Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Woodridge, IL
![Photo of Maryann DeMatthews Psychotherapy, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7e16ecf-c472-4d74-9592-ab28f2f45730/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maryann DeMatthews Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodridge, IL 60517
Enjoy therapy. I provide in-depth, client specific psychotherapy. I help individuals face and overcome challenges, cultivate hope, and move forward. With comprehensive experience and deep theoretical understanding, I support my clients to move forward safely and securely. I treat clients who have challenges including Personality Disorders, Depression, Grief/Bereavement, Anxiety, Panic, Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. End-to-end encrypted telehealth therapy with secure email, video streaming, and intake system.
Enjoy therapy. I provide in-depth, client specific psychotherapy. I help individuals face and overcome challenges, cultivate hope, and move forward. With comprehensive experience and deep theoretical understanding, I support my clients to move forward safely and securely. I treat clients who have challenges including Personality Disorders, Depression, Grief/Bereavement, Anxiety, Panic, Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. End-to-end encrypted telehealth therapy with secure email, video streaming, and intake system.
![Photo of Amber Beal - Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC, PsyD, LCPC, LSW, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8272980e-ae2c-4370-84ec-3bc575f9cc02/2/320x400.png)
Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC
Counselor, PsyD, LCPC, LSW, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodridge, IL 60517 (Online Only)
Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC believes in empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and clarity. We were founded on the principle that every person has the capacity for growth and healing, and we are here to support you on your journey. We offer a compassionate and confidential space for individuals, couples, and families to explore their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC believes in empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and clarity. We were founded on the principle that every person has the capacity for growth and healing, and we are here to support you on your journey. We offer a compassionate and confidential space for individuals, couples, and families to explore their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
![Photo of Dr. Amber Beal, LCPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d729dbb4-c84c-4eee-b7ba-aaf1c1b4efc1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Amber Beal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Woodridge, IL 60517 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Dr. B. I believe that although I am a therapist you know you better than I. I am here to work with you in partnership. I approach therapy from a person-centered perspective, and I believe in holding clients in a genuine, warm, and empathic environment. Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for healing, and I very well versed at fostered great alliances. I have worked with clients ages 4 to 75 and clients from different ethnicity, religious beliefs and gender identities. I am a strong believer in affirmation, acceptance, and providing a safe non-judgmental space for everyone.
Hello, my name is Dr. B. I believe that although I am a therapist you know you better than I. I am here to work with you in partnership. I approach therapy from a person-centered perspective, and I believe in holding clients in a genuine, warm, and empathic environment. Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for healing, and I very well versed at fostered great alliances. I have worked with clients ages 4 to 75 and clients from different ethnicity, religious beliefs and gender identities. I am a strong believer in affirmation, acceptance, and providing a safe non-judgmental space for everyone.
Dr. Demers believes that a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship is necessary for meaningful behavioral change. His approach emphasizes the development of rapport and encourages patients to provide open and honest feedback throughout the therapeutic relationship. His practice utilizes a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioral (CBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), dialectical behavioral (DBT) and functional analytic (FAP) therapies. Dr. Demers completed his doctorate at Adler University in Chicago. He has experience working with school-age children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Demers believes that a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship is necessary for meaningful behavioral change. His approach emphasizes the development of rapport and encourages patients to provide open and honest feedback throughout the therapeutic relationship. His practice utilizes a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioral (CBT), acceptance and commitment (ACT), dialectical behavioral (DBT) and functional analytic (FAP) therapies. Dr. Demers completed his doctorate at Adler University in Chicago. He has experience working with school-age children, adolescents, and adults.
![Photo of Marissa Krager, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b77129da-082f-42aa-80fc-9ac29c6129c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Marissa Krager, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed School Social Worker (PEL) in the state of Illinois. I like to look at my clients as a whole, (environment, support, interests, strengths, weaknesses) not just individually. I go by my client’s pace, assessing how you are working in counseling and understanding what you're able to process/handle in those moments, never adding pressure. Specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and general counseling.
My name is Marissa Krager, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed School Social Worker (PEL) in the state of Illinois. I like to look at my clients as a whole, (environment, support, interests, strengths, weaknesses) not just individually. I go by my client’s pace, assessing how you are working in counseling and understanding what you're able to process/handle in those moments, never adding pressure. Specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and general counseling.
![Photo of Rebekah Wendling, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07973c8a-152d-4390-82c8-f6eb56ce8761/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebekah Wendling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Woodridge, IL 60517 (Online Only)
Becky Wendling is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience in mental health. Becky's background includes extensive work with substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, phase of life changes, mood disorders, anger, self-harm, and PTSD. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and older adults. Becky strives to meet the client where they are in a comfortable setting that is free from judgment and bias. She strongly believes that every person has the ability to recover and heal, and will be empathetic and encouraging in helping the client to live the life they desire.
Becky Wendling is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience in mental health. Becky's background includes extensive work with substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, phase of life changes, mood disorders, anger, self-harm, and PTSD. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and older adults. Becky strives to meet the client where they are in a comfortable setting that is free from judgment and bias. She strongly believes that every person has the ability to recover and heal, and will be empathetic and encouraging in helping the client to live the life they desire.
![Photo of Cory Dolley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8fea944-81fa-49c1-9e7f-f8af8b029fe3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cory Dolley is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. Cory just wants to be able to help give people a fighting chance to have a healthy, happy, productive life. Perhaps you are someone in your late 20's to 60's and are not used to asking for help because you were taught early never to show vulnerability. Perhaps you are dealing with unacknowledged trauma from years ago that was never seriously addressed. All you know is that you are in pain, and that pain is affecting all your other relationships, making it harder to reach out to others, hard to trust anyone.
Cory Dolley is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. Cory just wants to be able to help give people a fighting chance to have a healthy, happy, productive life. Perhaps you are someone in your late 20's to 60's and are not used to asking for help because you were taught early never to show vulnerability. Perhaps you are dealing with unacknowledged trauma from years ago that was never seriously addressed. All you know is that you are in pain, and that pain is affecting all your other relationships, making it harder to reach out to others, hard to trust anyone.
![Photo of Meg Childress, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f222492-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I help people of all ages who are dealing with stress, a significant loss, obstacles to achieving important goals, a mental health concern or difficulties in their relationships with others. Do you find yourself feeling anxious, frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed much of the time? We can work together to help you with that. Therapy provides a safe, designated space to work on feeling better, more satisfied, and "less stuck." I offer a caring and non-judgmental approach which appreciates that each person is unique, as is their life path and goals for treatment.
I help people of all ages who are dealing with stress, a significant loss, obstacles to achieving important goals, a mental health concern or difficulties in their relationships with others. Do you find yourself feeling anxious, frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed much of the time? We can work together to help you with that. Therapy provides a safe, designated space to work on feeling better, more satisfied, and "less stuck." I offer a caring and non-judgmental approach which appreciates that each person is unique, as is their life path and goals for treatment.
![Photo of Tabitha Jirsa, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1319a8ea-d3b1-4348-97dd-e54e4d58aa89/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tabitha Jirsa
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodridge, IL 60517 (Online Only)
Your inner critic says things like "Why can't you just stop doing this to yourself? You know this is all your fault." It also slides in with comments like "Why even bother....you're never going to be good enough anyway." and "Look at yourself. Why would anyone want to be with someone like you?" Sometimes you want to scream, and other times you just want to cry. Often, you find yourself missing out on friendships and social events because they don't fit in with your latest eating plan, or you're too down on yourself to be around anyone else. You find yourself feeling angry, lonely, and, sometimes, scared. It's not who you want to be.
Your inner critic says things like "Why can't you just stop doing this to yourself? You know this is all your fault." It also slides in with comments like "Why even bother....you're never going to be good enough anyway." and "Look at yourself. Why would anyone want to be with someone like you?" Sometimes you want to scream, and other times you just want to cry. Often, you find yourself missing out on friendships and social events because they don't fit in with your latest eating plan, or you're too down on yourself to be around anyone else. You find yourself feeling angry, lonely, and, sometimes, scared. It's not who you want to be.
![Photo of Casey Wegner, LCPC, CADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/800da31e-da75-41ef-8686-1aad658ae329/1/320x400.jpeg)
Casey Wegner
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodridge, IL 60517
In the last few years, we have seen an increase in individuals experiencing stress, sadness, and frustration that can be impacting their careers, relationships, health, finances, and life satisfaction. Whether it is feeling the need to be perfect, procrastinating tasks, disconnection within your marriage, distracted in thought, or feeling unmotivated to get out of bed in the morning, we can work together to identify origins of these issues and then solutions to healing. Reaching out for help can be the most difficult part of the healing journey. You don't have to do it all alone.
In the last few years, we have seen an increase in individuals experiencing stress, sadness, and frustration that can be impacting their careers, relationships, health, finances, and life satisfaction. Whether it is feeling the need to be perfect, procrastinating tasks, disconnection within your marriage, distracted in thought, or feeling unmotivated to get out of bed in the morning, we can work together to identify origins of these issues and then solutions to healing. Reaching out for help can be the most difficult part of the healing journey. You don't have to do it all alone.
![Photo of Emily Weber - Ellie Mental Health- Chicagoland , Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/798ecd66-e69b-4ea4-8624-e84e30b4d2bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie Mental Health- Chicagoland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodridge, IL 60517
Why Seek Treatment? Because You Deserve to Thrive! Life can be tough—whether you're facing anxiety, depression, major life changes, or just feeling stuck, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Seeking help is a courageous step toward reclaiming your life. At Ellie Mental Health, we understand your struggles and are here to support you every step of the way. Our diverse team includes BIPOC-identified, LGBTQ+ , bilingual Spanish-speaking therapists, male therapists, and more, all committed to providing inclusive, empathetic care. You deserve to thrive, and we're here to help you!
Why Seek Treatment? Because You Deserve to Thrive! Life can be tough—whether you're facing anxiety, depression, major life changes, or just feeling stuck, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Seeking help is a courageous step toward reclaiming your life. At Ellie Mental Health, we understand your struggles and are here to support you every step of the way. Our diverse team includes BIPOC-identified, LGBTQ+ , bilingual Spanish-speaking therapists, male therapists, and more, all committed to providing inclusive, empathetic care. You deserve to thrive, and we're here to help you!
15 Second Videos
Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC
Amber Beal
Marissa Krager
Ellie Mental Health- Chicagoland
![Photo of Dr. Jenna Gidman-Dutta, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61f777b6-c401-483c-be2a-53eb2988bb03/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jenna Gidman-Dutta
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodridge, IL 60517
Are you feeling stuck, alone, or overwhelmed? Are you distressed by emotions of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness? Are you feeling unsupported or lost in your current relationship? I aim to provide a safe space to release your thoughts, process your emotions and behaviors, and heal. For whatever reason, you ended up here—and I am so glad you did! I'm here to help you by providing a warm and welcoming environment for you to be your most authentic you. I provide couples and family counseling, as well as individual psychotherapy.
Are you feeling stuck, alone, or overwhelmed? Are you distressed by emotions of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness? Are you feeling unsupported or lost in your current relationship? I aim to provide a safe space to release your thoughts, process your emotions and behaviors, and heal. For whatever reason, you ended up here—and I am so glad you did! I'm here to help you by providing a warm and welcoming environment for you to be your most authentic you. I provide couples and family counseling, as well as individual psychotherapy.
![Photo of Linda Anaya, MA, MHC, AMFT, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e8a7a84-8d58-43af-a30e-345d9e00e529/3/320x400.jpeg)
Aloha, I am a Couples and Family Therapist. My approach emphasizes the importance of working with a couple and family as a system that influence one another. To restructure healthy relationships, I use therapies that promote positive interactions between individuals. My methods include trans-generational, structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and Gottman Therapy. I use exercises such as enactments to help clients set new appropriate boundaries, build love maps to improve interactions and establish loving communication.
Aloha, I am a Couples and Family Therapist. My approach emphasizes the importance of working with a couple and family as a system that influence one another. To restructure healthy relationships, I use therapies that promote positive interactions between individuals. My methods include trans-generational, structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and Gottman Therapy. I use exercises such as enactments to help clients set new appropriate boundaries, build love maps to improve interactions and establish loving communication.
![Photo of Jorie Miklos, MA, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2505400-b99e-453e-93a5-3f5b716952ae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jorie Miklos
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodridge, IL 60517 (Online Only)
I’m here to listen to the story that you’ve written for yourself so far, and to help you write the next chapter. For us, the goal will be to help you find some much-needed balance in your life, despite all of the obstacles that may be slowing you down and forcing you to live outside of who you really want to be. It’s a fast-paced world out there, and I understand the types of demands that society has placed upon us. And often times, those demands can leave us feeling defeated, exhausted, frustrated, and unmotivated to be who we really want to be – and still, we’re forced to “keep it together.”
I’m here to listen to the story that you’ve written for yourself so far, and to help you write the next chapter. For us, the goal will be to help you find some much-needed balance in your life, despite all of the obstacles that may be slowing you down and forcing you to live outside of who you really want to be. It’s a fast-paced world out there, and I understand the types of demands that society has placed upon us. And often times, those demands can leave us feeling defeated, exhausted, frustrated, and unmotivated to be who we really want to be – and still, we’re forced to “keep it together.”
![Photo of Ellie Lauterwasser, MA, LCPC, C-DBT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28bd5141-6e0a-4443-9250-e5e9f328c53d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie Lauterwasser
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodridge, IL 60517
My clinical experience includes working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have worked in various settings such as inpatient, residential centers, community mental health, and private practice. I graduated from Loyola University in 2009. It is important that clients have the freedom of self-expression and are not rushed through the therapeutic process. Working collaboratively, we will identify a framework that is validating and promotes growth. My approach is honest, empathetic, and relational in order to help clients gain self-awareness.
My clinical experience includes working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have worked in various settings such as inpatient, residential centers, community mental health, and private practice. I graduated from Loyola University in 2009. It is important that clients have the freedom of self-expression and are not rushed through the therapeutic process. Working collaboratively, we will identify a framework that is validating and promotes growth. My approach is honest, empathetic, and relational in order to help clients gain self-awareness.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Annmarie Schening, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6353c63-e039-4ea4-89a9-3225b225c6c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Annmarie Schening
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60516
I work with adults and teens struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders, and self-esteem challenges.
Welcome! My name is Annmarie, a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. I earned my Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate (CADC) as well as my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. I am trained in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and Internal family systems (IFS). Using these treatment modalities, I will work with you to identify and achieve your goals. As a therapist, my job is to guide and empower you on your journey.
I work with adults and teens struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders, and self-esteem challenges.
Welcome! My name is Annmarie, a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. I earned my Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate (CADC) as well as my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. I am trained in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and Internal family systems (IFS). Using these treatment modalities, I will work with you to identify and achieve your goals. As a therapist, my job is to guide and empower you on your journey.
![Photo of Liza Devaney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4862b1e9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Liza Devaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downers Grove, IL 60516
I have over twenty years of social work experience. I have worked in foster care and adoption, in a psychiatric hospital and am currently working in private practice. My patients include children, adolescents, adults and couples. I treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief issues, conflict resolution, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, OCD, addictions, issues related to divorce and family/marital conflicts. I use a variety of treatment modalities based on the individual needs of the patient. My therapeutic approach is a non-judgmental blending of eastern and western philosophies thereby helping patients develop acceptance and develop better coping strategies to deal with their challenges.
I have over twenty years of social work experience. I have worked in foster care and adoption, in a psychiatric hospital and am currently working in private practice. My patients include children, adolescents, adults and couples. I treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief issues, conflict resolution, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, OCD, addictions, issues related to divorce and family/marital conflicts. I use a variety of treatment modalities based on the individual needs of the patient. My therapeutic approach is a non-judgmental blending of eastern and western philosophies thereby helping patients develop acceptance and develop better coping strategies to deal with their challenges.
![Photo of Susan Elizabeth Pauna - Susan Pauna, MS, LCPC, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f2d8def-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are suffering from anxiety, depression or PTSD? Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? What change would you like to see happen in yourself and your life and how would you feel different as a result? Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and counseling can help. We can discover long-standing patterns that may be holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful life. Whether you are looking for extra support and guidance through a difficult situation or you are just ready to move to a new direction in life, I look forward to working with you.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are suffering from anxiety, depression or PTSD? Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? What change would you like to see happen in yourself and your life and how would you feel different as a result? Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and counseling can help. We can discover long-standing patterns that may be holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful life. Whether you are looking for extra support and guidance through a difficult situation or you are just ready to move to a new direction in life, I look forward to working with you.
![Photo of Rachel Winborn, MFA, MA, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26494c76-31fa-4130-b367-41ff14120707/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Winborn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, MA, LSW
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60517
Rachel’s creative background lends itself to an intuitive therapeutic practice and her recent training as a Social Worker brings her grounded in the world of each individual she works with. Rachel is an attuned, empathetic listener, who focuses on her clients’ needs. She has experience working with persons with chronic distress, complex PTSD, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, learning differences), faith-based injury/inquiry, grief/loss, identity, life transitions, parenting, family, and relationship issues.
Rachel’s creative background lends itself to an intuitive therapeutic practice and her recent training as a Social Worker brings her grounded in the world of each individual she works with. Rachel is an attuned, empathetic listener, who focuses on her clients’ needs. She has experience working with persons with chronic distress, complex PTSD, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, learning differences), faith-based injury/inquiry, grief/loss, identity, life transitions, parenting, family, and relationship issues.
![Photo of Tom Stamas, MA, LCPC, CADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fd0d7db-e5a2-48c6-a50c-164a1ae3b503/1/320x400.png)
Tom Stamas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60516 (Online Only)
When life is challenging it can be hard to know what to do or where to turn to. You feel worried, angry, or sad. You don't think you're "good enough." It's hard to get things done. You can't let loose and fully enjoy life. You might be struggling with an addiction. You aren't where you thought you'd be at this point in time and you know you’re capable of so much more. You want fulfillment, success, fun, money, and love. I can help. I am a collaborative, caring therapist. Together we will identify your needs and learn to take action to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals to make your life happy, comfortable, and meaningful.
When life is challenging it can be hard to know what to do or where to turn to. You feel worried, angry, or sad. You don't think you're "good enough." It's hard to get things done. You can't let loose and fully enjoy life. You might be struggling with an addiction. You aren't where you thought you'd be at this point in time and you know you’re capable of so much more. You want fulfillment, success, fun, money, and love. I can help. I am a collaborative, caring therapist. Together we will identify your needs and learn to take action to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals to make your life happy, comfortable, and meaningful.
See more therapy options for Woodridge
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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.