Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Texas

Photo of Hailey Grant, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hailey Grant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Katy, TX 77494
I have specialized training working with children, teens, and adults who experience a variety of life’s issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship complications, domestic violence, trauma/grief, and borderline personality disorder.
Through my education and experience, I have learned that people are truly doing the best they can at all times. Life can be so difficult, and we as humans are tasked with the complex job of navigating those difficulties. I utilize a multi-dimensional, trauma-informed, and attachment-based approach to help clients understand themselves, others, and their place in the world. However, when working with anyone, my goal is to give you tools, skills, and support to help you navigate the world outside of therapy. You deserve to feel safe, seen, heard, and understood.
I have specialized training working with children, teens, and adults who experience a variety of life’s issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship complications, domestic violence, trauma/grief, and borderline personality disorder.
Through my education and experience, I have learned that people are truly doing the best they can at all times. Life can be so difficult, and we as humans are tasked with the complex job of navigating those difficulties. I utilize a multi-dimensional, trauma-informed, and attachment-based approach to help clients understand themselves, others, and their place in the world. However, when working with anyone, my goal is to give you tools, skills, and support to help you navigate the world outside of therapy. You deserve to feel safe, seen, heard, and understood.
(281) 426-0676 View (281) 426-0676
Photo of Ini Ekpenyong, LMSW, LCDCi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ini Ekpenyong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCDCi
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78748
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there, it's so nice to meet you and I'm so happy that you have decided to embark on this healing journey. I am a first generation Nigerian America therapist in Austin, TX. I work with a broad range of mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders, and addiction. My therapeutic style is warm and empathetic, but I will still call you out while maintaining a safe space. I am also aware of how the body stores trauma and can offer guidance on re-regulating your nervous system through somatic experiencing.
Hi there, it's so nice to meet you and I'm so happy that you have decided to embark on this healing journey. I am a first generation Nigerian America therapist in Austin, TX. I work with a broad range of mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, eating disorders, and addiction. My therapeutic style is warm and empathetic, but I will still call you out while maintaining a safe space. I am also aware of how the body stores trauma and can offer guidance on re-regulating your nervous system through somatic experiencing.
(512) 967-8366 View (512) 967-8366
Photo of Brannon S La Force - Brannon La Force, LPC & Associates, MS, LPCC, LPC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brannon La Force, LPC & Associates
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCC, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75204  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I am currently seeing clients exclusively via telemedicine (secure video platform). I am able to see clients in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, and California.
I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I am currently seeing clients exclusively via telemedicine (secure video platform). I am able to see clients in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, and California.
(469) 804-6044 View (469) 804-6044
Photo of Gwen Brehm, MEd, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gwen Brehm
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
League City, TX 77573  (Online Only)
I am also trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for BPD and Bipolar Disorder and I offer the transformational Mindful Self-Compassion Training twice a year online.
Is your anxiety keeping you from having peace in your life? Are your relationships suffering because of your mood? For over 30 years I have helped people make effective change in their lives with a variety of problems. I am best known for my skills in treating people who have difficult situations, feel out of control of their lives, and need more stability in their emotions and relationships. With the use of meditation, mindfulness skills, and behavioral changes we can work together to create a more balanced life, healthier relationships, and more joy and confidence.
I am also trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for BPD and Bipolar Disorder and I offer the transformational Mindful Self-Compassion Training twice a year online.
Is your anxiety keeping you from having peace in your life? Are your relationships suffering because of your mood? For over 30 years I have helped people make effective change in their lives with a variety of problems. I am best known for my skills in treating people who have difficult situations, feel out of control of their lives, and need more stability in their emotions and relationships. With the use of meditation, mindfulness skills, and behavioral changes we can work together to create a more balanced life, healthier relationships, and more joy and confidence.
(832) 786-8757 View (832) 786-8757
Photo of Marina Litinsky, LPC, MEd, Counselor
Marina Litinsky
Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
Walking on eggshells, exhausted making others happy, afraid to hurt or set them off by making your needs known? I specialize in narcissistic/borderline trauma and help you restore your sense of self lost after years of trying to appease a parent, partner, or a family member. If you are stuck in the cycle of people pleasing, ignoring being treated badly, hiding your true self, feeling anxious, confused, unfree, hopeless something is very wrong. Maybe your numerous attempts to improve your relationship backfired and you are to wondering if your loved one may have a personality disorder. Therapy is a safe place to talk about it.
Walking on eggshells, exhausted making others happy, afraid to hurt or set them off by making your needs known? I specialize in narcissistic/borderline trauma and help you restore your sense of self lost after years of trying to appease a parent, partner, or a family member. If you are stuck in the cycle of people pleasing, ignoring being treated badly, hiding your true self, feeling anxious, confused, unfree, hopeless something is very wrong. Maybe your numerous attempts to improve your relationship backfired and you are to wondering if your loved one may have a personality disorder. Therapy is a safe place to talk about it.
(737) 204-3460 View (737) 204-3460
Photo of Patti D Bolle - Patti D. Bolle, MS, LPC-S, PLLC, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patti D. Bolle, MS, LPC-S, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Southlake, TX 76092
I specialize in adolescent self injury and suicidal ideation, PTSD, grief and bereavement, budgeting time and money, BPD issues, family and marital issues, parenting issues, work related issues, insecurity and self-confidence issues, body image and eating disorder issues, organization and planning, medication education, homeopathic solutions, depression and anxiety.
I believe people are put in front of one another for a specific reason, whether it be good or bad. If you're seeking me out, you must need help in some way and just can't figure it out on your own. I can help you get to a point where you are strong and making healthy choices to better your life. My goal is to get you to a point where you don't need me...because you will receive the coping tools you need to succeed in life on your own. Remember...this is for you.
I specialize in adolescent self injury and suicidal ideation, PTSD, grief and bereavement, budgeting time and money, BPD issues, family and marital issues, parenting issues, work related issues, insecurity and self-confidence issues, body image and eating disorder issues, organization and planning, medication education, homeopathic solutions, depression and anxiety.
I believe people are put in front of one another for a specific reason, whether it be good or bad. If you're seeking me out, you must need help in some way and just can't figure it out on your own. I can help you get to a point where you are strong and making healthy choices to better your life. My goal is to get you to a point where you don't need me...because you will receive the coping tools you need to succeed in life on your own. Remember...this is for you.
(817) 382-6760 View (817) 382-6760
Photo of Denny Taylor, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Denny Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denton, TX 76201
Don't let the beard intimidate you, I'm a big, friendly giant. I enjoy working with adults who are struggling with sexual trauma recovery, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, changes in spirituality/loss of faith, and people who are working through existential issues. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming person and therapist.
Don't let the beard intimidate you, I'm a big, friendly giant. I enjoy working with adults who are struggling with sexual trauma recovery, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, changes in spirituality/loss of faith, and people who are working through existential issues. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming person and therapist.
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Photo of Tracy Ann Locke, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracy Ann Locke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waxahachie, TX 75165
I am also passionate for helping those with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Thank you for taking the first step towards healing and improving your mental health. I am committed to providing a warm, accepting, and confidential environment where you feel understood and supported. Together, we can work towards overcoming challenges, fostering growth, and achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life. My professional and personal life experiences enable me to connect with clients on an intimate and nonjudgmental level. “Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, you are not the rain"- Matt Haig.
I am also passionate for helping those with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Thank you for taking the first step towards healing and improving your mental health. I am committed to providing a warm, accepting, and confidential environment where you feel understood and supported. Together, we can work towards overcoming challenges, fostering growth, and achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life. My professional and personal life experiences enable me to connect with clients on an intimate and nonjudgmental level. “Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, you are not the rain"- Matt Haig.
(972) 597-1844 View (972) 597-1844
Photo of Cari Varela, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cari Varela
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78228
Hi, I am Cari Varela, MS LPC-S, LSOTP, and I have been providing therapeutic services since 2007. I have provided individual, family, and group services for adults and children throughout my career. I have provided counseling for treatment concerns such as Adolescents/Teens, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, Codependency, and Coping Skills. In addition, I use a mix of CBT, Client-Centered Therapy, Clinical Supervision, and Licensed, Humanistic, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that I enjoy helping others, and I think it's fantastic to see people grow.
Hi, I am Cari Varela, MS LPC-S, LSOTP, and I have been providing therapeutic services since 2007. I have provided individual, family, and group services for adults and children throughout my career. I have provided counseling for treatment concerns such as Adolescents/Teens, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, Codependency, and Coping Skills. In addition, I use a mix of CBT, Client-Centered Therapy, Clinical Supervision, and Licensed, Humanistic, and Trauma Focused therapies. I believe that I enjoy helping others, and I think it's fantastic to see people grow.
(210) 625-7513 View (210) 625-7513
Photo of Victoria Waldon-Gordon, MA, NCC, LPC-A, LPC Intern
Victoria Waldon-Gordon
LPC Intern, MA, NCC, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Kingwood, TX 77339  (Online Only)
As well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, quarter-life crises, trauma, racial identity crises, and women’s issues.
My goal is to empower you and help delegate these undesirable feelings. As your therapist, I’ll hold onto these feelings. I will feel and acknowledge ALL of them, and ever so slowly. I will return those feelings, to start the process of healing. Helping you develop confidence in your abilities, to overcome any difficulties you’re experiencing.
As well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, quarter-life crises, trauma, racial identity crises, and women’s issues.
My goal is to empower you and help delegate these undesirable feelings. As your therapist, I’ll hold onto these feelings. I will feel and acknowledge ALL of them, and ever so slowly. I will return those feelings, to start the process of healing. Helping you develop confidence in your abilities, to overcome any difficulties you’re experiencing.
(281) 500-8992 View (281) 500-8992
Photo of Farrin Velasco, MEd, LPC, C-PD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Farrin Velasco
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, C-PD
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77055
I particularly enjoy working with individuals who have endured significant trauma, those with Borderline Personality Disorder & clients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (or tendencies).
I ascribe to a humanistic and psychodynamic approach and philosophy of counseling with some cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) mixed in. I focus on client’s emotions, perspectives, and life experiences, rather than just treating symptoms. I believe incongruence, internalized conditions of worth, and unhealthy core beliefs contribute to emotional and psychological distress. Each client is different, what works for one will not work for all. I use a dynamically informed approach in order to create a treatment plan that is best suited to a client's unique needs and goals.
I particularly enjoy working with individuals who have endured significant trauma, those with Borderline Personality Disorder & clients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (or tendencies).
I ascribe to a humanistic and psychodynamic approach and philosophy of counseling with some cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) mixed in. I focus on client’s emotions, perspectives, and life experiences, rather than just treating symptoms. I believe incongruence, internalized conditions of worth, and unhealthy core beliefs contribute to emotional and psychological distress. Each client is different, what works for one will not work for all. I use a dynamically informed approach in order to create a treatment plan that is best suited to a client's unique needs and goals.
(832) 838-9513 View (832) 838-9513
Photo of Marika Joubert, MS, Counselor
Marika Joubert
Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lubbock, TX 79423  (Online Only)
Thank you for visiting my profile, I am so glad you are here! I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas, Arizona and Florida. I specialize in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), complex trauma (CPTSD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). I see anyone who is concerned about emotional control, suicide and dissociation. My clients are typically high-functioning individuals with good insight and self-awareness. However, they are privately suffering and feel unable to escape recurring feelings.
Thank you for visiting my profile, I am so glad you are here! I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas, Arizona and Florida. I specialize in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), complex trauma (CPTSD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). I see anyone who is concerned about emotional control, suicide and dissociation. My clients are typically high-functioning individuals with good insight and self-awareness. However, they are privately suffering and feel unable to escape recurring feelings.
(806) 853-5850 View (806) 853-5850
Photo of Joe Pentony - Katy DBT Center, MA, LPC, NCC, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katy DBT Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, PsyD
Verified Verified
Katy, TX 77450
The Katy DBT Center follows in the tradition of the Houston DBT Center in striving for excellence of care and precision in treatment of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). We require all of our therapists to be experienced and well trained in the implementation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is an evidence-based, modern behavioral therapy originally developed to treat individuals with the then "difficult" symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Due the the advent of DBT, BPD is now a good prognosis diagnosis and individuals receiving DBT treatment may expect to eventually no longer meet criteria for BPD.
The Katy DBT Center follows in the tradition of the Houston DBT Center in striving for excellence of care and precision in treatment of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). We require all of our therapists to be experienced and well trained in the implementation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is an evidence-based, modern behavioral therapy originally developed to treat individuals with the then "difficult" symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Due the the advent of DBT, BPD is now a good prognosis diagnosis and individuals receiving DBT treatment may expect to eventually no longer meet criteria for BPD.
(832) 602-2510 View (832) 602-2510
Photo of Dr. Daniela Krotzer, PhD, LCSW, EMDR-C, IFS-C, CDBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Daniela Krotzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, EMDR-C, IFS-C, CDBT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
Daniela has expertise in various areas such as trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship challenges, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, suicidal thoughts, self-injury, depression, anxiety, and more.
The past years have been challenging for everyone, bringing about new behaviors in loved ones or ourselves and resurfacing past traumas. Whether it's "big T" traumas like abuse or "little t" traumas like rejection, these experiences can keep us stuck in the past. But there is a way to break free from their grip. Sign up today for a consultation at drdanielakrotzer.com and take the first step towards living a life free from the impact of these traumas.
Daniela has expertise in various areas such as trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship challenges, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, suicidal thoughts, self-injury, depression, anxiety, and more.
The past years have been challenging for everyone, bringing about new behaviors in loved ones or ourselves and resurfacing past traumas. Whether it's "big T" traumas like abuse or "little t" traumas like rejection, these experiences can keep us stuck in the past. But there is a way to break free from their grip. Sign up today for a consultation at drdanielakrotzer.com and take the first step towards living a life free from the impact of these traumas.
(817) 396-7384 View (817) 396-7384
Photo of Kayla Meyertons, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kayla Meyertons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77056
Do you feel stuck? Do mood swings, anxiety, or depression dominate your days? I am here to help. Welcome. I am Kayla, a licensed master social worker practicing at the Ellie Mental Health Tanglewood location. I specialize in treating addiction, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bipolar and borderline personality disorder. Together, we will generate a safe, nonjudgmental space to break free from limiting patterns and ideas that may rule your present-day life.
Do you feel stuck? Do mood swings, anxiety, or depression dominate your days? I am here to help. Welcome. I am Kayla, a licensed master social worker practicing at the Ellie Mental Health Tanglewood location. I specialize in treating addiction, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bipolar and borderline personality disorder. Together, we will generate a safe, nonjudgmental space to break free from limiting patterns and ideas that may rule your present-day life.
(832) 400-6108 View (832) 400-6108
Photo of Kristin Balloon - Compassionate Healing Counseling Services, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Compassionate Healing Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77070
I specialize in areas including anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, borderline personality disorder, stress reduction.
Are your emotions getting in the way of living the life you want to live? Do you struggle with reigning in your emotions to be effective? Are you going through a lot of changes and finding it difficult to find your footing? Life throws at us a variety of challenges and obstacles; and if life wasn't hard enough, adding in our emotions can make it that much harder. Whether you are looking for coping skills or just needing someone to process with, I am here to help!
I specialize in areas including anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, borderline personality disorder, stress reduction.
Are your emotions getting in the way of living the life you want to live? Do you struggle with reigning in your emotions to be effective? Are you going through a lot of changes and finding it difficult to find your footing? Life throws at us a variety of challenges and obstacles; and if life wasn't hard enough, adding in our emotions can make it that much harder. Whether you are looking for coping skills or just needing someone to process with, I am here to help!
(832) 930-4479 View (832) 930-4479
Photo of Alissa Sladek, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alissa Sladek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77088
Welcome! My name is Alissa and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in the mental health field since 2012. I work with adults 18 and over on many different mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, BPD, Bipolar, Adjustment Disorder, relationship issues, work issues, and family stress, among other things. I use CBT, DBT, and Strength-based approaches to help individuals achieve the life they want and enjoy using different approaches with therapy as I know everyone is an individual and has individual needs.
Welcome! My name is Alissa and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in the mental health field since 2012. I work with adults 18 and over on many different mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, BPD, Bipolar, Adjustment Disorder, relationship issues, work issues, and family stress, among other things. I use CBT, DBT, and Strength-based approaches to help individuals achieve the life they want and enjoy using different approaches with therapy as I know everyone is an individual and has individual needs.
(832) 479-2812 View (832) 479-2812
Photo of Annette Morales-Tymczak, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Annette Morales-Tymczak
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for over 25 years in outpatient and in home settings. I see Individuals and address Adjustment disorder, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Grief, Mood Disorder, Post-traumatic stress. I have diverse training and experience. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people.
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for over 25 years in outpatient and in home settings. I see Individuals and address Adjustment disorder, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Grief, Mood Disorder, Post-traumatic stress. I have diverse training and experience. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people.
(832) 536-6051 View (832) 536-6051
Photo of Lydia Elizabeth Friese - Mindful Therapy with Lydia, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mindful Therapy with Lydia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78257  (Online Only)
Lydia Friese is a Licensed Professional Counselor , 86941. Lydia earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling. She specializes in relationship issues, Substance Abuse Disorders, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She has 3 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, teens, couples, adults and families. Lydia’s goal is to provide clients a safe space for clients to move into awareness and gain self-trust. In turn seeing life's challenges as manageable.
Lydia Friese is a Licensed Professional Counselor , 86941. Lydia earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling. She specializes in relationship issues, Substance Abuse Disorders, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She has 3 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, teens, couples, adults and families. Lydia’s goal is to provide clients a safe space for clients to move into awareness and gain self-trust. In turn seeing life's challenges as manageable.
(830) 529-7774 View (830) 529-7774
Photo of Candice G Moore - DBT with Candice G. Moore, MA LPC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
DBT with Candice G. Moore, MA LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77035
DBT has been shown to be effective with borderline personality disorder and patients struggling with mood dysregulation, self harm, and suicidal concerns.
Originally from Virginia and after moving to Texas, I taught school for 14 years in Houston ISD and at Presbyterian School in the museum district. With increasing desire to help students with emotional and social issues, I returned to the University of Houston--Clear Lake and earned my master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I completed my intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Menninger with Shari Manning, PhD and Karyn Hall, PhD. Starting in January of 2013, I worked as a practicum student and LPC-Intern at The DBT Center of Houston.
DBT has been shown to be effective with borderline personality disorder and patients struggling with mood dysregulation, self harm, and suicidal concerns.
Originally from Virginia and after moving to Texas, I taught school for 14 years in Houston ISD and at Presbyterian School in the museum district. With increasing desire to help students with emotional and social issues, I returned to the University of Houston--Clear Lake and earned my master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I completed my intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Menninger with Shari Manning, PhD and Karyn Hall, PhD. Starting in January of 2013, I worked as a practicum student and LPC-Intern at The DBT Center of Houston.
(713) 766-5359 View (713) 766-5359
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.