BPDFamily.com

What type of therapy have you found effective.  My daughter(22) has been seeing a local counselor for a year for her depression before we got the BPD diagnosis and the counselor uses the Cognative approach.  Doesn't seem to do a bit of good.  Read some things about Dialectic Therapy?  We are trying to find a therapist who specializes in

BPD.  Any suggestions on how to find one.  We are beginners... .    :/

I just started reading OVERCOMING BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER by Valerie Porr. She says that the two approaches with the best clinical outcomes are DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and MBT (mentalization-based therapy). I've also heard good things about a new tx (treatment) called Schema. Of the three, DBT has been around the longest and is the easiest to find in the U.S. Whatever approach you take, it seems an intensive program is best. For most of our kids, once a week isn't enough -- at least in the beginning.

I wish I had more info/personal success to report. We're at the start of the healing part of this journey ourselves!

MY ds responds very well to DBT in fact it's the only thing that helps him.  I've also heard of wonderful results with schema.

www.behavioraltech.org lists by state therapists that are trained in DBT.  It's most important that they are certified in DBT.  You can also call your local NAMI office if you are in the US for a referral. Not all therapist are trained in DBT.

Thank you.  I have a couple books ordered and doing a lot of browsing online.  I have mentioned the DBT and my daughter is favorable to trying it.  From what I am reading, the fact that she is willing is huge in itself.  I will call NAMI and see if they can refer in our area.  Seems a specialist is in order.  Was wondering if once a week would be enough as we live about 45 minutes away from a major city.  Thanks again!  I feel positive and hopeful.

Hi Sam!

Let us know how you like the books you ordered. There are many favorites around here. Which ones did you pick?  I began with reading a ton and then eventually found my way to this site. It has been a huge help for me to share and receive support from others who know exactly the tough road we are on.

You mentioned your daughter is 22. Does she live with you? Is she in school? Would love to hear more as our daughters are close in age. Mine is 20, not living with us. She is not in school but has tried 2 different times. Right now, she is working a small job and has been able to keep it for 9 months which is a huge milestone. She struggles greatly but has been stable for a while.

For my d. she did a once a week DBT skills group for 5 months. This is where she learned the most. During the skills group and for about a year later, she had a DBT therapist that she met with twice a week. Her therapist was one of the skills leader. Just like any treatment, search well, find the right fit and someone who has a lot of experience with BPD and DBT. In the end, her therapist was not experienced enough.

Let us know how we can help further. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Being Mindful   

Well, we found a therapist in our area that does specialize in BPD and does DBT.  First appointment next week.  Excited to try something new.  Hope he is good.  I am all for 2 times a week if needed.  My other daughter and I can take turns driving her.  (she has a DL but only drives locally, not in the big city.  Thankfully she knows her limits... .  for now)

I also received one of my books in the mail this morning.  It is "Loving Someone W/BPD" by Manning.  Love it so far  It is hitting the nail on the head.  Hope to finish it soon as my daughter may be coming home from hospital tomorrow.  I want to be ready, somewhat.  She has been living at home.  One time for a few months she was staying in our fifth wheel RV, but was over here at the house all the time so eventually moved back in.  Now she wants to try living back out there again when she gets home from hospital.  It may go better for her this time, as last time she was not doing well at all and we didn't know her diagnosis, so altogether it was just a bad experience.  I think this time it may work out best for both of us.  She will be close so I can help her, and still have her own space.  And she is fine with us still using the RV for vacationing since she goes with us.  So could be a win win.  We will very soon find out. 

Any thoughts on how long does it take to tell if a therapist is being effective.  I don't want to waste another whole year on one that isn't really helping.