BPD Center - Therapists

8/28/2008

How to find the right Therapist and Prescriber

Starting on page 206 of The Angry Heart I describe how to go about selecting a therapist to work with. If you have BPD it is very important to find a therapist or prescriber with experience treating people with BPD. It should be someone you feel comfortable with but not someone you think you could easily manipulate. Some questions you might want to ask include:

How many people with BPD have you treated in the last year?
In your opinion, what causes borderline symptoms or behaviors?
What is your policy on between session phone contacts?
What is the prognosis for someone who has BPD?
Are you willing to make use of The Angry Heart in therapy?
Do you feel medication is helpful? If so, do you have a trusted prescriber that I can work with?

After interviewing several therapists you should choose the one you that believe will gently push you to get better. Your choice should display active energy and not passive listening only. If after three sessions you feel that rapport is not there change to another therapist. If your insurance does not cover treatment pay for it yourself-your wellbeing is well worth the cost provided you find a good therapist.

To choose a prescriber interview them as you would a therapist but also ask them what their medication approach is for someone who has BPD. Avoid someone who advocates the use of several concurrent medications. If you feel their responses are distant, cold or too clinical look further. You can also ask your therapist for a recommendation once you have found one you can work with.

We have assembled a links to a list of behaviorally oriented psychologists here.

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