Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) complex mental health issue involving multiple symptoms and maladaptive behaviour. People who suffer BPD often go to great effort to avoid perceived abandonment; may experience problems with relationships; difficulty identifying a sense of self; experience difficulty with emotional and behavioural control. Distressing emotional states, difficulty in interpersonal relationships and self-harming behaviour are common experiences for people with BPD.

Around two and five per cent of the population are affected by BPD during thier lifetime, with symptoms appearing in the later teen years/early adulthood. It is more common in women than men. We do not know the exact causes of BPD. Yet we do know with early diagnosis and effective treatment, the outcome for some one experiencing BPD is good.

SOME SYMPTOMS OF BPD

According to the Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria some common symptoms include:

• Poorly regulated and excessive emotional responses
• Harmful impulsive actions
• Distorted perceptions and impaired reasoning including problems with real or perceived abandonment
• Markedly disturbed relationships
• People with BPD believe that their distress is to be taken care of by others; they cannot self-comfort and will flee into disappointment. Other people are alternately idealised and hated.
• People with BPD have high rates of drug and alcohol misuse

Through therapy we will tailor treatment to the needs of the individual and draw on different therapeutic approaches. For example, dialectical behaviour therapy was developed specifically for those suffering with Borderline Personality Disorder, and it has been demonstrated to help manage distress intolerance and emotions, improve interactions and relationships. Other approaches include cognitive behaviour therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy which have also seen success in assisting individuals challenge rigid thoughts and attitudes, manage relationships, and improve the way they feel about themselves.

Consequently, there is a wide range of options available and they can be tailored to meet your specific needs. During therapy, you will travel on a journey to better understanding yourself so that you can learn to communicate and form fulfilling relationships with those around you, and turn destructive behaviours into more constructive responses. As you make progress, I will assist you to remain on track by provide ongoing emotional support and helping you to identify and work through obstacles to change.

THE BENEFITS AND/OR OUTCOMES OF COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR BPD

Through therapy will may achieve some of the following benefits:

• Develop skills for dealing with the associated symptoms of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem;
• Explore unhelpful beliefs, thoughts and behaviours;
• Develop skills in addressing unhelpful beliefs, thoughts, and behaviours;
• Develop a toolbox for managing distress tolerance;
• Learn skills in forming and maintaining healthy relationship and friendships; and
• Improve communication and interpersonal skills.

COUNSELLING FOR BPD @ SEX LIFE THERAPY – MELBOURNE.

At Sex Life Therapy we are able to assist you with the development of new productive skills to manage borderline personality disorder. As treatment is psychotherapeutic and long-term, we will work with your GP, Psychiatrist and/or psychologist in developing a treatment plan. If you would like to make an appointment with our team, call (03) 9005 5213.