Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Sherwood, OR
![Photo of Ghesline Marie DePedro, MA, PCA, QMHP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/250a6b2f-9dfb-4707-9928-5ec1eed6a440/1/320x400.png)
Ghesline Marie DePedro
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, PCA, QMHP
Verified Verified
Sherwood, OR 97140 (Online Only)
It is my honor, privilege, and passion to provide therapy to individuals looking to further their journey in wellness. Areas of Focus: anxiety, depression, OCD, borderline personality, trauma, bipolar, obsessional thoughts/behaviors, and intrusive thoughts. I provide evidence-based therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Somatic Experiencing.
It is my honor, privilege, and passion to provide therapy to individuals looking to further their journey in wellness. Areas of Focus: anxiety, depression, OCD, borderline personality, trauma, bipolar, obsessional thoughts/behaviors, and intrusive thoughts. I provide evidence-based therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Somatic Experiencing.
![Photo of Todd Sprague, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3436861-2e89-4509-a8ae-58db102af66e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Todd Sprague
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherwood, OR 97140 (Online Only)
I believe therapy provides a unique opportunity to identify the strengths you already possess and utilize them to create positive change. Everyone has the ability to change and I am passionate about helping people identify healthier, more effective ways of coping with life's difficulties. Together, we will identify your goals and work together to reach them.
I believe therapy provides a unique opportunity to identify the strengths you already possess and utilize them to create positive change. Everyone has the ability to change and I am passionate about helping people identify healthier, more effective ways of coping with life's difficulties. Together, we will identify your goals and work together to reach them.
![Photo of Laura Placek, MS, LPC, CMHC, CADCIII, CMH, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e2bbde-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Placek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CMHC, CADCIII, CMH
Verified Verified
Sherwood, OR 97140 (Online Only)
Bringing you affordable, confidential, and comprehensive services locally. We are an independent behavioral agency providing dual diagnosis and treatment services. Board certified and Licensed. I meet you where you are in life. My goal is to help you to identify paths to achieve personal goals, recovery, and life balance. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I believe in compassionate and respectful person-centered care.
Bringing you affordable, confidential, and comprehensive services locally. We are an independent behavioral agency providing dual diagnosis and treatment services. Board certified and Licensed. I meet you where you are in life. My goal is to help you to identify paths to achieve personal goals, recovery, and life balance. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. I believe in compassionate and respectful person-centered care.
![Photo of Luann Foster - Luann Foster PsyD LLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8453964-14ee-4ea2-9f2b-370a77993c9d/3/320x400.jpeg)
With a previous career in health and wellness and over 10 years working in the mental health field, I work to provide care from a wholistic perspective and a primary focus on patterns of how we relate with ourselves and others as we navigate our days. I work with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, suicidal thoughts, etc. I consider it a tremendous honor to join each of my clients in their life journey.
With a previous career in health and wellness and over 10 years working in the mental health field, I work to provide care from a wholistic perspective and a primary focus on patterns of how we relate with ourselves and others as we navigate our days. I work with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, suicidal thoughts, etc. I consider it a tremendous honor to join each of my clients in their life journey.
![Photo of Ali J Toedtemeier, LCSW, CADC-I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d785b7a2-f0f0-44e0-936e-97d73807f1cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ali J Toedtemeier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC-I
Verified Verified
Sherwood, OR 97140
Waitlist for new clients
You did it! You made the first step of asking for support, and that is a huge step. If you are stressed, overwhelmed, dealing with change (which we always are), feeling alone, anxious, or struggling with whatever life has thrown at you, please know you don't have the go through it all alone. We are meant to connect with one another and therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental connection that can lead to promising outcomes.
You did it! You made the first step of asking for support, and that is a huge step. If you are stressed, overwhelmed, dealing with change (which we always are), feeling alone, anxious, or struggling with whatever life has thrown at you, please know you don't have the go through it all alone. We are meant to connect with one another and therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental connection that can lead to promising outcomes.
![Photo of Cary Lazara Coll, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/420b5f63-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Empowerment comes from being open to exploring your inner strength as a means of gaining insight and knowledge. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate space for self-discovery. Through the Empowerment Model I use an eclectic, client centered, and strength based approach to finding healing and growth in the midst of challenges. By exploring the origin of symptoms and how they influence thoughts and behaviors we can overcome obstacles to feeling genuine health and wellness.
Empowerment comes from being open to exploring your inner strength as a means of gaining insight and knowledge. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate space for self-discovery. Through the Empowerment Model I use an eclectic, client centered, and strength based approach to finding healing and growth in the midst of challenges. By exploring the origin of symptoms and how they influence thoughts and behaviors we can overcome obstacles to feeling genuine health and wellness.
![Photo of Tammee Martin, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20cfe564-1bc8-409b-8fc5-b208d3fda1f8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling is a personal and safe process that deeply respects and honors each individual's unique circumstances. I take a positive and creative approach to therapy while partnering with you to work toward healthy change, development, and growth. This process will involve exploring thoughts, feelings and behaviors and taking action to achieve positive change.
Counseling is a personal and safe process that deeply respects and honors each individual's unique circumstances. I take a positive and creative approach to therapy while partnering with you to work toward healthy change, development, and growth. This process will involve exploring thoughts, feelings and behaviors and taking action to achieve positive change.
![Photo of J P Rafael, MA, LPC, MCFC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51200177-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
J P Rafael
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MCFC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sherwood, OR 97140
Not accepting new clients
Therapy presents a unique opportunity for people to find solutions/resolutions for challenges life throws at them. Walking with individuals to establish a working relationship while providing a safe environment is one of my main objectives. I am passionate about working with people. Developing strengths, visiting past victories, and exploring methods of coping are ways just a few ways to find peace, healing and hope during traumatic or painful circumstances.
Therapy presents a unique opportunity for people to find solutions/resolutions for challenges life throws at them. Walking with individuals to establish a working relationship while providing a safe environment is one of my main objectives. I am passionate about working with people. Developing strengths, visiting past victories, and exploring methods of coping are ways just a few ways to find peace, healing and hope during traumatic or painful circumstances.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Andrea J Tyler, LPC, LCPC, CADCIII, CIEC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7219eb4e-a70d-4421-b2c4-57b36ce6d52f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea J Tyler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, CADCIII, CIEC, NCC
Verified Verified
Newberg, OR 97132 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, disordered eating/eating disorders, co-occurring substance use, depressive or anxiety disorders, together we will find the best treatment approach to address your specific goals.
Do any of these comments sound familiar? “You’re too emotional.” “You’re so dramatic.” “Why can’t you just let it go?” “You’re so sensitive!” Do you struggle to cope without going to extremes? Too many people haven’t been taught how to cope with the struggles of life in healthy, effective ways and instead find any possible way to feel better, as quickly as possible. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in particular can help you learn these vital skills to begin building the life you choose. If you’re tired of being stuck in suffering and emotional pain, I’d like to help you find your way through. -Adult clients only at this time.-
Whether you have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, disordered eating/eating disorders, co-occurring substance use, depressive or anxiety disorders, together we will find the best treatment approach to address your specific goals.
Do any of these comments sound familiar? “You’re too emotional.” “You’re so dramatic.” “Why can’t you just let it go?” “You’re so sensitive!” Do you struggle to cope without going to extremes? Too many people haven’t been taught how to cope with the struggles of life in healthy, effective ways and instead find any possible way to feel better, as quickly as possible. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in particular can help you learn these vital skills to begin building the life you choose. If you’re tired of being stuck in suffering and emotional pain, I’d like to help you find your way through. -Adult clients only at this time.-
![Photo of Christopher Lee Creaturo, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70c88255-558a-491d-a96c-f685b6b9ade6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Lee Creaturo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97007 (Online Only)
I specialize in techniques of EMDR for trauma, Internal Family Systems for meeting and healing our exiled parts, Mentalization Based Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, Jungian techniques such as dreamwork, and Attachment-informed strategies to improve relationships.
I look for clients that are serious about change, tired of the dead ends and ready to step into a new life path as their best selves. My practice offers tools for trauma, depression, anxiety, and also works to progress life's bigger picture, and aid the search for direction and purpose that we often feel is missing. This toolset includes EMDR and Internal Family Systems, as well the creation of a healing space to reflect. We can bring about hope to the stuck parts of our worlds, and gain an edge to finally be fully present in our own lives and relationships again. Email is preferred to take the next step and see if we fit!
I specialize in techniques of EMDR for trauma, Internal Family Systems for meeting and healing our exiled parts, Mentalization Based Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, Jungian techniques such as dreamwork, and Attachment-informed strategies to improve relationships.
I look for clients that are serious about change, tired of the dead ends and ready to step into a new life path as their best selves. My practice offers tools for trauma, depression, anxiety, and also works to progress life's bigger picture, and aid the search for direction and purpose that we often feel is missing. This toolset includes EMDR and Internal Family Systems, as well the creation of a healing space to reflect. We can bring about hope to the stuck parts of our worlds, and gain an edge to finally be fully present in our own lives and relationships again. Email is preferred to take the next step and see if we fit!
![Photo of Kalene Krause - Kalene Krause-Agency Accepting New Patients!, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3e9cf44-f90e-43b1-92a7-6bb0d9ed1c5f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kalene Krause-Agency Accepting New Patients!
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (Online Only)
I'm experienced working with adolescents and adults who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use, Borderline Personality Disorder, and a myriad of other mental health diagnoses.
My practice currently is Accepting new clients Now! It is no secret that life can be difficult, so difficult that we often lose ourselves. When was the last time you felt genuinely ‘heard’ or ‘seen’? My intention as your therapist is to create a safe, welcoming space for you to just be. I will meet you where you are in your healing journey and walk alongside you. Let’s work together to set and achieve goals for the life you want, training your brain to work with you, not against you. I am a direct, but compassionate therapist who aims to forge a therapeutic relationship built on trust and understanding.
I'm experienced working with adolescents and adults who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use, Borderline Personality Disorder, and a myriad of other mental health diagnoses.
My practice currently is Accepting new clients Now! It is no secret that life can be difficult, so difficult that we often lose ourselves. When was the last time you felt genuinely ‘heard’ or ‘seen’? My intention as your therapist is to create a safe, welcoming space for you to just be. I will meet you where you are in your healing journey and walk alongside you. Let’s work together to set and achieve goals for the life you want, training your brain to work with you, not against you. I am a direct, but compassionate therapist who aims to forge a therapeutic relationship built on trust and understanding.
![Photo of Pam Snyder, LCSW, ACT, BC-TMH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52d6b1f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pam Snyder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACT, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Oswego, OR 97035 (Online Only)
Now accepting new clients online. I work with adult children, partners and siblings of individuals with Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorder traits. It can be difficult to find a therapist who truly understand the impact and wounds of being raised in a home or being in a relationship with someone who has narcissistic and borderline traits. My work includes creating a healthy psychological separation, changing the negative internal messages, learning how to respond to others, creating healthy boundaries, stopping the legacy of distorted love and becoming your true and authentic self.
Now accepting new clients online. I work with adult children, partners and siblings of individuals with Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorder traits. It can be difficult to find a therapist who truly understand the impact and wounds of being raised in a home or being in a relationship with someone who has narcissistic and borderline traits. My work includes creating a healthy psychological separation, changing the negative internal messages, learning how to respond to others, creating healthy boundaries, stopping the legacy of distorted love and becoming your true and authentic self.
![Photo of Jennifer Crocker, MCFC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ce11171-9759-4b08-8ee4-d69af2ad88fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Crocker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MCFC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newberg, OR 97132
I have lived and educational experience working with PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety.
I currently have limited availability for new bi weekly clients and am also starting a waitlist. I enjoy clients who come to me with complex concerns, who are looking for something other than a cookie cutter experience. My focus is on helping you work through the things that aren’t working for you. My goal is to meet you where you are and walk with you through your journey. You are the driver of our therapeutic car and I step into the passenger seat. I guide you using many different techniques/therapy styles and you are the one completely in control.
I have lived and educational experience working with PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety.
I currently have limited availability for new bi weekly clients and am also starting a waitlist. I enjoy clients who come to me with complex concerns, who are looking for something other than a cookie cutter experience. My focus is on helping you work through the things that aren’t working for you. My goal is to meet you where you are and walk with you through your journey. You are the driver of our therapeutic car and I step into the passenger seat. I guide you using many different techniques/therapy styles and you are the one completely in control.
![Photo of Tracy Jendritza, PsyD, DBT-LBC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c48aa0f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I firmly believe that growth has two paths. To truly flourish, one must balance a desire for change with a true willingness to accept oneselve for who you are. A treatment that embraces this idea is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and it's the core philosophy I use with my patients every day. In treatment, DBT concepts focus on changing things that are getting in the way of living the life you want, while accepting yourself unconditionally. The focus is to develop a life worth living. My program offers a full finality DBT which includes individual therapy, group skills training, and phone consultation.
I firmly believe that growth has two paths. To truly flourish, one must balance a desire for change with a true willingness to accept oneselve for who you are. A treatment that embraces this idea is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and it's the core philosophy I use with my patients every day. In treatment, DBT concepts focus on changing things that are getting in the way of living the life you want, while accepting yourself unconditionally. The focus is to develop a life worth living. My program offers a full finality DBT which includes individual therapy, group skills training, and phone consultation.
![Photo of Rayna L Jenks - Rayna L Jenks, LCSW, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4635fc90-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rayna L Jenks, LCSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aurora, OR 97002 (Online Only)
Please Note: Practice is currently full I approach therapy from a practical perspective: part of our work together will be to help you determine what changes you want to make, and get started with some practical actions (yes, homework!). Most of my clients can expect to start seeing improvement within 2-3 sessions, and sometimes even after the first session. My work is collaborative with you, in other words, we are a team toward the goal of finding the wellness within you.
Please Note: Practice is currently full I approach therapy from a practical perspective: part of our work together will be to help you determine what changes you want to make, and get started with some practical actions (yes, homework!). Most of my clients can expect to start seeing improvement within 2-3 sessions, and sometimes even after the first session. My work is collaborative with you, in other words, we are a team toward the goal of finding the wellness within you.
![Photo of Steve Stolzoff, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93d65509-b671-43ca-8e8a-099ed3f46dd4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients - Telehealth/Virtual/In-person. I am a licensed social worker in Oregon with a background in community mental health, co-occurring problems, crisis response, sports performance, and the navigation of complex human emotions. As a licensed therapist in Oregon since 2008, my experiences assisting individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life from the childhood/teenage years through older adulthood.
Accepting New Clients - Telehealth/Virtual/In-person. I am a licensed social worker in Oregon with a background in community mental health, co-occurring problems, crisis response, sports performance, and the navigation of complex human emotions. As a licensed therapist in Oregon since 2008, my experiences assisting individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life from the childhood/teenage years through older adulthood.
![Photo of Erica Ironside, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/effcf132-0ad9-45c9-8a26-053954c394e5/2/320x400.png)
Erica Ironside
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97007
Waitlist for new clients
To reveal and work through one's difficulties can be scary, but fulfilling and enriching. Thus, I work to create a trusting, supportive environment free of judgement that allows for a safe space to dive into the depths of one's unique story and what brings them to treatment. Therapy can be a powerful process in which one can gain new insights, decrease distress and suffering, uncover strengths and limitations, and improve relationships both with one's self and others. I will treat you with compassion, empathy, encouragement, and honesty as we navigate the therapeutic process together.
To reveal and work through one's difficulties can be scary, but fulfilling and enriching. Thus, I work to create a trusting, supportive environment free of judgement that allows for a safe space to dive into the depths of one's unique story and what brings them to treatment. Therapy can be a powerful process in which one can gain new insights, decrease distress and suffering, uncover strengths and limitations, and improve relationships both with one's self and others. I will treat you with compassion, empathy, encouragement, and honesty as we navigate the therapeutic process together.
![Photo of Tyler Case, LPC, CADC II, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f68c203-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
No one makes it through life without picking up stuff that weighs us down or holds us back. Counseling gives us the chance to examine why we're carrying this stuff around and how to let go of it. By using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy along with a mixture of therapeutic styles, we will work together to uncover the thoughts and beliefs that drive your emotions and behaviors so that you can move forward in your life with confidence. My associates and I work with adults of all ages and with any level of mental health goals or concerns.
No one makes it through life without picking up stuff that weighs us down or holds us back. Counseling gives us the chance to examine why we're carrying this stuff around and how to let go of it. By using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy along with a mixture of therapeutic styles, we will work together to uncover the thoughts and beliefs that drive your emotions and behaviors so that you can move forward in your life with confidence. My associates and I work with adults of all ages and with any level of mental health goals or concerns.
![Photo of Megan Sompolski, MSW, CSWA, QMHP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cebbad65-eca0-4709-8fb1-4a75db2e9f1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Sompolski
Clinical Social Work Associate, MSW, CSWA, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97003 (Online Only)
Exclusively Telehealth: Congrats on making your mental health a priority! I see counseling as an opportunity of self-exploration and growth. I am passionate about helping my clients gain a better understanding of their story and how their previous experiences in life are influencing their present. I strive to create a safe environment for my clients, one in which they feel heard and understood with no judgement. I have had the pleasure of working with individuals from all different ages, cultures, backgrounds, and cognitive/developmental levels. I am here to meet you where you are at, and help you meet your goals.
Exclusively Telehealth: Congrats on making your mental health a priority! I see counseling as an opportunity of self-exploration and growth. I am passionate about helping my clients gain a better understanding of their story and how their previous experiences in life are influencing their present. I strive to create a safe environment for my clients, one in which they feel heard and understood with no judgement. I have had the pleasure of working with individuals from all different ages, cultures, backgrounds, and cognitive/developmental levels. I am here to meet you where you are at, and help you meet your goals.
![Photo of Tara L. Cook, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6800cb7a-85c1-43ff-971f-1e7ffdef4b68/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tara L. Cook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals dealing with mental illness. I have worked both in private practice and in an acute care psychiatric hospital providing individual, group, and family therapy. I am comfortable treating all mental health issues, including helping those in crisis. I have extensive experience working with individuals dealing with self-injury, anxiety/depression, pre and postpartum depression, and PTSD, and abuse issues. My philosophy in working with clients is to provide the best well-rounded care while focusing and building upon strengths.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals dealing with mental illness. I have worked both in private practice and in an acute care psychiatric hospital providing individual, group, and family therapy. I am comfortable treating all mental health issues, including helping those in crisis. I have extensive experience working with individuals dealing with self-injury, anxiety/depression, pre and postpartum depression, and PTSD, and abuse issues. My philosophy in working with clients is to provide the best well-rounded care while focusing and building upon strengths.
See more therapy options for Sherwood
Nearby Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists Searches for Sherwood
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- Newberg
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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.