How to access DBT?

[Phoenix12]

I have a daughter who has stuggled with the symptoms/traits of BPD her whole life and had no idea until just recently that there was a whole community comitted to supporting loved ones of those struggling with BPD. It was such a tremendous relief that she/we are not alone in this anymore! However, I also realized that we have a lot of work ahead of us in finding a child psychiatrist who is willing to diagnose someone under the age of 18 and who will be willing to work through DBT with us. Does anyone have any suggestions for resources regarding DBT in the meantime?

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[FaithHopeLove]

Hello, Phoenix, I am glad to meet you and sorry about the circumstances. I see we have something in common. I use the Phoenix as a symbol too, one who emerges from the ashes. It is so good that you found us. This really is the right place to come for help and support. You are definitely not alone. Many of us are facing challenges similar to yours. My son, 24, diagnosed with BPD, refuses treatment at this point so I can't tell you much about DBT other than it is really excellent. I have been reading up on it on my own. It is really a good thing for anyone, BPD or not. Of course, like any form of therapy, it is only effective if the person wants it to be. I hope the day will come when your daughter will be open to DBT. Meanwhile, the most important thing is taking good care of yourself. Do you have a self care plan?

[zachira]

I am sorry to hear your daughter is struggling with BPD. You are trying  to get her DBT. Many DBT programs also teach DBT to family members. There are many people with DBT who refuse to go to therapy which makes the family members ineligible to get training in DBT. Shari Y. Manning wrote "Loving Someone with BPD" to teach DBT to family members that are unable to get DBT training. I particularly like this book because the author has deep compassion for people with BPD which can make it easier to help our family members, and it is the most helpful book I have read about how to help a family member with BPD. There is a good resource section in the appendix. The book has several reviews in our book section on this site.

[StressedOutDaily]

Hi,

I have found this forum to be very helpful with encouragement from other members, information, resources.

You may want to sign up for family connections - it is a *free program to help family members of those who suffer with BPD.  They have a few different ways to attend - telephone conference calls, in person over a period of weeks, and intense weekend programs.   We have not yet attended, My DH and I will be going to a weekend program in May,  however we have heard only great things about this program.  Here is the link https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/family-connections/

I found a lot of great information on this site, and eventually found a great DBT therapy practice that we are using through resources on the site. 

* they ask for a donation to cover books, etc...
~SOD