Video Inspires Hope for BPD

A BPD diagnosis can make someone feel hopeless at first People struggling with BPD often find that any media portrayals are sensational and pessimistic. Seeing such representations can make patients and their loved ones feel hopeless about the possibility of...

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Can I get rid of my emotions?

Can I get rid of my emotions? I hear this question from so many people, especially those dealing with depression or anxiety.  The short answer is: NO you can’t banish your emotions. But with practice and support, you can learn...

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Adult Attachment Styles

What is your attachment style? People differ in how they relate to others in close relationships.   We call these differences adult attachment styles.  Knowing your style can help you understand yourself. The thoughts and feelings you have about relationships impact your...

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Holiday Stress: Difficult Visits with Family

Holidays can be stressful times that pull up complicated emotions.  Visits to family can bring up unresolved and painful memories from childhood. Current relationships can be difficult to manage, especially when the "togetherness" is intense or lasts too long....

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What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment developed by Marsha Linehan.  The first research studies found DBT to be effective for treating individuals diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder who were chronically suicidal and had experienced repeated hospitalizations. Over time,...

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Healing Childhood Trauma as an Adult

  Trauma such as physical, sexual or emotional abuse is especially powerful when experienced in childhood.  People often ask me why this is true and whether healing childhood trauma as an adult is possible.  I want to share some of...

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Goal Setting With Depression – Part 2

  I wanted to follow up on my last post about goal setting with depression by sharing some more specific tips that have helped my patients effectively set, work toward and achieve their goals.   State goals as positive statements Focus on what you...

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Goal Setting with Depression

Goal Setting with Depression (Part 1) For all people, setting and achieving goals can be an important way to build self-esteem. We have a sense of direction and empowerment when we know we are progressing toward goals that are important...

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4 Common PTSD symptoms

  Are you experiencing PTSD?   PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that is related to exposure to a trauma.  Traumas can involve threats of death, serious injury or sexual violence.  PTSD was originally seen in veterans of combat,...

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Myths about Borderline Personality Disorder

Myths and Truths about BPD Many people contact me wondering if they may have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). When you see BPD traits in yourself or in a family member or friend, it is normal to worry about the stigma...

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