Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

Photo of Brittani Simberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Brittani Simberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
It is my greatest privilege to join someone on their journey; to help them find their way around the boulders, over the stumbling blocks and out of the crevasses that have derailed goals, clouded views or kept them from happiness. To see them make the changes they have dreamed of. Together we can examine patterns, identify sources of hope, build on strengths, challenge fears and create road maps which you can use to take those next powerful, healing steps. I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and relational issues.
It is my greatest privilege to join someone on their journey; to help them find their way around the boulders, over the stumbling blocks and out of the crevasses that have derailed goals, clouded views or kept them from happiness. To see them make the changes they have dreamed of. Together we can examine patterns, identify sources of hope, build on strengths, challenge fears and create road maps which you can use to take those next powerful, healing steps. I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and relational issues.
(424) 372-4198 View (424) 372-4198
Photo of Kelsey Harper, Psy.D., Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Kelsey Harper, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
A life worth living is one that is full of relationships, and commitments that align with and express our personal values; a life of meaning and purpose. For many people with BPD or CPTSD, such a life feels like a fantasy, wholly unattainable and not within grasp. We often simply hope for a life we can survive, getting through day to day, weeks, months, and staying alive and ok. But we can hope for more than that from life. We can recover and heal, and learn about ourselves and what makes us come alive. I’m here to help you navigate overwhelming emotion so you can feel safe and grounded; connect to yourself so you feel powerful.
A life worth living is one that is full of relationships, and commitments that align with and express our personal values; a life of meaning and purpose. For many people with BPD or CPTSD, such a life feels like a fantasy, wholly unattainable and not within grasp. We often simply hope for a life we can survive, getting through day to day, weeks, months, and staying alive and ok. But we can hope for more than that from life. We can recover and heal, and learn about ourselves and what makes us come alive. I’m here to help you navigate overwhelming emotion so you can feel safe and grounded; connect to yourself so you feel powerful.
(415) 680-9455 View (415) 680-9455
Photo of Laura Picard, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Laura Picard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
(310) 340-1848 View (310) 340-1848
Photo of Hardy Lansaw, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Hardy Lansaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC, CAS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
While I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in borderline & narcissistic personality disorder, addiction, & trauma, I have worked extensively with anxiety, eating disorders, mood disorders, codependency, OCD, & phase of life issues.
I work with clients who are frustrated with the process of therapy, being controlled by their mood, and high conflict relationship dynamics . My goal is to help you trust your instincts, regulate emotion, speak authentically, & improve relationships. While exploring past trauma & disappointment is critical, I believe complementing the process with specific skills to change behavior patterns is crucial. I'm trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy through Marsha Linehan's BTech. Think of it as therapy including skills training. Let me help you improve your relationship with yourself & get you closer to the things you want in life.
While I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in borderline & narcissistic personality disorder, addiction, & trauma, I have worked extensively with anxiety, eating disorders, mood disorders, codependency, OCD, & phase of life issues.
I work with clients who are frustrated with the process of therapy, being controlled by their mood, and high conflict relationship dynamics . My goal is to help you trust your instincts, regulate emotion, speak authentically, & improve relationships. While exploring past trauma & disappointment is critical, I believe complementing the process with specific skills to change behavior patterns is crucial. I'm trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy through Marsha Linehan's BTech. Think of it as therapy including skills training. Let me help you improve your relationship with yourself & get you closer to the things you want in life.
(424) 365-1960 View (424) 365-1960
Photo of Meme Rhee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Meme Rhee
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
My area of expertise include: (teens and adults) Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, Eating Disorders/Body Image EMDR/Trauma Resolution, Cross Cultural Counseling for Asian Americans, Creativity/Performance Enhancement, Couples/Family Therapy.
As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety; obsessive-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.
My area of expertise include: (teens and adults) Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, Eating Disorders/Body Image EMDR/Trauma Resolution, Cross Cultural Counseling for Asian Americans, Creativity/Performance Enhancement, Couples/Family Therapy.
As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety; obsessive-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.
(424) 254-5197 View (424) 254-5197
Photo of Gina Regalbuto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Gina Regalbuto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Gina Regalbuto, and I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. My specialization is in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety and the symptoms and stressors that follow as a result. I have also worked extensively with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. I primarily practice through the lens of psychodynamic theory and I am an eclectic provider who utilizes the modality that serves my client's the best.
Hello, my name is Gina Regalbuto, and I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. My specialization is in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety and the symptoms and stressors that follow as a result. I have also worked extensively with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. I primarily practice through the lens of psychodynamic theory and I am an eclectic provider who utilizes the modality that serves my client's the best.
(661) 475-6727 View (661) 475-6727
Photo of Gina Francesca Regalbuto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Gina Francesca Regalbuto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Gina Regalbuto and I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. My specialization is in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety and the symptoms and stressors that follow as a result. I have also worked extensively with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder. I primarily practice through the lens of psychodynamic theory and I am an eclectic provider who utilizes the modality that serves my client's the best. I am also a certified yoga teacher so I can teach client's calming breathing techniques if they are interested in learning other ways to manage emotions.
Hello, my name is Gina Regalbuto and I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California. My specialization is in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety and the symptoms and stressors that follow as a result. I have also worked extensively with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder. I primarily practice through the lens of psychodynamic theory and I am an eclectic provider who utilizes the modality that serves my client's the best. I am also a certified yoga teacher so I can teach client's calming breathing techniques if they are interested in learning other ways to manage emotions.
(310) 683-4693 View (310) 683-4693
Photo of Natalie Guerra-Crowe, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Natalie Guerra-Crowe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402  (Online Only)
I primarily work with teens, young adults & adults to treat anxiety, depression, BPD, trauma, overall self-esteem, and much more.
Therapy can be a helpful and beautiful transforming tool. My primary goal is to create a space for you to feel safe to share whatever you need in our sessions. It is your time, and I am here to help guide you and work with you. You are the expert in your story, and together, we will work hard to find solutions and peace. I specialize in working with teens and young adults but have clients of all ages. I also specialize in OCD, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), ADHD, and anxiety. Seeing all clients residing in CA via telehealth.
I primarily work with teens, young adults & adults to treat anxiety, depression, BPD, trauma, overall self-esteem, and much more.
Therapy can be a helpful and beautiful transforming tool. My primary goal is to create a space for you to feel safe to share whatever you need in our sessions. It is your time, and I am here to help guide you and work with you. You are the expert in your story, and together, we will work hard to find solutions and peace. I specialize in working with teens and young adults but have clients of all ages. I also specialize in OCD, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), ADHD, and anxiety. Seeing all clients residing in CA via telehealth.
(805) 600-3902 View (805) 600-3902
Photo of Lauren Kerwin, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Lauren Kerwin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402  (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist primarily serving adults and adolescents who struggle with depression and anxiety; borderline personality disorder; substance and alcohol use; relationship distress; emptiness; intolerable emotions; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; eating concerns; and histories of trauma. My therapeutic approach centers on utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder but is now used to effectively treat a broad spectrum of psychological problems by focusing on enhancing the skills necessary to not only cope but thrive in a world full of obstacles.
I am a licensed psychologist primarily serving adults and adolescents who struggle with depression and anxiety; borderline personality disorder; substance and alcohol use; relationship distress; emptiness; intolerable emotions; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; eating concerns; and histories of trauma. My therapeutic approach centers on utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT was initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder but is now used to effectively treat a broad spectrum of psychological problems by focusing on enhancing the skills necessary to not only cope but thrive in a world full of obstacles.
(424) 488-0922 View (424) 488-0922
Photo of Claire Hughes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Claire Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I am passionate about the work that I do and truly believe in the benefits of utilizing DBT skills with my clients in the outpatient setting. I want to help my clients move away from all-or-nothing thinking, find relief from emotional suffering, regain control over powerful emotions, and eventually, not need me anymore.
I am passionate about the work that I do and truly believe in the benefits of utilizing DBT skills with my clients in the outpatient setting. I want to help my clients move away from all-or-nothing thinking, find relief from emotional suffering, regain control over powerful emotions, and eventually, not need me anymore.
(424) 581-0767 View (424) 581-0767
Photo of Lydia Kosinar, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Lydia Kosinar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.
As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.
(323) 379-1328 View (323) 379-1328
Photo of Dr. Ashley Conner, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Ashley Conner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Living with intense and debilitating feelings may leave you with a sense of overwhelm, hopelessness, and anger. You may have conflicts in your relationships, hold resentments, or try your best to manage with unsuccessful ways of coping. Do you have a hard time feeling safe or heard in your relationships, or trusting your intuition? You deserve a safe and supportive relationship to heal the impact of life. I help highly emotional and high conflict persons manage their intense emotional experiences, understand the causes, and learn alternative ways to cope so they can navigate life and relationships with greater satisfaction.
Living with intense and debilitating feelings may leave you with a sense of overwhelm, hopelessness, and anger. You may have conflicts in your relationships, hold resentments, or try your best to manage with unsuccessful ways of coping. Do you have a hard time feeling safe or heard in your relationships, or trusting your intuition? You deserve a safe and supportive relationship to heal the impact of life. I help highly emotional and high conflict persons manage their intense emotional experiences, understand the causes, and learn alternative ways to cope so they can navigate life and relationships with greater satisfaction.
(310) 496-8794 View (310) 496-8794
Photo of Erin G Amini, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Erin G Amini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
We often feel lost when solutions cannot be found for the challenges we face. It's at this point that our challenges become obstacles that block us from fully living our lives. Unfortunately, time doesn't heal all pain and our anxiety, anger, depression, and fear don't always go away on their own. As a therapist, my goal is to help you better understand yourself, find purpose in your pain, alleviate your stress, and make more space for creativity, love, and happiness in your life.
We often feel lost when solutions cannot be found for the challenges we face. It's at this point that our challenges become obstacles that block us from fully living our lives. Unfortunately, time doesn't heal all pain and our anxiety, anger, depression, and fear don't always go away on their own. As a therapist, my goal is to help you better understand yourself, find purpose in your pain, alleviate your stress, and make more space for creativity, love, and happiness in your life.
(310) 776-6045 View (310) 776-6045
Photo of Joanne Mednick, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Joanne Mednick
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dr. Mednick is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specialized in a unique blend of various methodologies to offer her clients the deepest possible healing. Dr. Mednick has built her practice with clients worldwide. Through illness,trauma and addictions therapy, she transitions clients with the identification of living as "victims" or "survivors" all the way to that of living as "thrivers." Dr. Mednick strives to bring her clients completion in the trauma/addiction/illness cycle, and to move them from pull into the trauma vortex (pain and chaos) towards easily and consciously choosing the healing vortex (calm and relaxed).
Dr. Mednick is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specialized in a unique blend of various methodologies to offer her clients the deepest possible healing. Dr. Mednick has built her practice with clients worldwide. Through illness,trauma and addictions therapy, she transitions clients with the identification of living as "victims" or "survivors" all the way to that of living as "thrivers." Dr. Mednick strives to bring her clients completion in the trauma/addiction/illness cycle, and to move them from pull into the trauma vortex (pain and chaos) towards easily and consciously choosing the healing vortex (calm and relaxed).
(310) 627-2241 View (310) 627-2241
Photo of Courtney Kent, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Courtney Kent
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#76116) practicing in West LA. I am a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™ and I specialize in providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Individual DBT sessions often include time learning skills to tolerate distress, regulate your emotions, increase interpersonal effectiveness and increase your mindfulness of the current moment. In addition to the DBT skills, I will weave in skills from CBT, ACT and IPT skills. In addition to learning new coping skills, we will process what comes up from the past, present and future.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#76116) practicing in West LA. I am a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™ and I specialize in providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Individual DBT sessions often include time learning skills to tolerate distress, regulate your emotions, increase interpersonal effectiveness and increase your mindfulness of the current moment. In addition to the DBT skills, I will weave in skills from CBT, ACT and IPT skills. In addition to learning new coping skills, we will process what comes up from the past, present and future.
(323) 412-0767 View (323) 412-0767
Photo of Hollie Granato, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Hollie Granato
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am licensed in CA, TX, HI, and all psypact states. My mission as a clinical psychologist is to help individuals reduce suffering and achieve purpose in their lives. I view therapy as teamwork and am dedicated to collaboratively helping clients reach their goals. I strive to provide evidence-based treatment, rooted in the latest scientific findings, facilitated by a validating and safe space.
I am licensed in CA, TX, HI, and all psypact states. My mission as a clinical psychologist is to help individuals reduce suffering and achieve purpose in their lives. I view therapy as teamwork and am dedicated to collaboratively helping clients reach their goals. I strive to provide evidence-based treatment, rooted in the latest scientific findings, facilitated by a validating and safe space.
(424) 363-7586 View (424) 363-7586
Photo of Kara Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Kara Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
I believe that everyone is doing the best they can with the skills they have at the time. If you feel like the ways you are coping aren't working well enough anymore or that difficult emotions are getting in the way, let's talk. As a therapist, I want to meet you where you are and at the same time empower you to make changes that will reduce suffering and increase fulfillment. It is important to me to understand your world and help you create a life worth living. I use a balance of compassionate, nonjudgmental support and straightforward feedback, helping you gain more tools to cope with life on life's terms.
I believe that everyone is doing the best they can with the skills they have at the time. If you feel like the ways you are coping aren't working well enough anymore or that difficult emotions are getting in the way, let's talk. As a therapist, I want to meet you where you are and at the same time empower you to make changes that will reduce suffering and increase fulfillment. It is important to me to understand your world and help you create a life worth living. I use a balance of compassionate, nonjudgmental support and straightforward feedback, helping you gain more tools to cope with life on life's terms.
(310) 340-2099 View (310) 340-2099
Photo of Christina A Castro, Counselor in Santa Monica, CA
Christina A Castro
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
You feel broken and unlovable. You feel disconnected from yourself and your life. You have past experiences that you try to forget and you tell yourself that the past does not affect you- but that's not the truth. The truth is, you feel deep pain, hurt, and maybe shame and you are tired of pretending that you're fine. You just wake up and go through the same motions over and over again. Maybe things look great on the outside but on the inside you are struggling to feel anything or you are feeling everything all at once. Let me help you. I will guide you and support you as you process the past so that you can enjoy the present.
You feel broken and unlovable. You feel disconnected from yourself and your life. You have past experiences that you try to forget and you tell yourself that the past does not affect you- but that's not the truth. The truth is, you feel deep pain, hurt, and maybe shame and you are tired of pretending that you're fine. You just wake up and go through the same motions over and over again. Maybe things look great on the outside but on the inside you are struggling to feel anything or you are feeling everything all at once. Let me help you. I will guide you and support you as you process the past so that you can enjoy the present.
(424) 378-0939 View (424) 378-0939
Photo of Meredith Meyer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Meredith Meyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I have received extensive training in DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and continue to utilize these models in my work today. Together, they provide effective strategies for change balanced with mindfulness and acceptance. As a clinician, I aim to provide authenticity and evidenced based practices to ensure that you receive effective and compassionate care. I have experience working with individuals from 13 - 90 years old and enjoy having a diverse case load. In addition to DBT and CBT, I have been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Prolonged Exposure.
I have received extensive training in DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and continue to utilize these models in my work today. Together, they provide effective strategies for change balanced with mindfulness and acceptance. As a clinician, I aim to provide authenticity and evidenced based practices to ensure that you receive effective and compassionate care. I have experience working with individuals from 13 - 90 years old and enjoy having a diverse case load. In addition to DBT and CBT, I have been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Prolonged Exposure.
(760) 317-4539 View (760) 317-4539
Photo of Kim Spano, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Kim Spano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CPsych, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Rooted in depth psychology, mind body and complementary practice, integrating trauma based psychotherapy and other evidence based psychological methodologies and modalities, I see adults, teens, couples struggling with personal, emotional, relational, parental challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress, disillusionment, as well, young adults navigating individuation, contending with middle, high school, university and post graduate adjustments. My approach is to open a present, safe, focused sphere inviting vulnerability and honest expression of true experience moving deeper and deeper into one's own knowing sense.
Rooted in depth psychology, mind body and complementary practice, integrating trauma based psychotherapy and other evidence based psychological methodologies and modalities, I see adults, teens, couples struggling with personal, emotional, relational, parental challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress, disillusionment, as well, young adults navigating individuation, contending with middle, high school, university and post graduate adjustments. My approach is to open a present, safe, focused sphere inviting vulnerability and honest expression of true experience moving deeper and deeper into one's own knowing sense.
(831) 241-5805 View (831) 241-5805

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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.