BPD Treatment Options
Evidence-based therapies and treatment approaches that have proven effective for borderline personality disorder recovery.
✅ Hope for Recovery
With proper treatment, 85% of people with BPD show significant improvement, and 50% achieve full remission within 10 years.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Gold Standard Treatment for BPD
DBT was specifically developed for BPD by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and distress tolerance skills.
Four Core Modules:
- •Mindfulness: Being present and aware in the moment
- •Distress Tolerance: Surviving crisis situations without making them worse
- •Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing emotions effectively
- •Interpersonal Effectiveness: Maintaining relationships while getting needs met
DBT Treatment Structure:
- • Individual therapy sessions (weekly)
- • Group skills training (weekly)
- • Phone coaching for crisis situations
- • Therapist consultation team
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to BPD symptoms.
CBT focuses on:
- • Identifying cognitive distortions
- • Challenging negative thought patterns
- • Developing healthy coping strategies
- • Behavioral activation and change
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
MBT focuses on improving the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings behind your own and others' actions.
MBT helps with:
- • Understanding emotional responses
- • Improving empathy and perspective-taking
- • Developing emotional awareness
- • Strengthening sense of self
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy addresses deep-rooted patterns and beliefs that developed in childhood and continue to affect adult relationships.
Schema Therapy addresses:
- • Early maladaptive schemas
- • Childhood trauma and neglect
- • Core emotional needs
- • Dysfunctional coping modes
DBT Skills: Building a Life Worth Living
Mindfulness
The foundation of all DBT skills - learning to be present and aware.
Core Skills:
- • Observe without judgment
- • Describe what you notice
- • Participate fully in activities
- • Stay non-judgmental
- • Focus on one thing at a time
- • Be effective in your actions
Practice Example:
5-minute breathing meditation focusing only on the sensation of breath
Distress Tolerance
Surviving crisis situations without making them worse through impulsive actions.
Key Techniques:
- • TIPP (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Paired muscle relaxation)
- • Distraction techniques
- • Self-soothing activities
- • Radical acceptance
- • Distress tolerance mantras
Crisis Survival:
Hold ice cubes or take a cold shower to quickly reduce emotional intensity
Emotion Regulation
Understanding and managing emotions more effectively.
Skills Include:
- • Identifying and labeling emotions
- • Understanding emotion functions
- • Reducing emotional vulnerability
- • Increasing positive emotions
- • Opposite action technique
PLEASE Skills:
Treat PhysicaL illness, balance Eating, avoid mood-Altering substances, balance Sleep, get Exercise
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Maintaining relationships while getting your needs met and maintaining self-respect.
Core Techniques:
- • DEAR MAN (asking for what you want)
- • GIVE (maintaining relationships)
- • FAST (maintaining self-respect)
- • Setting healthy boundaries
- • Saying no effectively
DEAR MAN:
Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate
Additional Treatment Approaches
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
A psychodynamic approach that focuses on the relationship between patient and therapist to understand and change relationship patterns.
- • Explores unconscious patterns
- • Uses therapist-patient relationship
- • Addresses identity integration
- • Long-term psychodynamic approach
STEPPS (Systems Training for Emotional Predictability)
A group-based program that teaches emotional and behavioral management skills in a supportive environment.
- • 20-week group program
- • Focus on emotional regulation
- • Peer support component
- • Skills-based approach
Medication Support
While no medication specifically treats BPD, some medications can help with co-occurring symptoms.
- • Antidepressants for depression/anxiety
- • Mood stabilizers for emotional swings
- • Antipsychotics for severe symptoms
- • Always work with a psychiatrist
What Makes Treatment Successful?
✅ Success Factors
- •Commitment to treatment: Regular attendance and active participation
- •Good therapeutic relationship: Trust and collaboration with your therapist
- •Skills practice: Using learned skills in daily life situations
- •Support system: Family and friends who understand and support recovery
- •Patience with the process: Recovery takes time and has ups and downs
⚠️ Common Challenges
- •Treatment dropout: BPD symptoms can make it hard to stay in therapy
- •Crisis periods: Intense emotions may temporarily disrupt progress
- •Relationship difficulties: BPD can strain therapeutic relationships
- •Stigma: Negative attitudes about BPD can affect treatment
- •Impatience: Wanting quick results when change takes time
💡 Remember: Recovery is Possible
Many people with BPD go on to live fulfilling, stable lives. The key is finding the right treatment approach and staying committed to the process, even when it's challenging. Every small step forward is progress.
How to Find BPD Treatment
🔍 What to Look For in a Therapist
- • Licensed mental health professional
- • Experience treating personality disorders
- • Training in evidence-based treatments (DBT, CBT, etc.)
- • Good fit with your personality and needs
- • Accepts your insurance or offers sliding scale
- • Convenient location and scheduling
- • Collaborative, non-judgmental approach
- • Specializes in trauma if relevant
📞 Where to Start Your Search
Online Directories:
- • Psychology Today therapist finder
- • Your insurance company's provider directory
- • DBT Self Help therapist locator
- • Local mental health organization websites
Referral Sources:
- • Your primary care doctor
- • Local hospitals or medical centers
- • Community mental health centers
- • Support groups or peer recommendations
💬 Questions to Ask Potential Therapists
- • Do you have experience treating borderline personality disorder?
- • What treatment approaches do you use for BPD?
- • Are you trained in DBT or other evidence-based treatments?
- • How do you handle crisis situations?
- • What are your policies around availability between sessions?
- • Do you offer group therapy or skills training?
Ready to Take the First Step?
Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward getting the right treatment. Take our comprehensive BPD test to better understand your needs.