assessing
Borderline Personality Disorder
In addition to using a whole-person lens, assessment tools and diagnostic criteria should only be used by trained providers who can interpret and understand the results. So, how is BPD assessed? Assessment typically involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by mental health professionals. They employ various diagnostic tools, such as interviews, questionnaires, and clinical assessments, to assess the presence and severity of symptoms. Through a thorough examination of one’s emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, and overall psychological well-being, professionals can make an informed assessment and diagnosis
Features, Traits & Characteristics
Individuals with BPD often display emotional intensity, experiencing mood swings that can quickly escalate from sadness to anger or anxiety. They may struggle with a fear of abandonment, leading to efforts to avoid real or imagined rejection. Impulsive behaviors, such as reckless spending, substance abuse, or self-harming tendencies, are also commonly observed. Difficulties with self-image, identity instability, and turbulent relationships are typical aspects of their lives.
Common Symptoms
The main characteristics of the disorder include emotional instability, marked by intense and rapidly shifting emotions, as well as a chronic sense of emptiness. Individuals with BPD often exhibit impulsive behaviors, have difficulties maintaining stable relationships due to fears of abandonment, and frequently experience self-destructive thoughts or actions. Additionally, identity disturbances, a distorted self-image, and a tendency towards black-and-white thinking are key features of the disorder.
Common symptoms include:
- unstable relationships
- intense emotional experiences
- impulsive behaviors
- fear of abandonment
- chronic feelings of emptiness
- self-destructive tendencies
- identity disturbances
- and recurrent self-harming or suicidal thoughts.
Positive Traits
- creativity
- resilience
- detail oriented
- bold personalities
- deeply empathetic
- strong self-awareness
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
BPD & Bipolar Disorder
Although these two disorders share some overlapping symptoms, they are distinct conditions. BPD primarily involves difficulties with emotional regulation, unstable relationships, and a shaky sense of self. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by significant mood swings between manic and depressive episodes. BPD tends to affect interpersonal functioning and self-identity more prominently, whereas bipolar disorder centers around extreme shifts in mood and energy levels.
Potential causes & contirbuting factors
The exact cause of Borderline Personality Disorder is not fully understood. However, research suggests that there are multiple factors that contribute to its development. It is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors play a role in the onset of BPD.
Evnironmental Factors
Early life experiences and the environment in which a person grows up can significantly influence the development of BPD. Childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or unstable family environments, has been linked to an increased risk of developing the disorder. Other factors like early parental loss, inconsistent or invalidating parenting, and chronic invalidation of emotions may also be contributors.
Neurobiological Factors
Studies have shown that there are abnormalities in brain structure and functioning in individuals with BPD. Areas of the brain involved in emotional regulation, impulse control, and interpersonal processing, such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, may be affected. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin and dopamine, have also been implicated in the development of BPD.
Genetic Factors
There is evidence to suggest that there is a genetic component and individuals with a family history of the disorder are more likely to develop BPD themselves. However, no specific genes or genetic markers have been identified.
Treatment with
Online Therapy in NJ
A comprehensive treatment plan typically involves therapy, medication if necessary, and support from a healthcare team to address the underlying factors contributing to the disorder and promote emotional regulation, healthy coping mechanisms, and improved overall well-being. Treatment usually involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Psychotherapy approaches common used to treat BPD include:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Schema Therapy
These modalities address emotional dysregulation, develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve interpersonal skills, and enhance self-awareness. Additionally, medication may be prescribed to manage accompanying symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, and support overall well-being.
In a Nutshell.....
BPD is a complex condition that requires careful assessment and understanding. However, with appropriate treatment approaches like psychotherapy and medication, individuals with BPD can experience improvements in emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being. By continuing to research and enhance our understanding of BPD, we can strive to provide better support and care for those affected by this disorder.
Our team of online therapists in New Jersey are here to help!
Call or text 609-300-6481 or email [email protected]
Where are you located? I need a therapist near me
We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page shares a small blurb about Why We Left Insurance Panels
What are out-of-network benefits?
When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement can vary depending on the plan, but it can sometimes be as high as 90%. Call your insurance to see if you have OON benefits or click here to call us and we can check for you!
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
- Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
- Your therapist respects boundaries
- You’re moving towards your goals
- You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life - Your self-esteem is getting better
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
