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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition marked by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. Symptoms can include emotional instability, feelings of worthlessness, insecurity, impulsivity, and difficulties in social relationships. BPD is estimated to affect approximately 5 to 10% of the population. While the disorder can present in various ways, certain core characteristics are common among those with BPD:
- Chronic emotional dysregulation, characterized by hyperarousal and “activated states” that are easily triggered and persist longer than in individuals without BPD.
- Difficulty with self-soothing.
- High levels of impulsivity and reactivity.
- Interpersonal difficulties and unstable relationships throughout life.
- Distortions in perception.
Identity disturbance and inconsistency. - A pervasive sense of worthlessness.
- Narcissistic traits.
- Sensitivity to, and preoccupation with, abandonment, often linked to feelings of worthlessness.
- For some individuals, a history of self-harming behaviors used as a form of “addictive” self-soothing or distraction.
- For some, chronic suicidal thoughts.
Borderline Personality Treatment
Our BPD program is designed to comprehensively address the various domains of impairment associated with Borderline Personality Disorder. By integrating evidence-based practices proven effective for BPD, we aim to help each client achieve greater overall stability. This includes enhancing self-soothing and emotional regulation techniques, developing a consistent and positive sense of self, and improving interpersonal effectiveness to repair and strengthen existing relationships.
We place a strong emphasis on fostering resilience through posttraumatic growth, recognizing that individuals with BPD often carry unresolved relational trauma. Instead of perpetuating a false narrative of hopelessness, “brokenness,” and internalized shame, we focus on helping clients enhance their emotional regulation and understand emotional distress as an indication of unmet needs.
Our approach incorporates mindfulness techniques to help clients become more attuned to the relationship between uncomfortable emotions and their unmet needs (e.g., for interdependence, connection, emotional validation, autonomy). This awareness enables clients to evaluate whether they can meet these needs independently or require assistance, and from whom. By effectively applying this process, clients experience relief, build confidence, and cultivate hope for a more stable and fulfilling future.
Modalities We Use to Treat Borderline Personality Disorder
We approach Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) treatment through attachment theory to understand how relational trauma and attachment insecurity contribute to a dysregulated stress response. We also utilize polyvagal theory to guide clients in managing distressing mood states through self-regulation and co-regulation, replacing maladaptive stress responses like self-harm, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. These perspectives normalize why clients with unmet childhood needs struggle with stress regulation as adults.
Our program includes psychoeducation on healthy versus unhealthy boundaries, effective communication, adaptive conflict resolution, and coping strategies. We incorporate self-soothing, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness training through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Nonviolent Communication, and assertiveness training. This helps clients develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Mindfulness enhances real-time awareness of distress and the transient nature of thoughts and emotions. We educate clients on the link between high emotional arousal and distorted, negative perceptions, helping them recognize and challenge negative thinking patterns.
We apply cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive reprocessing, and self-compassion to address negative bias and foster self-love. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) assist clients in acknowledging and processing emotions rather than avoiding them.
Narrative therapy helps clients reframe their stories, integrating pain and growth to promote resilience and hope. We blend “top-down” (cognitive, psychoeducational) and “bottom-up” (somatic, experiential) processing to provide corrective experiences for managing distressing emotions and unmet needs. Techniques like yoga, meditation, contemplative movement, breathwork, and sound baths help clients manage their stress responses effectively.
Our Services
At Life Line Treatment Center, we believe true success is measured by long-term resilience. We offer services designed to help patients not only navigate their current challenges but also thrive and sustain their health throughout life. Our IOP and PHP programs provide flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, or evening sessions, and offer in-person, online, or hybrid treatment options.
We Accept Most Insurances
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