey towards wellness. I believe in the mind-body connection and the importance of using a holistic approach to building resilience and meeting life’s challenges.
![Photo of Kate McDonald, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/144cf3a9-87da-43cd-bccf-51dabd790002/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kate McDonald
Licensed Professional Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80108 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Kate, a highly experienced psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve lasting well-being. With more than 12 years of expertise, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. With warmth, empathy, and respect, I create a collaborative therapeutic alliance that promotes healing, growth, and self-empowerment. Together, we'll explore your unique journey, identify underlying patterns, and develop effective strategies for positive change.
Welcome! I'm Kate, a highly experienced psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve lasting well-being. With more than 12 years of expertise, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. With warmth, empathy, and respect, I create a collaborative therapeutic alliance that promotes healing, growth, and self-empowerment. Together, we'll explore your unique journey, identify underlying patterns, and develop effective strategies for positive change.
![Photo of Cynthia Grant - AllHealth Network, PhD, MD, LCSW, LAC, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c03cdbc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
AllHealth Network provides mental health and substance abuse services for all stages of life. We offer individual, family and group outpatient counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and adults. These services include assessment and treatment planning with one of our master’s-level or licensed therapists, group therapy and medication management. We have an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Littleton and Castle Rock for adults seeking treatment for mental health and substance use concerns. We offer medication-assisted therapy (MAT) for individual trying to get off of pain killers or opioids.
AllHealth Network provides mental health and substance abuse services for all stages of life. We offer individual, family and group outpatient counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and adults. These services include assessment and treatment planning with one of our master’s-level or licensed therapists, group therapy and medication management. We have an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Littleton and Castle Rock for adults seeking treatment for mental health and substance use concerns. We offer medication-assisted therapy (MAT) for individual trying to get off of pain killers or opioids.
![Photo of Kendra Liedtke, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d979847-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kendra Liedtke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed with difficult emotions, rumination or impulsive behaviors? Finding yourself engaging in the same ineffective patterns? Having difficulty healing from the past or managing a current traumatic event, loss or life adjustment? I am a strengths-based, certified EMDR therapist with over 20 years counseling experience with adults, intensive training in DBT, and influenced by IFS therapy. My style is warm, engaging, non-judgmental and down to earth. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and starting where you are, we will work together to help facilitate acceptance, healing and growth.
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed with difficult emotions, rumination or impulsive behaviors? Finding yourself engaging in the same ineffective patterns? Having difficulty healing from the past or managing a current traumatic event, loss or life adjustment? I am a strengths-based, certified EMDR therapist with over 20 years counseling experience with adults, intensive training in DBT, and influenced by IFS therapy. My style is warm, engaging, non-judgmental and down to earth. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and starting where you are, we will work together to help facilitate acceptance, healing and growth.
![Photo of Kayla R Ennett - Positive Perceptions Therapeutic Services, LLC, PsyD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/811e051e-0750-4745-a95a-d3c64a8e02d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Positive Perceptions Therapeutic Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Hello! I moved to Colorado 9 years ago from the upper Midwest. I am proud to say I have an eclectic experience when it comes to counseling. I started off as a residential treatment specialist then moved on to other settings including universities, military bases, prisons, parole, schools, and group practices. From there I have put a focus on working with clients and couples who suffer from depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and concerns related to intimacy and sex.
Hello! I moved to Colorado 9 years ago from the upper Midwest. I am proud to say I have an eclectic experience when it comes to counseling. I started off as a residential treatment specialist then moved on to other settings including universities, military bases, prisons, parole, schools, and group practices. From there I have put a focus on working with clients and couples who suffer from depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and concerns related to intimacy and sex.
![Photo of Tunnel Light Therapy - - - Heidi R Smith, MBA, MS, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6258388b-dc4c-4fd9-8f32-686410e7a521/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tunnel Light Therapy - - - Heidi R Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MBA, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Do you crave connection, validation, and empathy? Have you struggled to feel understood and free from judgement while navigating life and processing your deep thoughts, big emotions, and prior trauma? At Tunnel Light Therapy, that's possible. Offering in-person and online therapy to clients in most life stages (teenagers, adults, couples) and specializing in anxiety, trauma, EMDR, depression, mood and personality disorders, I can serve as a safe and compassionate partner to you (or your child) on the path toward greater, more sustainable mental health. Your unique therapeutic needs and goals are welcome at Tunnel Light Therapy.
Do you crave connection, validation, and empathy? Have you struggled to feel understood and free from judgement while navigating life and processing your deep thoughts, big emotions, and prior trauma? At Tunnel Light Therapy, that's possible. Offering in-person and online therapy to clients in most life stages (teenagers, adults, couples) and specializing in anxiety, trauma, EMDR, depression, mood and personality disorders, I can serve as a safe and compassionate partner to you (or your child) on the path toward greater, more sustainable mental health. Your unique therapeutic needs and goals are welcome at Tunnel Light Therapy.
See more therapy options for Castle Pines
Nearby Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists Searches for Castle Pines
- Castle Rock
- Centennial
- Cherry Hills
- Cherry Hills Village
- Elizabeth
- Englewood
- Franktown
- Greenwood Village
- Highlands Ranch
- Littleton
- Lone Tree
- Parker
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.