Borderline personality disorder is a mental health diagnosis that is unfamiliar to most people, but that greatly impacts the lives of those struggling with it. Typically beginning in early adulthood, individuals diagnosed with the disorder present with intense fears of instability or abandonment, even while dealing with poor emotional regulation resulting in bouts of anger or impulsiveness that leave them feeling even more isolated and alone. Other symptoms of borderline personality disorder include rapid mood swings, aggressive or paranoid behaviour, patterns of intense unstable relationships, and a low self-identity. This makes it incredibly hard to form meaningful relationships and individuals often end up feeling as though they are totally alone in life or even feeling as though they don’t exist at all. Although not much is known about what causes this disorder, it is thought that traumatic experiences early in life, genetic predisposition, or changes in certain brain regions may play a role in the development of this mental health condition. However, counselling and treatment to combat the effects of borderline personality disorder has been shown to be effective in helping individuals learn to regain control of their lives and again form meaningful and supportive relationships
Because of the isolating nature of symptoms and the fact that borderline personality disorder has not been given the prominence that other mental health diagnoses have received, many people suffering from it can feel that they are alone in their struggles with no one to turn to. This could not be farther from the truth. Help is available for you and the expert therapists at Horizon Counselling Plymouth are experienced and compassionate when it comes to guiding individuals through their borderline personality disorder diagnosis and symptoms.
What does counselling for borderline personality disorder look like?
When you begin counselling at Horizon, our staff will first spend some time getting to know you and understanding your past life experiences. This information will inform what approaches are then used. Often, our counsellors work with individuals using one of the following approaches:
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT): Although DBT is now used to treat a wide variety of diagnoses, it is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy that was originally designed specifically to help those dealing with borderline personality disorder. Therapists trained in DBT will use its principles to focus on skills required for easier participation in everyday life such as emotional regulation, relationship management, and mindfulness.
- Psychotherapy: Whether or not DBT is used, working with a counsellor will allow you to practice tuning into your body in order to regulate distress and other emotional signals appropriately. A counsellor might also guide you in the examination of how borderline personality disorder is affecting your life in order to identify coping strategies and other ways to mitigate those effects.
- Social support: Borderline personality disorder manifests in ways that can inadvertently isolate the individual, which only serves to worsen their distress. Counselling for some with borderline personality disorder might focus on relationship building and identifying areas of social support. Decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation can be a key focus for the treatment process and can help individuals then work through associated relationship difficulties that might arise.
It can be difficult for individuals struggling with borderline personality disorder, but you don’t have to go it alone. The experts at Horizon Plymouth are here to help you work through any difficulties that you are experiencing in order to start living your life to the fullest again. Whether you are feeling lonely, isolated, angry, or frustrated, our licensed counsellors are here to help you work through your feelings to lead a life full of satisfying relationships and social support. Don’t wait—reach out today to schedule your initial consultation and start getting the assistance that you need.