Introduction

[sharehorrorwits]

Hi everyone, my name is Lauren and I finally have the courage to join this group after making the decision to cut my mother off yesterday. I am currently in a Master's program studying Counseling Psychology. However, I have found the content of the program extremely triggering and feel that I do not have adequate support.

I feel I am close to my breaking point because of an assignment for my Diagnosis class. Each student has to do a role play with a partner in which we evaluate our partner's portrayal of the diagnosis of their choice. My partner chose to portray BPD and he has no idea how close I am to that particular diagnosis.

I am now panicking because I have to do a presentation in front of my class talking about what it was like to work with this "borderline" client. My classroom has not been a safe environment for me (disengaged professor, classmates that are not suited to become therapists, offensive assignment), and I have a lot of anxiety about potentially breaking down in front of my whole class.

I don't really know what else to say at this point, other than that I am grateful that this group exists and that I am not alone.

[Mutt]

Hi sharehorrorwits,



I'm sorry to hear about your class. I would feel anxious too, you're not your diagnosis, it doesn't define you. Have you learned positive coping statements?

[catclaw]

Hello sher  

Good to have you here. I totally feel you - i studied inclusive education which had lots of psychopathology classes and also tons of conversational techniques practices.

It hit so close to home in many occasions. Back then i thought i was triggered bc of my husband's BPDx (my stepson's mother) and not because of the BPD dynamics in my foo, which i only realized recently.

I found a job in a residential home for adolescents. We provide different specialized groups and when i first applied, i was asked if i wanted to work in the group with mainly BPD clients or with mainly psychotic clients. It was 100% clear to me that it would be the secound option, but i did have a choice.

How are you going to deal with potential BPD clients in the future? Or is it just the case that your anxiety strikes during typical class situations?

Are you in therapy? I really recommend you to to be able to reflect on your work and find a way to your feelings. I know it helps me a lot. There are situations at work that make me angry and i don't really know why and I'm glad i have someone to reflect this with me. Team meetings and supervisions are not the right place to do this as things get personal really fast when confronted with triggers.

Anyway, the mental health care system needs people like you, who have walked in their clients shoes. Believe me, it makes a huge difference.