Specialized BPD Treatment: Manage Emotions & Build a Life Worth Living

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be complex and challenging, but at Trickett Psychotherapy & Counselling, we are equipped to provide BPD therapy that truly helps. Our clinic in Guelph offers specialized mental health services for BPD, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), available both in-person and online. These therapies aim to mitigate the intense emotions and instability often experienced by those with BPD.

Our licensed therapists and trained students work closely with clients to develop skills in areas such as emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, making our services both affordable and accessible. We also offer individual counselling tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.

The benefits of seeking treatment for BPD at Trickett Psychotherapy include improved emotional stability, better relationships, and a greater sense of self-awareness and control. If you or someone you know is struggling with BPD, reach out to us to explore how our tailored therapy sessions can provide support and foster significant personal growth. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can be very disrupting to the lives of those affected by it and their families and loved ones. It is characterized by its intense emotional disturbance, mood swings, and instability, distortion in cognition, maladaptive behaviors, and communication issues. Noticeably, people struggling with BPD experience difficulties managing their emotions. Out of the nine diagnostic criteria, five are required for an official diagnosis. Thus, there are over 151 ways in which BPD manifests, ranging from overregulating one’s emotions to underregulating them. People with BPD often experience anxiety, depression, feelings of being misunderstood, fear of loneliness and abandonment, and suicidal thoughts.

Approximately 2 percent of the population experience the symptoms of BPD. At times, it can feel like there is no hope. However, proper diagnosis and treatment, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, can help decrease the intensity of symptoms to manageable levels, allowing individuals to build a life worth living.

Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder include:

· Rapid and sometimes intense mood swings

· Intense, unstable, and stormy interpersonal relationships

· Unstable self-image and sense of self

· Issues with actual or perceived abandonment

· Difficulties with impulsive behaviors, such as binge eating, substance abuse, sexual behaviors, speeding, shoplifting, or compulsive spending

· Self-harming behaviours

· Chronic sense of emptiness

· Difficulties controlling anger

· Dissociative or paranoid symptoms

Development of BPD

There are a few theories regarding the development of BPD. Genetics indicates that BPD is approximately five times more common among individuals with a first-degree relative who has the disorder compared to those without. Neuroimaging has revealed that the emotional regulation system may differ in people struggling with BPD. The communication between the executive functioning areas of the brain and impulse control does not function optimally for those with BPD. Genetic factors, such as brain chemistry, also contribute to the ability of the brain to regulate emotions, marking them as causes for BPD development. The Biosocial Theory suggests that both environmental and biological factors play a role in its development. Factors like a childhood filled with instability, abuse, or emotional trauma can trigger BPD symptoms.

Treatment For BPD

Psychotherapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was created specifically for the treatment of BPD. It provides clients with skill coaching to help them manage emotions and function optimally. Other therapies used in the treatment of BPD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices. 

Medication can also assist in managing symptoms. Therapy for caregivers and family members is essential, as families of individuals struggling with BPD may benefit from support and treatment. Having a relative or loved one with the disorder can be stressful, and family members or caregivers may unintentionally act in ways that worsen their loved one’s symptoms. Some BPD treatments include family members, caregivers, or loved ones in therapy sessions.

Comorbidity

Many individuals with BPD also struggle with co-occurring disorders. Successful BPD treatment includes addressing any co-existing disorders, such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD treatment), bipolar disorder, depression, and eating disorders, notably bulimia nervosa.

Prognosis

Often, people diagnosed with BPD exhibit symptoms at a younger age that are sometimes dismissed. Later in life, these symptoms may become severe and challenging, interfering with daily functioning. With a proper diagnosis and individualized, dedicated treatment, BPD becomes a treatable disorder. The rate of symptom remission is high for those who follow their treatment plans years after beginning therapy.