In our second episode of the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) series, we discuss how this condition manifests in relationships and clinical practice. We explore the pervasive patterns of instability, fear of abandonment, and the role of attachment theory in understanding BPD, while also touching on psychosis and dissociation. Our conversation highlights the challenges faced by individuals with BPD in their relationships and the dynamics that arise in therapeutic settings. We further emphasize the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of BPD and the need for compassionate approaches in treatment.

Chapters

00:00 Borderline DSM Symptoms Overview 04:09 First Signs and Symptoms in Treatment 07:45 Fear of Abandonment and Its Impact 09:56 Attachment Theory and BPD 16:58 Fear of Abandonment and the Dynamics of Therapy 24:39 Episodes of Psychosis and Dissociation in BPD 30:43 Conclusion

Book Referenced:

• 1984 Borderline Book- John Gunderson, M.D.: https://www.amazon.com/Borderline-Personality-Disorder-John-Gunderson/dp/0880480203

Other Resources:

• BPD: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder/index.shtml
• BPD: https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder
• BPD: https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we delve into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We discuss the stigma and misinformation surrounding BPD, the media's misrepresentation of the disorder, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of its symptoms and diagnosis. The conversation highlights the emotional experiences of individuals with BPD, the criteria for diagnosis, and the importance of recognizing the spectrum of presentations within the disorder. We advocate for a reboot in the classification of personality disorders to better reflect the lived experiences of those affected by BPD.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder 01:16 Media Misrepresentation of BPD 05:39 Borderline as a Movement, Not a Category 11:20 The Need for a Reboot in BPD Classification 15:09 Emptiness and Vague Symptoms in BPD 17:16 BPD and No Emotional Skin 18:37 Diagnosing BPD 20:12 Impulsivity in BPD 22:59 Instability in Sense of Self 26:50 Unstable Relationships 32:55 Unstable Moods 37:16 Symptoms in Quiet BPD 39:49 Summary and Closing

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we discuss common myths surrounding therapy and therapists. We debunk misconceptions about therapists being perfect, the necessity of shared experiences for effective therapy, and the idea that therapists are always analyzing everyone. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, the reality of therapists' personal struggles, and the motivations behind choosing a career in therapy. We also address the financial aspects of being a therapist and encourage listeners to seek help without being deterred by myths.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Therapy Myths
• 01:02 Therapists Are Perfect and Have No Problems
• 05:02 Therapists Have to Experience the Same Problems to be Helpful
• 09:52 Therapists Are Always Analyzing Everyone
• 15:46 Therapists Have Favorite and Least Favorites
• 18:22 My Therapist Thinks I'm Crazy/a Burden
• 21:42 Therapists Get into this Profession to Work through Personal Issues
• 29:01 Therapists Are All About the Money
• 33:29 Conclusion and Encouragement for Therapy Seekers