Borderline Personality Disorder

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, a distorted self-image, and impulsive behaviors. Individuals with BPD often experience extreme mood swings, a chronic sense of emptiness, and intense fears of abandonment. The disorder can significantly impact daily life, making it challenging to maintain stable relationships, jobs, or a sense of self.

 

BPD often develops from a combination of factors, including trauma, particularly during childhood, and biological vulnerabilities. Many people with BPD have experienced early-life trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or inconsistent caregiving, which can disrupt the development of a stable sense of self and emotional regulation. This disorder is also linked to biological factors, such as a heightened sensitivity to emotional stimuli and difficulty returning to a baseline emotional state after being upset.

 

BPD from a DBT Perspective

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha Linehan, is one of the most effective treatments for BPD. Linehan describes BPD as akin to having "third-degree burns over 90% of your body," where even the smallest emotional triggers can cause intense pain. This analogy captures the emotional vulnerability and intense reactions that individuals with BPD often experience. DBT is designed to help individuals manage these intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.

 

DBT focuses on four core skill sets:

1. Mindfulness:  Being present in the moment and fully aware of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.

2. Distress Tolerance: Building resilience to stress and learning how to manage crises without resorting to harmful behaviors.

3. Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions to reduce vulnerability and impulsivity.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developing skills to navigate relationships, assert needs, and set healthy boundaries.

 

Our Approach to BPD Treatment

We are passionate about helping individuals with BPD navigate their unique challenges. Mountain Heart Counseling offers online individual DBT skills training, allowing you to learn and practice these essential skills from the comfort of your own space. We believe in meeting you where you are, providing compassionate support, and empowering you with the tools you need to build a life worth living.

 

In addition to DBT, we also incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) into our treatment approach for BPD. EMDR can be particularly beneficial for addressing the traumatic experiences that often underlie BPD symptoms. By processing these memories in a safe and controlled way, EMDR helps reduce their emotional intensity and impact on your current life, contributing to greater emotional stability and resilience.

 

How DBT and EMDR Help with BPD

DBT skills are transformative for individuals with BPD, helping to reduce emotional dysregulation, improve relationships, and build a stronger sense of self. The structured approach of DBT provides a clear path for managing the intense emotions and impulsive behaviors that characterize BPD.

 

EMDR, on the other hand, offers a way to address the root causes of emotional pain and instability by processing traumatic memories that may be contributing to BPD symptoms. Together, DBT and EMDR provide a comprehensive approach to healing, helping you move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.

 

We are here to support you in your journey with BPD, offering specialized care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of the disorder. Our goal is to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and stability.​​​