Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in New Milford, NJ

Photo of Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
New Milford, NJ 07646
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
(551) 209-3661 View (551) 209-3661

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Benjamin Johnson, Psychologist in New Milford, NJ
Dr. Benjamin Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Hackensack, NJ 07601  (Online Only)
I offer evidence-based psychotherapy for adults and teenagers navigating relationship challenges, self-harm, thoughts of suicide, and issues with their sense of self, self-esteem, or personality. In addition, I also specialize in borderline personality disorder (BPD). I often work with individuals who have felt misunderstood by others in their life or who have struggled to find ways to communicate their needs or feelings in healthy ways to those close to them. If you have had this experience, perhaps I can help.
I offer evidence-based psychotherapy for adults and teenagers navigating relationship challenges, self-harm, thoughts of suicide, and issues with their sense of self, self-esteem, or personality. In addition, I also specialize in borderline personality disorder (BPD). I often work with individuals who have felt misunderstood by others in their life or who have struggled to find ways to communicate their needs or feelings in healthy ways to those close to them. If you have had this experience, perhaps I can help.
(551) 321-7085 View (551) 321-7085
Photo of Clinical Consultation Services, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Clinical Consultation Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyA
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652
I am also trained in Transference Focused Psychotherapy to treat people with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.
I work with individuals (14 or older) who are reflective, curious about themselves, and desire change. The therapeutic relationship is the fundamental factor in effective therapy and provides you with a safe, comfortable place to discuss issues and patterns in your life that are interfering with reaching your potential. My training has prepared me to help you work through problems and help you understand your emotional life, patterns and experiences from your formative years that impact on your life now; A better understanding of your emotional life will help you make meaningful changes toward finding happiness.
I am also trained in Transference Focused Psychotherapy to treat people with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.
I work with individuals (14 or older) who are reflective, curious about themselves, and desire change. The therapeutic relationship is the fundamental factor in effective therapy and provides you with a safe, comfortable place to discuss issues and patterns in your life that are interfering with reaching your potential. My training has prepared me to help you work through problems and help you understand your emotional life, patterns and experiences from your formative years that impact on your life now; A better understanding of your emotional life will help you make meaningful changes toward finding happiness.
(201) 654-3203 View (201) 654-3203
Photo of Julie Rosenberg, MA, LPC, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Milford, NJ
Julie Rosenberg, MA, LPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tenafly, NJ 07670  (Online Only)
I also have experience working with the severely mentally ill population whose diagnoses include Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorders.
Do you feel more stress than you can sometimes handle? Are you having problems maintaining healthy relationships with family or friends? Are money problems caused by the bad economy getting you down? We have all been through difficult times but need support to get through them. Many times family conflicts originate from someone else other than yourself. I can help you find practical coping mechanisms to get things back in order so that you may achieve happiness, intimacy and relaxation so that you may enjoy your life at the fullest capacity.
I also have experience working with the severely mentally ill population whose diagnoses include Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorders.
Do you feel more stress than you can sometimes handle? Are you having problems maintaining healthy relationships with family or friends? Are money problems caused by the bad economy getting you down? We have all been through difficult times but need support to get through them. Many times family conflicts originate from someone else other than yourself. I can help you find practical coping mechanisms to get things back in order so that you may achieve happiness, intimacy and relaxation so that you may enjoy your life at the fullest capacity.
(551) 291-2265 View (551) 291-2265
Photo of Dominique Focazio, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Dominique Focazio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tenafly, NJ 07670
My experience has been with individuals, couples, and groups in an array of areas including Stress Management, Relationships, both PTSD and C-PTSD, BPD, Emotional Dysregulation, Non-Suicidal Self- Harm and LGBTQ+ identity formation.
I get it. Life happens. Sometimes you just need to talk and have someone listen. Whether therapy is new for you or you are revisiting it, my goal is help you create a fulfilling and happy life that you are excited to live. Whether you are looking to develop healthy coping skills or seek to dig deeper inside, I will work with you on your journey to a better understanding of who you are and who you may want to become. Note- To all the early birds: there is always time for therapy. I offer virtual sessions as early as 5am. There is always time for therapy!
My experience has been with individuals, couples, and groups in an array of areas including Stress Management, Relationships, both PTSD and C-PTSD, BPD, Emotional Dysregulation, Non-Suicidal Self- Harm and LGBTQ+ identity formation.
I get it. Life happens. Sometimes you just need to talk and have someone listen. Whether therapy is new for you or you are revisiting it, my goal is help you create a fulfilling and happy life that you are excited to live. Whether you are looking to develop healthy coping skills or seek to dig deeper inside, I will work with you on your journey to a better understanding of who you are and who you may want to become. Note- To all the early birds: there is always time for therapy. I offer virtual sessions as early as 5am. There is always time for therapy!
(201) 500-3372 View (201) 500-3372
Aimee Marston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
For over the past 16 years I have worked with adults and adolescents struggling with diverse mental health issues. This can include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD,eating disorders, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder. These issues can be influenced by stress from external triggers, including trauma, family issues, medical issues, work stress, relationship issues, and grief and loss. Throughout my extensive experience in hospital and private practice settings, I find individuals often feel intensely overwhelmed and stuck in negative thinking patterns and behaviors. By developing a therapeutic relationship, we can create a treatment plan to increase positive feelings and facilitate effective behavioral changes.
For over the past 16 years I have worked with adults and adolescents struggling with diverse mental health issues. This can include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD,eating disorders, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder. These issues can be influenced by stress from external triggers, including trauma, family issues, medical issues, work stress, relationship issues, and grief and loss. Throughout my extensive experience in hospital and private practice settings, I find individuals often feel intensely overwhelmed and stuck in negative thinking patterns and behaviors. By developing a therapeutic relationship, we can create a treatment plan to increase positive feelings and facilitate effective behavioral changes.
(973) 210-7887 View (973) 210-7887
Photo of Linda Centeno, Psychologist in New Milford, NJ
Linda Centeno
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paramus, NJ 07652
I am a highly experienced, warm, NJ and NY licensed psychologist trained at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Treatment specialties include: Women's Issues (incl. Relationships, Career, Family Issues), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder), Anxiety Disorders (Panic Disorder, OCD), Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Impulse Control Difficulties (cutting, self-harm, oppositionality), Trauma, PTSD, and Sexual Abuse, Relationship Issues, and Gay/Lesbian issues.
I am a highly experienced, warm, NJ and NY licensed psychologist trained at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Treatment specialties include: Women's Issues (incl. Relationships, Career, Family Issues), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder), Anxiety Disorders (Panic Disorder, OCD), Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Impulse Control Difficulties (cutting, self-harm, oppositionality), Trauma, PTSD, and Sexual Abuse, Relationship Issues, and Gay/Lesbian issues.
(201) 820-0937 View (201) 820-0937
Photo of Regina Colgan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Regina Colgan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paramus, NJ 07652
Have you heard the term “gaslighting"? Although a trendy psychological term, it’s a real phenomenon. Usually related to emotional abuse or "narcissistic abuse". Are you feeling depression and or anxiety? Do you feel like you’re in a codependent relationship? Do you question yourself and wonder why it's happening? Are you trying to manage a history of abuse, whether experienced during childhood or presently. Are you concerned about or have you been told you’re dealing with someone of narcissistic or borderline personality disorders?
Have you heard the term “gaslighting"? Although a trendy psychological term, it’s a real phenomenon. Usually related to emotional abuse or "narcissistic abuse". Are you feeling depression and or anxiety? Do you feel like you’re in a codependent relationship? Do you question yourself and wonder why it's happening? Are you trying to manage a history of abuse, whether experienced during childhood or presently. Are you concerned about or have you been told you’re dealing with someone of narcissistic or borderline personality disorders?
(973) 671-8036 View (973) 671-8036
Photo of Advance Counseling Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Advance Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652
Advance Counseling Center is an outpatient program within Advance Housing, Inc. that offers individuals and families an array of wellness services to support, enhance and improve their quality of life. All clinical staff use treatment interventions that incorporate research and evidenced-based practices. Group practice is informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT will help you or your loved on with ongoing conflicts in relationships; intense and rapid mood; difficulty stuffing emotions, then "blowing up" at others; inability to relax; impulsive or reactive decisions you often regret; avoiding responsibilities; and feeling overwhelmed.We have staff trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Advance Counseling Center is an outpatient program within Advance Housing, Inc. that offers individuals and families an array of wellness services to support, enhance and improve their quality of life. All clinical staff use treatment interventions that incorporate research and evidenced-based practices. Group practice is informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT will help you or your loved on with ongoing conflicts in relationships; intense and rapid mood; difficulty stuffing emotions, then "blowing up" at others; inability to relax; impulsive or reactive decisions you often regret; avoiding responsibilities; and feeling overwhelmed.We have staff trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT).
(201) 949-3123 x241 View (201) 949-3123 x241
Photo of Joel R. Sneed, Psychologist in New Milford, NJ
Joel R. Sneed
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Tenafly, NJ 07670
I believe our central motivation is to seek out and maintain strong emotional bonds with important others. When this is blocked, we don't give up that need, we learn ways of connecting that are dysfunctional and that wreak havoc on our emotional lives. Thus, we often ask ourselves, "Why is it always me?" or "Why do I always do that?" or "Why am I always alone?" I believe the key to growth is in understanding how your thoughts, which we are often unaware of, influence your feelings and behavior in the context of your relationships.
I believe our central motivation is to seek out and maintain strong emotional bonds with important others. When this is blocked, we don't give up that need, we learn ways of connecting that are dysfunctional and that wreak havoc on our emotional lives. Thus, we often ask ourselves, "Why is it always me?" or "Why do I always do that?" or "Why am I always alone?" I believe the key to growth is in understanding how your thoughts, which we are often unaware of, influence your feelings and behavior in the context of your relationships.
(646) 693-3072 View (646) 693-3072
Photo of The Koch Center, Psychologist in New Milford, NJ
The Koch Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652
The Koch Center (located in Montclair, Waldwick, Morristown, & Englewood) specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Therapy and Programs for Adults, Adolescents, Middle Schoolers, and Families. Our Intensive DBT Programs offer an opportunity to receive extensive support and expert treatment in an outpatient setting. We treat the full range of psychological issues (including Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Relationship Problems, Personality Disorders). We have a Trauma Program for adults. We also offer individual therapy from varying theoretical orientations.
The Koch Center (located in Montclair, Waldwick, Morristown, & Englewood) specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Therapy and Programs for Adults, Adolescents, Middle Schoolers, and Families. Our Intensive DBT Programs offer an opportunity to receive extensive support and expert treatment in an outpatient setting. We treat the full range of psychological issues (including Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Relationship Problems, Personality Disorders). We have a Trauma Program for adults. We also offer individual therapy from varying theoretical orientations.
(201) 730-1280 View (201) 730-1280
Photo of Cory Chargo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Cory Chargo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MARE
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652
I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in family, couple, group and individual settings for over 25 years. My sub-specialty is with children and adolescents, as I have served as an elementary and middle school Principal, a non-formal Educator, and a teacher in addition to my many years as a Mental Health Clinician. I have led workshops in schools on the topic of bullying.
I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in family, couple, group and individual settings for over 25 years. My sub-specialty is with children and adolescents, as I have served as an elementary and middle school Principal, a non-formal Educator, and a teacher in addition to my many years as a Mental Health Clinician. I have led workshops in schools on the topic of bullying.
(201) 654-4003 View (201) 654-4003
Photo of Family Psychiatry and Therapy, Psychologist in New Milford, NJ
Family Psychiatry and Therapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652
I work with individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief/loss, eating disorders, couples in crisis, professional dilemmas, parenting issues and more. I also specialize in coping with pain, fatigue, insomnia, and chronic illness including chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, and fibromyalgia.
I work with individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief/loss, eating disorders, couples in crisis, professional dilemmas, parenting issues and more. I also specialize in coping with pain, fatigue, insomnia, and chronic illness including chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, and fibromyalgia.
(201) 212-6848 View (201) 212-6848
Photo of David Solomon Gruskin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
David Solomon Gruskin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666  (Online Only)
I can start explaining a little about myself.  How I like to work.  The last years, I've been working with a mixture of individuals using primarily psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and CBT techniques.  I like to work with a small number of patients often over a period of time. So no quick fixes here. And if, after this initial session, you decide to move forward, we should aim to meet at this time and this location each and every week. The purpose, or the aim, is to create a time and a space which is entirely yours, week on week.
I can start explaining a little about myself.  How I like to work.  The last years, I've been working with a mixture of individuals using primarily psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and CBT techniques.  I like to work with a small number of patients often over a period of time. So no quick fixes here. And if, after this initial session, you decide to move forward, we should aim to meet at this time and this location each and every week. The purpose, or the aim, is to create a time and a space which is entirely yours, week on week.
(551) 291-1731 View (551) 291-1731
Photo of Staci Benaroya, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Staci Benaroya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Tenafly, NJ 07670
I'm not your average trauma therapist. Hi, I'm Staci and I'm a modern psychotherapist for post-grad "Quarter-Life" New Yorkers. Triggering events and major life transitions you're facing are leading you to feel stuck, lost, isolated, worried and stressed AF. I help you FINALLY get a grip on your anxiety so you can unlock your full potential. My east-meets-west mind-body approach is modern, relatable, collaborative. I meet you where YOU are and work with you from here to create a safe, sacred space for you to reflect on your strengths and challenges, gain insight, and move towards meaningful and lasting change.
I'm not your average trauma therapist. Hi, I'm Staci and I'm a modern psychotherapist for post-grad "Quarter-Life" New Yorkers. Triggering events and major life transitions you're facing are leading you to feel stuck, lost, isolated, worried and stressed AF. I help you FINALLY get a grip on your anxiety so you can unlock your full potential. My east-meets-west mind-body approach is modern, relatable, collaborative. I meet you where YOU are and work with you from here to create a safe, sacred space for you to reflect on your strengths and challenges, gain insight, and move towards meaningful and lasting change.
(914) 653-7729 View (914) 653-7729
Photo of Jessica Semioli, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Jessica Semioli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Paramus, NJ 07652
Jessica is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years of experience in working with a variety of client populations in several different treatment settings. Jessica has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including emergency rooms, crisis intervention, group therapy, and community-based settings. She has experience working with children and families in their home, as well as providing services in the home for the medically compromised and end of life care. Jessica is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Jessica is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years of experience in working with a variety of client populations in several different treatment settings. Jessica has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including emergency rooms, crisis intervention, group therapy, and community-based settings. She has experience working with children and families in their home, as well as providing services in the home for the medically compromised and end of life care. Jessica is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Master’s degree in Social Work.
(973) 310-5847 View (973) 310-5847
Photo of Debbie Naroff Scott, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Debbie Naroff Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Paramus, NJ 07652  (Online Only)
I am a licensed social worker, dedicated to providing a non-judgmental and safe space for clients to tap into their inner wisdom and learn to trust themselves and this unique process to live more meaningful lives. I take a person centered, humanistic approach and tailor therapy to meet clients’ individual needs. Together we will identify treatment goals, build tools to achieve these goals while processing difficult emotions. Since body and mind are uniquely interconnected, I focus on each person as a whole, using evidence based practices such as CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Work and use a strengths based approach.
I am a licensed social worker, dedicated to providing a non-judgmental and safe space for clients to tap into their inner wisdom and learn to trust themselves and this unique process to live more meaningful lives. I take a person centered, humanistic approach and tailor therapy to meet clients’ individual needs. Together we will identify treatment goals, build tools to achieve these goals while processing difficult emotions. Since body and mind are uniquely interconnected, I focus on each person as a whole, using evidence based practices such as CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Work and use a strengths based approach.
(856) 543-2473 View (856) 543-2473
Photo of Dr. Gila Cohen Davidovsky — Couples And Families, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Dr. Gila Cohen Davidovsky — Couples And Families
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Is your relationship in trouble? Are you searching for greater intimacy and trust? Do you have conflicts in your marriage around parenting styles, religious differences, money, stress, family, or fertility treatments? Do arguments escalate rapidly? In therapy, you can build the tools to recapture the emotional connection that you so desire. Learn to defuse conflict and argue constructively. You will develop skills that will help you learn how to function better in your relationship. Each meeting will bring you personalized tools, insights, and hope. Contact me via phone, text, or email. I am looking forward to helping!
Is your relationship in trouble? Are you searching for greater intimacy and trust? Do you have conflicts in your marriage around parenting styles, religious differences, money, stress, family, or fertility treatments? Do arguments escalate rapidly? In therapy, you can build the tools to recapture the emotional connection that you so desire. Learn to defuse conflict and argue constructively. You will develop skills that will help you learn how to function better in your relationship. Each meeting will bring you personalized tools, insights, and hope. Contact me via phone, text, or email. I am looking forward to helping!
(201) 464-6321 View (201) 464-6321
Photo of Joe Armentano, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Joe Armentano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dumont, NJ 07628
Choosing a psychotherapist is a very personal decision that I view with respect and humility. Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, marital or relationship issues, family problems, grief, adjustment issues, or any of the social emotional reasons that you are seeking help for, I am committed to approaching our work together with a personal and collaborative approach to problem-solving. My belief is you are the expert of your life, but that when problems occur, a non-judgmental and objective perspective can help to clear the barriers away that are blocking you in a safe and trusting space.
Choosing a psychotherapist is a very personal decision that I view with respect and humility. Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, marital or relationship issues, family problems, grief, adjustment issues, or any of the social emotional reasons that you are seeking help for, I am committed to approaching our work together with a personal and collaborative approach to problem-solving. My belief is you are the expert of your life, but that when problems occur, a non-judgmental and objective perspective can help to clear the barriers away that are blocking you in a safe and trusting space.
(201) 676-8920 View (201) 676-8920
Photo of Dr. Pam Pater-Ennis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Milford, NJ
Dr. Pam Pater-Ennis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I work well with a client who has experienced some type of sexual, psychological, or religious or spiritual trauma in their lives. In my sessions with this client, first I assess the level of trauma, help the client to build rapport with me, as well as trust. Secondly, I work to rebuild the client's life in terms of symptom management. Thirdly, the client and I form a partnership to improve relationship skills, thereby enabling the client to re-establish a sense of community. Finally, I value helping the client to rebalance his or her life in mind, body, and spirit.
I work well with a client who has experienced some type of sexual, psychological, or religious or spiritual trauma in their lives. In my sessions with this client, first I assess the level of trauma, help the client to build rapport with me, as well as trust. Secondly, I work to rebuild the client's life in terms of symptom management. Thirdly, the client and I form a partnership to improve relationship skills, thereby enabling the client to re-establish a sense of community. Finally, I value helping the client to rebalance his or her life in mind, body, and spirit.
(551) 231-7639 View (551) 231-7639

See more therapy options for New Milford

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.