BPD Therapy

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a type of personality disorder that typically develops in early adulthood. It is characterized by unstable relationships, seeing oneself differently at times, impulsive behavior, and intense emotions that can rapidly change.

BPD is considered a common diagnosis with 1 in 100 people diagnosed in the U.S. The condition is more prevalent among women, however, this may be due to women being more likely to seek help and therefore receive a diagnosis.

People with BPD may be stigmatized, which may have further negative consequences on their mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Some stigmas associated with BPD include being labeled as:

• Manipulative
• Volatile
• Attention seeking
• Having a character flaw

Reducing the effects of stigma starts with connecting with someone who understands. For most people, that may be a therapist. Our practice is proud to serve the Palm Beach and Miami area with structured and reliable BPD therapy. 

Signs and Symptoms

BPD is a complex condition used to describe a pattern of intense emotional reactions, instability, and difficulty maintaining a sense of self. People with BPD often experience emotional dysregulation and may struggle with who they are and what they want in life.

BPD symptoms include:

• Unstable mood
• Unstable and intense interpersonal relationships
• Identity disturbance
• Low self-esteem
• Frantic efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment
• Self-destructive behavior
• Suicidal ideation, behaviors, or threats
• Chronic feelings of emptiness
• Intense anger
• Paranoid ideation or dissociative symptoms
• Substance abuse

Someone with BPD may experience some, but not all of these symptoms. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), an individual must experience at least 5 symptoms to receive this diagnosis.

Some signs of BPD include:

• Self-harm
• Anger when an individual feels a fear of abandonment
• Impulsive behaviors
• Extreme mood swings

BPD can be treated with the help of a licensed clinician who can help you work with how your system reacts to external triggers to be able to come back to baseline quicker. 

Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder

Several risk factors for BPD include:

• Genetics: BPD can run in families as there may be a genetic predisposition. However, not all people who have the genes for BPD will develop the condition.
• Environment: Childhood neglect, traumatic experiences, and abuse can lead to BPD.
• Substance use: Substance use can have side effects that look like BPD. It is important to maintain a minimum of 6 months off substances before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

Additionally, according to attachment theory, people with insecure attachment styles such as anxious or disorganized attachment styles have a higher risk of developing BPD. This suggests that a baby’s bond with the mother may affect the development of certain mental health conditions.

How Does BPD Feel?

Imagine you’re navigating a challenge at work and a sudden wave of anxiety comes over you. A casual comment from someone close may awaken your inner critic, which screams, “you are not good enough”. You may find yourself leaving relationships or jobs to avoid this intense emotional pain.

BPD symptoms can be overwhelming. It is important to acknowledge that your emotions are valid, although they do not define you. You don’t have to deal with these challenges alone.

At Evolve Therapy & Counseling, your therapist will help you to slow down your reactions and decrease the threat response so you can have more control in activating situations.

Treatment Options

At Evolve Therapy & Counseling, we deliver treatment through the Sovereign Body Method, a structured, nervous system-based approach developed by Liz Chelak, LCSW, CCTSI, CRPS. Rather than focusing on retelling past events, our therapy emphasizes changing how your nervous system responds to present experiences.

It’s not just about coping or feeling calmer; it’s about transforming how your nervous system reacts to situations that are perceived as threats and currently prompt a protective response.

While it’s often said that there is no cure for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), we believe that by regulating your nervous system, you can change the intensity of your emotions. This can help you feel less stressed about situations that previously overwhelmed you.

As a result, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges, make healthier decisions for yourself, and communicate more effectively, including setting boundaries with greater ease.

Different Therapeutic Options

At Evolve, we use the Sovereign Body Method yo treat BPD. Some options for therapeutic interventions include:

• Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT can help you learn skills to regulate your emotions and tolerate distress.
• Mentalization-based therapy (MBT): MBT can help you understand your own and other people’s thoughts and feelings to improve relationship issues.
• Schema-focused therapy (SFT): SFT helps individuals identify and change their problematic thought patterns.
• Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy can help you understand the underlying internal conflicts, emotions, and patterns that may contribute to your symptoms.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a highly effective therapy that can help you identify and change the negative thoughts that lead to negative feelings and behavior patterns.

Together with your therapist, you can decide the best course of treatment for your specific situation, needs, and preferences. 

DBT in Depth

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed for BPD with a focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

During this form of therapy, you will have an opportunity to learn specific tools for managing distressing feelings.

The Role of Medications

Some medications that can treat the symptoms of BPD include:

• Antidepressants
• Mood stabilisers
• Antipsychotics

Although medications alone cannot treat BPD, the best course of treatment is a combination of consistent therapy sessions, medication, and self-care. 

Self-Care Strategies for BPD

Self-care is important for everyone, but can be extremely beneficial for people with BPD. Self-care strategies for BPD include:

• Learning your triggers
• Practicing coping skills
• Eating healthy foods
• Getting enough sleep
• Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine

Remember to be patient with yourself. With the help of a therapist at Evolve Therapy & Counseling, you can manage your emotions, have better relationships, and feel more confident dealing with challenges.

Diagnosing

BPD is diagnosed by a clinical therapist, counselor, or psychologist. The therapist will look at emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, and behavior over time.

We don’t believe in labeling people, but a diagnosis can help you understand and name what is happening to you.

Finding a BPD Therapist in Miami’s Brickell and Palm Beach County

Finding the right therapist is a vital part of overcoming BPD. Your therapist needs to be someone you can trust, be honest with, and feel accepted by. The best BPD therapist is knowledgeable how the nervous system works and can help you regulate it to change your patterns of responding.

Our therapists in Brickell, Downtown Miami, and West Palm Beach are dedicated to being your partner in BPD treatment and collaborating on a treatment plan. We believe that therapy is a collaborative process and will work together to find the solutions that are right for you. We also provide treatments for narcissistic personality disorder, somatic symptom disorder, seasonal affective disorder, trauma bonding, and many other types of disorders and trauma types.

We are committed to providing effective treatment for borderline personality disorder in WPB and Miami. We’re here to guide you towards being the sovereign leader of your life. Take the first step today– reach out to us and schedule a complimentary consultation.