“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
—Audre Lorde
Borderline Personality Disorder
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD), a disorder of the emotion regulation system, is characterized by mood lability, interpersonal problems, and impulsive behaviors. Individuals with BPD often experience suicidal ideation and other self-destructive urges, particularly when emotions are activated by interpersonal events.
Difficulties with assertiveness, identity confusion, and anger problems are also common. The biosocial theory of BPD suggests that these problems develop as a result of a transaction between a biologically vulnerable individual and an invalidating environment. Many individuals who are diagnosed with BPD have a history of trauma, which commonly interferes with self-regulation mechanisms and can impact trust and attachment in relationships.
How Is BPD Treated?
Although BPD has historically been characterized as long-standing, if not permanent, pervasive personality pathology, we now know that BPD is quite treatable. A skills-based approach to treating emotion dysregulation, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has demonstrated the most efficacy in reducing symptoms of BPD.
EBTP and BPD
The team at EBTP is guided by values of compassion and acceptance. We know that individuals are a product of their biology, their upbringing, and their lived experience and that like any other mental health problem, BPD is not a choice.
We are aware of the stigma tied to BPD and the misinformation that is perpetuated by professionals on the internet. If you are struggling with BPD or BPD symptoms, we want you to know that we will approach you with an empathic, non-judgmental stance and that our ultimate goal is to help you build a life-worth living.
If you believe you may benefit from treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out and make an appointment.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.”
— Alice Walker