Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Elizabeth, CO
![Photo of Robert Baerncopf, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf1749b1-7af0-4a0d-94c8-d6d3130c5ddc/2/320x400.png)
Robert Baerncopf
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Elizabeth, CO 80107 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Robert Baerncopf and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the last 6 years. My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion and curiosity, deeply honoring each person's unique journey. My practice focuses on supporting individuals in navigating uncomfortable emotions, resolving posttraumatic stress, and helping client's align themselves with a more fulfilling life.
Hello, my name is Robert Baerncopf and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the last 6 years. My approach to therapy is rooted in compassion and curiosity, deeply honoring each person's unique journey. My practice focuses on supporting individuals in navigating uncomfortable emotions, resolving posttraumatic stress, and helping client's align themselves with a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Dallas J Chismar, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/651e788b-94cf-4ba0-93cc-165dd314b6a0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dallas J Chismar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Elizabeth, CO 80107
Waitlist for new clients
My goal as a clinician is to help guide my clients on their own healing journeys toward self-exploration and acceptance. My practice is open to adults, adolescents, and couples. I have experience working with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, self-esteem, addiction, personality disorders, trauma disorders, depression, and anxiety.
My goal as a clinician is to help guide my clients on their own healing journeys toward self-exploration and acceptance. My practice is open to adults, adolescents, and couples. I have experience working with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, self-esteem, addiction, personality disorders, trauma disorders, depression, and anxiety.
![Photo of Michelle Lynn Shewmake, MSW, LCSW, MS, ADDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/787eb378-3715-47c2-8fd7-b1592818549f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Lynn Shewmake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MS, ADDC
Verified Verified
Elizabeth, CO 80107
My passion is helping your child, tween or teen use their strengths to work through problems that are preventing them from being their best selves. I am available for youth facing a variety of issues, including bullying, family issues (ie, sibling issues, divorce, blended families, domestic violence), mental health conditions (ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, self-harm, suicidality), trauma, grief, substance abuse/use, peer/relational issues, or academic struggles. Further, Michelle is an ally to LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth. Learn more about Michelle at www.bluefeathercounselor.com
My passion is helping your child, tween or teen use their strengths to work through problems that are preventing them from being their best selves. I am available for youth facing a variety of issues, including bullying, family issues (ie, sibling issues, divorce, blended families, domestic violence), mental health conditions (ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, self-harm, suicidality), trauma, grief, substance abuse/use, peer/relational issues, or academic struggles. Further, Michelle is an ally to LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth. Learn more about Michelle at www.bluefeathercounselor.com
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Camille L. Reich, PhD, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3da25a3f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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 practice child-centered play therapy and 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. I look forward to consulting with you!
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 practice child-centered play therapy and 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. I look forward to consulting with you!
![Photo of Peggy Ann Kennamer-Linn, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01615f45-11ac-4c87-ab6f-b6067978f614/2/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy is equivalent to attaining your personal and professional success. In this competitive and challenging world, it is often times intimidating and frustrating to reach your goals. I am here to help you find your happiness by equipping you with an array of tools to achieve your destination. My main goal in treatment is to guide you with compassion, empathy and unconditional support. I am experienced in providing an array of services to children, adults and families experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar disorder as well as many other life struggles and issues.
Therapy is equivalent to attaining your personal and professional success. In this competitive and challenging world, it is often times intimidating and frustrating to reach your goals. I am here to help you find your happiness by equipping you with an array of tools to achieve your destination. My main goal in treatment is to guide you with compassion, empathy and unconditional support. I am experienced in providing an array of services to children, adults and families experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar disorder as well as many other life struggles and issues.
![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.
![Photo of Michelle Gerbozy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/439f906d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Coty J. Duby Peplinski, MA, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b8a52ce-27ff-41c5-86c7-414e6449b5fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Coty J. Duby Peplinski
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Centennial, CO 80112
I also work with Autism, ADHD, BPD, eating disorders and OCD as specialties.
I used to have a bunch of fancy things in here going in depth about the type of client and all of this wonderful verbiage. But in true nature to myself and my therapy style, let’s just get right to it. My ideal client is someone that wants to come in and be there for themselves. You showing up for yourself is the first step in the healing journey and I’m proud to be beside you if you’ll allow me to do so to help guide you. Let’s work together to harness the inner strength and self-compassion inside you.
I also work with Autism, ADHD, BPD, eating disorders and OCD as specialties.
I used to have a bunch of fancy things in here going in depth about the type of client and all of this wonderful verbiage. But in true nature to myself and my therapy style, let’s just get right to it. My ideal client is someone that wants to come in and be there for themselves. You showing up for yourself is the first step in the healing journey and I’m proud to be beside you if you’ll allow me to do so to help guide you. Let’s work together to harness the inner strength and self-compassion inside you.
![Photo of Coty 'cj' Duby Peplinski, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1629f8bb-e044-4e40-b640-b297e9873e16/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a trauma informed therapist that specializes in working with PTSD, LGBTQIA+, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Anxiety.
Schedule instantly through my website! Do you struggle with anxiety, trauma or really anything else that affects your day-to-day life, relationships, ability to function, your work and/or career? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed or potentially lost? Do you question how to make change in your life? Now more than ever, people are feeling uncertain and overwhelmed with how to move forward in life and work through the past. Let me be there to assist. I accept all walks of life with an open mind and an open door. I'm here to listen and to learn about you. It's your journey and your life. Allow me to be a person to walk beside you.
I am a trauma informed therapist that specializes in working with PTSD, LGBTQIA+, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Anxiety.
Schedule instantly through my website! Do you struggle with anxiety, trauma or really anything else that affects your day-to-day life, relationships, ability to function, your work and/or career? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed or potentially lost? Do you question how to make change in your life? Now more than ever, people are feeling uncertain and overwhelmed with how to move forward in life and work through the past. Let me be there to assist. I accept all walks of life with an open mind and an open door. I'm here to listen and to learn about you. It's your journey and your life. Allow me to be a person to walk beside you.
![Photo of Maya K. Redhorse, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4327de2-c9e0-4b97-8dbc-7bc2e00a6abb/4/320x400.jpeg)
Maya K. Redhorse
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80235
With nearly two decades of experience, I offer a supportive and empowering therapy style tailored to each client’s unique needs. Specializing in trauma, PTSD, family conflict, addiction, and mood disorders, I use evidence-based techniques like TF-CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I also address issues such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, grief, self-esteem, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. My inclusive, multicultural approach supports clients from diverse backgrounds. I believe seeking help is a profound act of strength and resilience.
With nearly two decades of experience, I offer a supportive and empowering therapy style tailored to each client’s unique needs. Specializing in trauma, PTSD, family conflict, addiction, and mood disorders, I use evidence-based techniques like TF-CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I also address issues such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, grief, self-esteem, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. My inclusive, multicultural approach supports clients from diverse backgrounds. I believe seeking help is a profound act of strength and resilience.
![Photo of Kacie Aleksiewicz, MA, LPCC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe72b8e5-5966-4738-927a-7f5e0d2774ce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kacie Aleksiewicz
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
These modalities serve as powerful tools to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with BPD, Anxiety, Depression, and Codependency, and soon, EMDR.
Schedule instantly through my website! Link in my bio > Hi, I'm Kacie! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate and I am a National Certified Counselor. With a passion for helping individuals navigate these complex challenges, I am committed to fostering positive change and empowering my clients to lead fulfilling lives. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families.
These modalities serve as powerful tools to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with BPD, Anxiety, Depression, and Codependency, and soon, EMDR.
Schedule instantly through my website! Link in my bio > Hi, I'm Kacie! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate and I am a National Certified Counselor. With a passion for helping individuals navigate these complex challenges, I am committed to fostering positive change and empowering my clients to lead fulfilling lives. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families.
![Photo of Whitney Frost - Peaceful Journies Counseling and Supervision, MA, LPC, NCC, PMH-C, MHA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d9196e6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peaceful Journies Counseling and Supervision
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, PMH-C, MHA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Littleton, CO 80120 (Online Only)
I am certified in DBT, Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/Mood Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, depression, and Bipolar Disorder.
My career began working in the community mental health which allowed me to gain vast experience&knowledge of various therapy skills&tools.My passion is helping women of all identities transition into their idea of motherhood gracefully.I am certified in treating disorders associated with the pregnancy/postpartum period, Personality Disorders, mood disorders, parenting concerns, life stressors, & women’s health concerns. I enjoy working with women of all ages&identities facing difficult life transitions. Now offering clinical supervision for LPC and LPCC in Colorado.
I am certified in DBT, Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/Mood Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, depression, and Bipolar Disorder.
My career began working in the community mental health which allowed me to gain vast experience&knowledge of various therapy skills&tools.My passion is helping women of all identities transition into their idea of motherhood gracefully.I am certified in treating disorders associated with the pregnancy/postpartum period, Personality Disorders, mood disorders, parenting concerns, life stressors, & women’s health concerns. I enjoy working with women of all ages&identities facing difficult life transitions. Now offering clinical supervision for LPC and LPCC in Colorado.
![Photo of Michael Cook, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3830d617-3a53-451c-8c0e-32af3e7fc376/1/320x400.jpeg)
BPD can be an isolating experience, but there is hope.
Are you struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder? You may experience an intense fear of abandonment, struggle to maintain stable interpersonal relationships, and have emotional instability. You may also engage in risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, self-harm, or intense displays of anger. Chances are these symptoms are interfering with your everyday life. You are not alone. Many people struggling with BPD experience these symptoms, and wish to overcome them. The good news is that many people who seek treatment for BPD make improvements with therapy that allow them to live healthy, stable, and productive lives.
BPD can be an isolating experience, but there is hope.
Are you struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder? You may experience an intense fear of abandonment, struggle to maintain stable interpersonal relationships, and have emotional instability. You may also engage in risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, self-harm, or intense displays of anger. Chances are these symptoms are interfering with your everyday life. You are not alone. Many people struggling with BPD experience these symptoms, and wish to overcome them. The good news is that many people who seek treatment for BPD make improvements with therapy that allow them to live healthy, stable, and productive lives.
![Photo of Brooke Marie Bloker, tLMHC, LPCC, CADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e1ab28f-f373-4fd8-adad-d61c51edadfc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brooke Marie Bloker
Counselor, tLMHC, LPCC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greeley, CO 80634
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize a combination of approaches to assist individuals struggling with complex and relational trauma, emotional intensity, BPD, anxiety, depression, self esteem concerns, and relationship issues.
We all have a story and some chapters tend to be more difficult to remember and understand than others. I assist others in processing through, coping with, & resolving the ways in which our life experiences are impacting our current state of functioning & well-being. Often times, finding our way feels impossible but my approach is to be a guiding light on your healing journey. Landing onto this page is your first step in a brave, yet perhaps scary new beginning. My approach is practical & often direct, however driven with compassion and non-judgement. I often tailor my sessions with a bit of humor if appropriate.
I utilize a combination of approaches to assist individuals struggling with complex and relational trauma, emotional intensity, BPD, anxiety, depression, self esteem concerns, and relationship issues.
We all have a story and some chapters tend to be more difficult to remember and understand than others. I assist others in processing through, coping with, & resolving the ways in which our life experiences are impacting our current state of functioning & well-being. Often times, finding our way feels impossible but my approach is to be a guiding light on your healing journey. Landing onto this page is your first step in a brave, yet perhaps scary new beginning. My approach is practical & often direct, however driven with compassion and non-judgement. I often tailor my sessions with a bit of humor if appropriate.
![Photo of Avery Davis, MA, LPC, EMDR, DBT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52ca0bc6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Avery Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR, DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Englewood, CO 80110 (Online Only)
I specialize in PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, BPD and Mood Disorders.
If you are struggling in your day to day life and want to learn new skills for coping differently, I can help. I am passionate about helping others build a life worth living. Intense emotions like shame, fear and sadness can make change feel impossible but evidence shows that we can grow and heal. Therapy can be a great place to start.
I specialize in PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, BPD and Mood Disorders.
If you are struggling in your day to day life and want to learn new skills for coping differently, I can help. I am passionate about helping others build a life worth living. Intense emotions like shame, fear and sadness can make change feel impossible but evidence shows that we can grow and heal. Therapy can be a great place to start.
![Photo of Cara Czarnecki Lpc- S - Tabula Rasa Counseling, PLLC, MAAT, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54184664-372c-4831-9d72-b5a24f09454f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tabula Rasa Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAAT, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
We specialize in Complex PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder and Dissociative disorders.
Hello! May name is Cara Czarnecki and I am the Owner/ Clinical Director of Tabula Rasa Counseling. Are you looking for a therapeutic approach that is different than what you might be used to? Are you ready to explore the root of the problem that is continuing to cause you the symptoms you are struggling with? At Tabula Rasa we believe in bottom up approaches that target the root of the problem. We are an EMDR, IFS informed practice that uses progressive approaches to healing.
We specialize in Complex PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder and Dissociative disorders.
Hello! May name is Cara Czarnecki and I am the Owner/ Clinical Director of Tabula Rasa Counseling. Are you looking for a therapeutic approach that is different than what you might be used to? Are you ready to explore the root of the problem that is continuing to cause you the symptoms you are struggling with? At Tabula Rasa we believe in bottom up approaches that target the root of the problem. We are an EMDR, IFS informed practice that uses progressive approaches to healing.
![Photo of Linda Mazuranic, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d9b4cc7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Mazuranic
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aurora, CO 80011 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Congratulations, you've just taken the first step - reaching out... Working out problems on your own can be tough. Change is sometimes painful, but can be liberating. We can work together to find solutions that work for you. It's true that if you don't change something ... nothing will change. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and have helped people create solutions for over 20 years. I have experience with life transitions (divorce, grief, job loss or change), depression, trauma, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, and PTSD. Credentialed for Denver, Aurora, and Pueblo counties for Medicaid.
Congratulations, you've just taken the first step - reaching out... Working out problems on your own can be tough. Change is sometimes painful, but can be liberating. We can work together to find solutions that work for you. It's true that if you don't change something ... nothing will change. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and have helped people create solutions for over 20 years. I have experience with life transitions (divorce, grief, job loss or change), depression, trauma, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, and PTSD. Credentialed for Denver, Aurora, and Pueblo counties for Medicaid.
![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 80108
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 Kaitlyn Carr, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ce4d675-dda7-457a-a239-3ef65a4db5d3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlyn Carr
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairplay, CO 80440 (Online Only)
I especially enjoy working with older teens and young adult women. I enjoy working with women who are struggling with symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. I also work with anxiety, depression, self esteem problems, and a wide variety of others issues.
I especially enjoy working with older teens and young adult women. I enjoy working with women who are struggling with symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. I also work with anxiety, depression, self esteem problems, and a wide variety of others issues.
![Photo of Dr. Jessica Bartmann, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/112d4253-1010-41cf-afd4-d8608dedbce3/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychologist at Abbott Therapeutic Solutions, I have dedicated myself to helping teens and adults who suffer from challenging problems. If you have deep wounds, I can help. I specialize in helping people who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, self-harm, substance use, suicidal thoughts, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder. Traditional talk therapy has failed many of our clients. I am able to effectively and compassionately help people with difficult problems by both treating problems at their core and helping people learn the skills and tools they need to live a fulfilling life.
As a psychologist at Abbott Therapeutic Solutions, I have dedicated myself to helping teens and adults who suffer from challenging problems. If you have deep wounds, I can help. I specialize in helping people who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, self-harm, substance use, suicidal thoughts, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder. Traditional talk therapy has failed many of our clients. I am able to effectively and compassionately help people with difficult problems by both treating problems at their core and helping people learn the skills and tools they need to live a fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for Elizabeth
Nearby Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists Searches for Elizabeth
- Aurora
- Castle Pines
- Castle Rock
- Centennial
- Cherry Hills Village
- Englewood
- Franktown
- Greenwood Village
- Highlands Ranch
- Lone Tree
- Monument
- 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.