Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Bolton, ON
Marie-Maude Pelletier Sottile
Registered Psychotherapist, BAPsych, MA , MACP, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E
My clinical experience allows me to treat individuals who experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles, emotional disturbances, stress, mood disorders, behavioural issues, ADHD, bipolar, borderline disorder, & adjusting to a life change.
Therapy is an opportunity to increase our resilience and to learn how to cope with undesirable life events. Anger, fear, sadness or guilt arise when life experiences are overlooked, neglected, and ununderstood. Anxiety & Depression is a response to the failure to care for the feelings & emotions of the self. Likewise, feelings of stress and inner discomfort need understanding to be changed. The psychotherapy techniques I use to ease client issues and discomfort include CBT, Talking Therapy, DBT skills, Client-Centred, Compassion, Emotional and Solution Focus Therapy, Psychoeducation, frameworks of attachment, and family systems.
My clinical experience allows me to treat individuals who experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles, emotional disturbances, stress, mood disorders, behavioural issues, ADHD, bipolar, borderline disorder, & adjusting to a life change.
Therapy is an opportunity to increase our resilience and to learn how to cope with undesirable life events. Anger, fear, sadness or guilt arise when life experiences are overlooked, neglected, and ununderstood. Anxiety & Depression is a response to the failure to care for the feelings & emotions of the self. Likewise, feelings of stress and inner discomfort need understanding to be changed. The psychotherapy techniques I use to ease client issues and discomfort include CBT, Talking Therapy, DBT skills, Client-Centred, Compassion, Emotional and Solution Focus Therapy, Psychoeducation, frameworks of attachment, and family systems.
About: Anxiety, Depression, Stress- Sarah Pirrotta
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CCC, MACP, BFA
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E (Online Only)
I specialize in areas of anxiety, depression, anger, borderline personality disorder, grief, self esteem, stress, trauma, self-harming, cutting, suicidal ideation, ADHD, divorce, parenting, family, & more.
Anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues can be isolating and exhausting. Are you feeling stuck in repetitive cycles of anxiety, depression, anger, intrusive negative thoughts, emotional distress and dysregulation? Are you engaging in unhealthy behaviours to cope? Struggling with relationships? Is it difficult for you to love yourself, to connect with the present, to achieve your goals? Perhaps you just feel stuck overall and don’t know how to move forward from this place you find yourself in. "Stuck" can be a hard and lonely place to be - I want to help you. I believe that knowledge is power!
I specialize in areas of anxiety, depression, anger, borderline personality disorder, grief, self esteem, stress, trauma, self-harming, cutting, suicidal ideation, ADHD, divorce, parenting, family, & more.
Anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and relationship issues can be isolating and exhausting. Are you feeling stuck in repetitive cycles of anxiety, depression, anger, intrusive negative thoughts, emotional distress and dysregulation? Are you engaging in unhealthy behaviours to cope? Struggling with relationships? Is it difficult for you to love yourself, to connect with the present, to achieve your goals? Perhaps you just feel stuck overall and don’t know how to move forward from this place you find yourself in. "Stuck" can be a hard and lonely place to be - I want to help you. I believe that knowledge is power!
Trish McLean
Registered Psychotherapist, RN, RP, PhD(Th)
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E
Covid-19 has revealed the dark side of life. Things are so painful, overwhelming, and hidden hurts and wounds are being exposed. Families, couples, and individuals ask themselves, “Where do we begin? Where are we going?” Your story begins now. As the founder and owner of The Story Isn’t Over, I provide a safe place for you to speak freely, and explore your emotions to find healing in your story.I prioritize an empathetic and compassionate relationship with my clients. I believe that a good therapeutic relationship is critical to the therapeutic process.
Covid-19 has revealed the dark side of life. Things are so painful, overwhelming, and hidden hurts and wounds are being exposed. Families, couples, and individuals ask themselves, “Where do we begin? Where are we going?” Your story begins now. As the founder and owner of The Story Isn’t Over, I provide a safe place for you to speak freely, and explore your emotions to find healing in your story.I prioritize an empathetic and compassionate relationship with my clients. I believe that a good therapeutic relationship is critical to the therapeutic process.
Theresa Faubert
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MEd, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E
As a mental health professional, I work with individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health across various life stages—from perinatal to childhood, adolescence, and through adulthood. I employ a range of evidence-based techniques including cognitive and dialectical behavioural therapeutic approaches to assist people in overcoming negative thought patterns and fostering positive behaviour changes. In-person sessions are offered in Bolton, Ontario conveniently located just north of Toronto, Ontario Canada. Virtual sessions also available for anyone throughout Ontario.
As a mental health professional, I work with individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health across various life stages—from perinatal to childhood, adolescence, and through adulthood. I employ a range of evidence-based techniques including cognitive and dialectical behavioural therapeutic approaches to assist people in overcoming negative thought patterns and fostering positive behaviour changes. In-person sessions are offered in Bolton, Ontario conveniently located just north of Toronto, Ontario Canada. Virtual sessions also available for anyone throughout Ontario.
Giuseppe Parziale
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E
Are you feeling lost and stuck? Do you believe that your "life compass" has stopped working and not sure how to navigate your life moving forward? Are you feeling unheard or having a hard time expressing how you feel at the moment? Do you believe that your unique traumatic experiences have taken away your resilience and ability to effectively cope without relying on temporary solutions which down the road may have contributed to confusing you more, and making your relationships more challenging? You are not alone if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges trauma has brought into your life.
Are you feeling lost and stuck? Do you believe that your "life compass" has stopped working and not sure how to navigate your life moving forward? Are you feeling unheard or having a hard time expressing how you feel at the moment? Do you believe that your unique traumatic experiences have taken away your resilience and ability to effectively cope without relying on temporary solutions which down the road may have contributed to confusing you more, and making your relationships more challenging? You are not alone if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges trauma has brought into your life.
The Story Isn't Over
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD(Th), MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E
The Story Isn’t Over is a team of collaborative psychotherapists who recognize that it is important to take control of your story; rather than your story writing you. Our logo is the semi-colon (;) it symbolizes the decision to carry on and keep going forward.
The Story Isn’t Over is a team of collaborative psychotherapists who recognize that it is important to take control of your story; rather than your story writing you. Our logo is the semi-colon (;) it symbolizes the decision to carry on and keep going forward.
Amy Harrison
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7C
I am a masters level Mental Health therapist who has worked with individuals and groups for more than 15 years. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential through overcoming their inner self-critic and move through difficult life circumstances with strength and resiliency. I believe strongly in our ability to heal and for support in order to grow and thrive. My therapeutic approach is evidence-based, strengths-focused and client-centered. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, women's health, emotion-focused and cognitive therapy, mindful training for emotional resilience and EMDR.
I am a masters level Mental Health therapist who has worked with individuals and groups for more than 15 years. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential through overcoming their inner self-critic and move through difficult life circumstances with strength and resiliency. I believe strongly in our ability to heal and for support in order to grow and thrive. My therapeutic approach is evidence-based, strengths-focused and client-centered. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, women's health, emotion-focused and cognitive therapy, mindful training for emotional resilience and EMDR.
Svitlana Chechel
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E
My therapeutic philosophy revolves around the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Through various modalities such as somatic therapies, behavioural interventions and cognitive approaches, we collaboratively address trauma and mental health concerns that may have accumulated over time. I firmly believe in equipping individuals with a diverse set of tools to navigate challenges not only within therapy sessions but also daily. Together we’ll work on meeting your specific needs.
My therapeutic philosophy revolves around the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Through various modalities such as somatic therapies, behavioural interventions and cognitive approaches, we collaboratively address trauma and mental health concerns that may have accumulated over time. I firmly believe in equipping individuals with a diverse set of tools to navigate challenges not only within therapy sessions but also daily. Together we’ll work on meeting your specific needs.
Holly Robinson
Registered Psychotherapist, CIMHP, CCTP-II, CGCS, CCFP, CHyp
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7C (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
It is my passion to help individuals liberate their energy from the pain of the past, become more resourceful in the present, and move towards their most fulfilling vision for the future. I specialize in treating adults with trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, compassion fatigue, stress, burnout, grief, shame, and anxiety. I offer a holistic approach to psychotherapy integrating EMDR, SE, IFS, NLP, TIME, EFT, RTT, HeartMath, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Spiritual Psychotherapy, and more. I have extensive training in evidence-based and cutting-edge approaches that allow me to create a customized therapeutic experience for you to awaken the healer within.
It is my passion to help individuals liberate their energy from the pain of the past, become more resourceful in the present, and move towards their most fulfilling vision for the future. I specialize in treating adults with trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, compassion fatigue, stress, burnout, grief, shame, and anxiety. I offer a holistic approach to psychotherapy integrating EMDR, SE, IFS, NLP, TIME, EFT, RTT, HeartMath, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Spiritual Psychotherapy, and more. I have extensive training in evidence-based and cutting-edge approaches that allow me to create a customized therapeutic experience for you to awaken the healer within.
More Therapists Nearby
Khatiza Bi Bi
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4T (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationships, addictions, bpd, anxiety and more.
Are your thoughts taking control? Not feeling yourself? Experienced something tough recently that you can't seem to get past? Going through family struggles, relationship conflict or communication breakdown? Or are you looking for help for a child or teen? Sometimes life struggles can become roadblocks that prevent us from working towards our goals and living our best, most fulfilling lives. As a therapist, I want to help you work through those roadblocks. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space to help you work through struggles, achieve your goals and get back to a fulfilling, meaningful life.
I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationships, addictions, bpd, anxiety and more.
Are your thoughts taking control? Not feeling yourself? Experienced something tough recently that you can't seem to get past? Going through family struggles, relationship conflict or communication breakdown? Or are you looking for help for a child or teen? Sometimes life struggles can become roadblocks that prevent us from working towards our goals and living our best, most fulfilling lives. As a therapist, I want to help you work through those roadblocks. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space to help you work through struggles, achieve your goals and get back to a fulfilling, meaningful life.
Inner Voice Therapy
Registered Social Worker, HBA, MSW, RSW, PsyD, ClinPsy
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6W (Online Only)
We provide evidence-based treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Anxiety-related disorders (including OCD), Depression, PTSD and low self-esteem.
My team and I aren't just qualified therapists; we have walked a similar path that you are on. We have felt cultural confusion, self-doubt, and the echoes of generational struggles. We get you because we have been you. Our support goes beyond textbooks. We offer research-based treatment and services in various languages to create a safe space where you can share your story and find relief from your silent suffering. You are in the right place. Let’s move past parental approval and traditions, leaving behind insecurities, toxic shame, and self-doubt. Don’t just learn to feel better. Learn to know you belong wherever you are.
We provide evidence-based treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Anxiety-related disorders (including OCD), Depression, PTSD and low self-esteem.
My team and I aren't just qualified therapists; we have walked a similar path that you are on. We have felt cultural confusion, self-doubt, and the echoes of generational struggles. We get you because we have been you. Our support goes beyond textbooks. We offer research-based treatment and services in various languages to create a safe space where you can share your story and find relief from your silent suffering. You are in the right place. Let’s move past parental approval and traditions, leaving behind insecurities, toxic shame, and self-doubt. Don’t just learn to feel better. Learn to know you belong wherever you are.
Matthew Miller
Registered Social Worker, RCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L4T (Online Only)
I am accepting new clients. Services are available in Ontario via video, or by telephone. I specialize in relationships and communication skills within couples, and families with children/teens; PTSD/CPTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, borderline personality, and OCD. I also work with Canadian Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and First Responders. For those with financial challenges I offer interest-free payment plans. I am LGBTQ friendly, accepting, and an ally. I also have experience with ethical non-monogamy (ENM), poly/ open/ swinging relationship dynamics.
I am accepting new clients. Services are available in Ontario via video, or by telephone. I specialize in relationships and communication skills within couples, and families with children/teens; PTSD/CPTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, borderline personality, and OCD. I also work with Canadian Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and First Responders. For those with financial challenges I offer interest-free payment plans. I am LGBTQ friendly, accepting, and an ally. I also have experience with ethical non-monogamy (ENM), poly/ open/ swinging relationship dynamics.
Lia Reed
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6Z (Online Only)
I specialize in borderline personality disorder and anxiety, and my approach to therapy is very active - sessions with me go beyond talking.
When intense anger or fear suddenly appears, it can be hard not to feel crazy. When people call you too sensitive or dramatic, it can be hard to not feel like there's something wrong with you. This probably makes you feel alone in your emotions and consistently anxious about how people see you and whether they'll abandon you. So, you try to distract yourself as best as you can so your emotions don't completely take over. But you can still feel them building up right beneath the surface, and you're tired of always pushing them down. I know how scary and exhausting this can be.
I specialize in borderline personality disorder and anxiety, and my approach to therapy is very active - sessions with me go beyond talking.
When intense anger or fear suddenly appears, it can be hard not to feel crazy. When people call you too sensitive or dramatic, it can be hard to not feel like there's something wrong with you. This probably makes you feel alone in your emotions and consistently anxious about how people see you and whether they'll abandon you. So, you try to distract yourself as best as you can so your emotions don't completely take over. But you can still feel them building up right beneath the surface, and you're tired of always pushing them down. I know how scary and exhausting this can be.
Kari Gulin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aurora, ON L4H
With over 10 years of experience, I have provided therapy to youth and adults. I have extensive experience supporting individuals with OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I am trained in DBT and CBT, and work from a person-centered trauma informed approach. My services are culturally sensitive and inclusive. I aim to make therapy a comfortable and relaxed experience, through my warm and compassionate approach.
With over 10 years of experience, I have provided therapy to youth and adults. I have extensive experience supporting individuals with OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I am trained in DBT and CBT, and work from a person-centered trauma informed approach. My services are culturally sensitive and inclusive. I aim to make therapy a comfortable and relaxed experience, through my warm and compassionate approach.
Kaitlyn Martino
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Aurora, ON L4H
I have worked with individuals facing varying life challenges and/or diagnosis, including borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, Autism, ADHD & dual diagnosis.
We all need support in navigating life’s hardships, which can leave us feeling stuck, alone and overwhelmed. I strive to create a safe, caring, collaborative and supportive environment for you to explore life’s hardships, while also encouraging you to recognize your strengths. It is important for me to create connection, understanding, compassion, empathy and self-growth in your therapeutic experience. My goal is to support you in developing tools and coping strategies, while also digging deeper to create understanding of the underlying origin of patterns and themes within your life that are no longer serving you.
I have worked with individuals facing varying life challenges and/or diagnosis, including borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, Autism, ADHD & dual diagnosis.
We all need support in navigating life’s hardships, which can leave us feeling stuck, alone and overwhelmed. I strive to create a safe, caring, collaborative and supportive environment for you to explore life’s hardships, while also encouraging you to recognize your strengths. It is important for me to create connection, understanding, compassion, empathy and self-growth in your therapeutic experience. My goal is to support you in developing tools and coping strategies, while also digging deeper to create understanding of the underlying origin of patterns and themes within your life that are no longer serving you.
The Psychotherapy Spot
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6R (Online Only)
My area of expertise include life transitions, early childhood abandonment anxiety, codependency, autism, BPD, ADHD, perfectionism, self esteem and boundary issues, that result from a difficult childhood.
Do you struggle with chronic feelings of emptiness, the fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, a lack of knowing who you are at your core due to a distorted sense of self image and identity, emotional mood swings, social isolation, perfectionistic tendencies, procrastination, social anxiety and the effects of complex post traumatic stress? The effects of these struggles can result in anxiety, issues in relationships with yourself and others, job insecurity, and/or low self-worth. If you answered yes to any of the questions above, please know that you are not alone, and that I am trained to offer you support as a therapist.
My area of expertise include life transitions, early childhood abandonment anxiety, codependency, autism, BPD, ADHD, perfectionism, self esteem and boundary issues, that result from a difficult childhood.
Do you struggle with chronic feelings of emptiness, the fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, a lack of knowing who you are at your core due to a distorted sense of self image and identity, emotional mood swings, social isolation, perfectionistic tendencies, procrastination, social anxiety and the effects of complex post traumatic stress? The effects of these struggles can result in anxiety, issues in relationships with yourself and others, job insecurity, and/or low self-worth. If you answered yes to any of the questions above, please know that you are not alone, and that I am trained to offer you support as a therapist.
Edward S Davey
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6P (Online Only)
My areas of speciality include; depression, anxiety, ADHD, and managing certain personality disorders including (but not limited to) borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety. Other areas of focus include professional and/or workplace struggles/development including (but not limited to); procrastination, motivation, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. My goal is to work with my clients towards recognizing and understanding exactly what is hindering their personal growth and acting as a barrier against success.
My areas of speciality include; depression, anxiety, ADHD, and managing certain personality disorders including (but not limited to) borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety. Other areas of focus include professional and/or workplace struggles/development including (but not limited to); procrastination, motivation, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. My goal is to work with my clients towards recognizing and understanding exactly what is hindering their personal growth and acting as a barrier against success.
Flowing Mind Therapy
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4T
I provide treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, OCD, Relationship Difficulties (seeking, dating, marital), and lack of motivation/goal setting.
I work in partnership with my clients to understand their struggles and circumstances from their perspective. I employ an empathetic, non-judgmental approach while fostering a safe atmosphere for clients to tell their story. Clinically, my practice is evidence based and tailored to client’s strengths and needs. My goal is to empower clients to seize control of their own lives by teaching them the skills to steer it in line with their own values and build resiliency to face life’s hardships. I approach this with practical tools and skills to foster this meaningful growth.
I provide treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, OCD, Relationship Difficulties (seeking, dating, marital), and lack of motivation/goal setting.
I work in partnership with my clients to understand their struggles and circumstances from their perspective. I employ an empathetic, non-judgmental approach while fostering a safe atmosphere for clients to tell their story. Clinically, my practice is evidence based and tailored to client’s strengths and needs. My goal is to empower clients to seize control of their own lives by teaching them the skills to steer it in line with their own values and build resiliency to face life’s hardships. I approach this with practical tools and skills to foster this meaningful growth.
Gray Matter Health -Brampton Psychotherapists
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6Z
Sometimes we just can't do it on our own. Whether you have individual, couple, or family challenges, as a professional or first responder, life is so much more fulfilling when we can reach out for support to get through the rough patch. Our team has several years of experience working through trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, conflict, OCD, BPD, bipolar disorder, anger, ADHD, dementia, burnout, or perinatal challenges in addition to so much more. If you're ready for a life change, we can help! Many of our clients have reached out to us for support and as a result have restored happiness & improved their quality of life.
Sometimes we just can't do it on our own. Whether you have individual, couple, or family challenges, as a professional or first responder, life is so much more fulfilling when we can reach out for support to get through the rough patch. Our team has several years of experience working through trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, conflict, OCD, BPD, bipolar disorder, anger, ADHD, dementia, burnout, or perinatal challenges in addition to so much more. If you're ready for a life change, we can help! Many of our clients have reached out to us for support and as a result have restored happiness & improved their quality of life.
Poonam T Dhir
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RMFT, CCC
Verified Verified
Brampton, ON L6P (Online Only)
Praxis Focus: Adults & youth (Individual, Marriage/Couples/family) from diverse cultural, racial, gender, & religious backgrounds rooted in evidence-based, culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed, strength-based interventions for depression, PTSD, anxiety, addictions, marital conflicts; grief & loss, personality disorders (BPD, OCD), court & MVA clients.
I trust pain is inevitable, but suffering is an option. In fact, what is right with us is greater than what is wrong with us. I help clients access their resilience, motivation, self-agency, self-determination, and inner goodness to reconstruct their narratives & live meaningful contented lives. I am Registered Psychotherapist; Registered Marriage & Family Therapist, & NIHB approved therapist (for Indigenous persons); working as a Clinical Therapist with CMHA. I have extensive experience in CBT, DBT, Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy (sexual dysfunction & sexual offence), Addictions (drugs, gambling), Forensic Therapy (minor crimes, DUI)
Praxis Focus: Adults & youth (Individual, Marriage/Couples/family) from diverse cultural, racial, gender, & religious backgrounds rooted in evidence-based, culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed, strength-based interventions for depression, PTSD, anxiety, addictions, marital conflicts; grief & loss, personality disorders (BPD, OCD), court & MVA clients.
I trust pain is inevitable, but suffering is an option. In fact, what is right with us is greater than what is wrong with us. I help clients access their resilience, motivation, self-agency, self-determination, and inner goodness to reconstruct their narratives & live meaningful contented lives. I am Registered Psychotherapist; Registered Marriage & Family Therapist, & NIHB approved therapist (for Indigenous persons); working as a Clinical Therapist with CMHA. I have extensive experience in CBT, DBT, Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy (sexual dysfunction & sexual offence), Addictions (drugs, gambling), Forensic Therapy (minor crimes, DUI)
See more therapy options for Bolton
Borderline Personality (BPD) Counsellors
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.