Borderline Personality Disorder

Extreme   experiences   of   abuse   and   trauma   are   also   associated   with   symptoms   of   a   personality   disorder   known   as Borderline   Personality   Disorder.   Borderline   Personality   Disorder   is   characterized   by   chronic   patterns   of   instability in   relationships,   goals,   values,   and   mood,   non-fatal   suicidal   behavior   and   suicidal   threats,   and   other   impulsive behaviors that may be harmful (e.g., substance abuse, unsafe sex). To   this   day,   the   diagnosis   of   a   Borderline   Personality   Disorder   remains   stigmatizing   and   controversial   because   it implies   that   the   there   is   something   wrong   with   the   individual's   personality   that   cannot   be   altered   or   changed.     Also, a   lot   of   professionals   believe   that   individuals   with   these   symptoms   are   particularly   difficult   to   treat   and   work   with. Unfortunately,   due   to   these   stigmas,   many   people   who   have   Borderline   Personality   Disorder   do   not   get   the compassionate   care   and   treatment   they   need.   Distancing   from   professionals   may   contribute   to   the   individual’s feelings    of    self-hatred,    inadequacy,    and    rejection.    Long-term    psychotherapy    with    a    caring    and    experienced psychologist   can   be   very   effective   in   lowering   levels   of   suicidal   and   impulsive   behaviour,   and   other   negative coping strategies such as alcohol and drug use. My   experience   of   working   in   the   psychiatric   ward   of   a   hospital   for   over   six   years   has   equipped   me   with   the research,   skill,   and   expertise   to   treat   this   condition   in   a   way   that   respects   the   individual’s   humanity,   integrity,   and right    to    care    and    compassion.    Rather    than    using    traditional,    out-dated    tools,    I    have    cutting-edge    effective techniques in my arsenal that are validated by current research on the neurobiological aspects of psychotherapy. “I’m so good at beginnings, but in the end I always seem to destroy everything, including myself.” People   with   Borderline   Personality   Disorder   “third   degree   burns   over   90%   of   their   bodies.   Lacking   emotional   skin, they feel agony at the slightest touch or movement.” Borderline   Personality   Disorder   (BPD)   is   a   serious   emotional   condition,   typically   with   a   tendency   towards   unstable and    turbulent    emotions,    heightened    anger,    feelings    of    emptiness,    and    fears    of    being    left    alone.    BPD    is characterized by a tendency to act impulsively and without consideration of the consequences. Symptoms of BPD 1.   Impaired   Emotional   Control:   excessive,   poorly   regulated   emotional   responses,   especially   anger,   that   change rapidly. 2.   Harmful   Impulsivity:   impulsive   behaviours   that   are   harmful   to   you   or   to   others,   such   as   spending   sprees,   drug and alcohol abuse, self-harm, physically aggressive acts and sexual promiscuity. 3.   Impaired   Perceptions   and   Reasoning:   suspiciousness,   misperceptions,   an   unstable   self-image,   a   poor   sense   of your identity, and difficulty in thinking under stress. 4.   Disrupted   Relationships:   tumultuous   relationships   with   a   person   close   to   you   that   vary   from   extreme   fear   of abandonment to episodes of excessive anger and the desire to get away from that person. BPD   has   been   known   to   be   an   extremely   complex   and   debilitating   condition   overall.   It   affects   one’s   everyday   life and   disrupts   the   typical   interactions   and   functioning   of   an   individual.   I   have   a   special   interest   in   helping   people with    this    condition    as    they    often    feel    rejected    by    the    health    profession    and    are    unfairly    stigmatised    by psychologists,   doctors,   and   their   family   and   friends.   This   disorder   is   treatable,   and   with   patience,   care,   and understanding,   and   an   unwavering   commitment   to   see   you   through   your   emotional   upheaval,   I   look   forward   to working with you to heal the traumas of your past and present.