Receiving a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) can feel scary. It’s a diagnosis often misunderstood and highly stigmatized. But have no fear; there are effective ways to manage this disorder and reduce symptoms. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, know that there are many different treatment options available. Let’s discuss the therapeutic treatment options that we provide for BPD at Avalon Malibu.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Individuals with BPD often experience intense emotions. These intense emotions can be difficult to deal with and can impact multiple areas of your life. It’s common for relationships to struggle in the wake of BPD, as symptoms can make communication and emotional regulation challenging. Likewise, you may find that coping with your symptoms can cause feelings of overwhelm. Fortunately, there are a few different therapy options you can consider that will help you effectively manage your symptoms.
Treatment Options for BPD
How BPD presents can vary greatly between individuals, making it difficult to recognize and treat in some cases. If you’re beginning treatment, consider searching for a professional that specializes in the treatment of this diagnosis. Working with a therapist who has experience treating BPD is a great way to make sure you’re on the right track. They’ll be able to provide you with effective management strategies and practical support.
The majority of the therapies recommended for BPD include various forms of psychotherapy—also known as talk therapy. Talk therapy is an excellent way to target specific problems and build a therapeutic relationship.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
One of the most common psychotherapy treatment options for those with BPD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of therapy emphasizes bringing awareness to the subconscious mind. It allows you to examine your thought processes and observe the barriers that your outlook might create. CBT encourages you to think about your behaviors and what triggers those behaviors. This high level of introspection has a variety of benefits, especially for those with BPD.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another valuable option for those with BPD. It combines aspects of CBT while emphasizing elements of mindfulness, such as acceptance. It will help you develop skills that promote better emotional management and regulation. The skills you focus on in psychotherapy will depend on your existing strengths and areas in which you would like to grow. DBT provides the opportunity to build a strong therapeutic foundation and manage problematic symptoms of BPD.
Living with borderline personality disorder can feel complicated. BPD and its associated symptoms and behaviors can be difficult, but there are many different options that can help you cope well with your diagnosis. At Avalon Malibu, we’ve helped many clients with BPD, providing them with individualized support and treatment options. If you’re curious about the therapies we provide, feel free to give us a call at (844) 857-5992. We’ll be happy to discuss our services with you and determine whether they could be the right fit for you. It’s never too late to get help.