Overview of evidence-based treatments
While BPD can present significant obstacles to individuals’ well-being and functioning, there are evidence-based treatments available that can help individuals manage their symptoms and lead more fulfilling lives. These are the commonly offered therapeutic treatments for BPD:
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT):
- DBT is the gold standard treatment for BPD, developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques.
- DBT focuses on four primary skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Through individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and therapist consultation teams, individuals learn to manage their emotions, improve relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviours.
- Schema Therapy:
- Schema therapy is an integrative approach that combines elements of cognitive-behavioural, experiential, and psychodynamic therapies.
- It focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive schemas or core beliefs developed in childhood that contribute to BPD symptoms.
- By fostering awareness of these schemas and providing corrective experiences, schema therapy aims to promote emotional regulation and healthier relationships.
- Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP):
- TFP is a psychodynamic therapy specifically designed for individuals with BPD.
- It focuses on exploring and understanding the individual’s interpersonal patterns and dynamics, particularly within the therapeutic relationship.
- By examining and working through distortions in perception and relating, TFP aims to improve emotional regulation and promote more adaptive interpersonal functioning.
- Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT):
- MBT is a psychodynamic therapy that focuses on enhancing individuals’ capacity for mentalization or understanding their own and others’ mental states.
- By promoting reflective functioning and improving individuals’ ability to recognize and interpret their own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and intentions, MBT aims to improve emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.