Amanda Dalton, LCSW

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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex and challenging mental health condition, often characterized by intense and unstable relationships, impulsive behavior, and intense feelings of abandonment and emptiness. Many people who struggle with BPD have also experienced significant trauma in their lives, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and complex interpersonal trauma.

This connection between trauma and BPD is not surprising, as research has shown that exposure to traumatic experiences can significantly impact a person's emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, and sense of self. It's common for individuals with BPD to have a history of childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect, which can result in the development of negative beliefs about themselves, others, and the world around them.

EMDR is a therapeutic technique that uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones) to help clients process and resolve traumatic memories. By working through these memories in a safe and controlled environment, clients can reduce their emotional distress, increase their sense of self-worth, and improve their overall quality of life.

DBT skills are a set of cognitive and behavioral tools that can help individuals with BPD regulate their emotions, manage their thoughts, and improve their relationships with others. These skills can help clients develop healthy coping strategies, reduce impulsive behavior, and improve their ability to form healthy relationships with others.

Both EMDR and DBT skills can be incredibly helpful for clients with BPD who have a history of trauma. By addressing the root cause of their symptoms, clients can make lasting changes in their lives and improve their mental health. As a therapist with experience using these techniques, I've seen firsthand the positive impact that they can have on my clients' lives.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that is designed to help individuals who have experienced traumatic or distressing events. It's a relatively new form of therapy that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias.

The basic idea behind EMDR is that traumatic events can sometimes cause our brains to become "stuck" in a state of high arousal and distress. This can lead to a host of problems, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. EMDR is thought to help "unstick" these memories by using a specific technique that involves following a therapist's guided eye movements, sounds, or taps with your own eyes.

It's thought that this process helps to activate a different part of the brain, which can help to reduce the distress associated with the traumatic memory. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and can also help to improve overall functioning.

The therapist will work with you to identify specific traumatic memories that are causing problems, and will then guide you through the process of using the eye movements, sounds, or taps to help you process the memory. It's important to note that EMDR is not hypnosis and you are in full control during the session, you are also free to stop the session any time.

It's also important to note that EMDR is not a "quick fix." It typically requires several sessions to see significant improvement. However, many people find that the results are well worth the effort.

If you're interested in EMDR, it's important to find a therapist who is trained and certified in the technique. Amanda Dalton, LCSW of Dalton Psychological is an EMDR-certified therapist who can provide you with this type of therapy. She also incorporates principles from DBT and interpersonal process approaches to therapy, which can help you to learn new coping skills and improve your relationships.

If you're struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, or if you're dealing with other emotional or psychological issues, EMDR may be worth considering. It's a powerful, evidence-based therapy that can help you to make meaningful changes in your life.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals develop the skills they need to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy way. It is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that incorporates mindfulness and acceptance techniques, along with traditional cognitive and behavioral strategies.

One of the key components of DBT is the emphasis on developing skills in four areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness skills help individuals to focus on the present moment and to develop a non-judgmental attitude towards their thoughts and feelings. Emotion regulation skills help individuals to identify and understand their emotions, and to develop strategies for managing them in a healthy way. Distress tolerance skills help individuals to cope with difficult emotions and situations, and to avoid engaging in harmful behaviors. Interpersonal effectiveness skills help individuals to navigate relationships and to communicate effectively with others.

Incorporating DBT skills into therapy can be helpful for individuals struggling with a range of concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related disorders. It can also be particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty regulating their emotions and who engage in self-destructive behaviors.

One of the benefits of DBT is that it provides individuals with a set of concrete, practical skills that they can use in their daily lives. These skills can be applied to a wide range of situations and can help individuals to feel more in control of their emotions and behaviors.

Another benefit of DBT is that it is a collaborative approach to therapy, with the therapist and client working together to set goals and to develop a treatment plan. It is also flexible, with the therapist tailoring the approach to meet the specific needs of the individual.

DBT is a well-established and evidence-based therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns. If you're struggling with managing your emotions and behaviors, and looking for a therapy that can provide you with practical skills and support, DBT may be a good option for you.

Relational therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationships between the client and others in their life, including family, friends, and romantic partners. It is rooted in the belief that our relationships with others are an important part of our overall well-being and that exploring these relationships can provide insight into our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

This approach is often used to help individuals who are struggling with relationship difficulties, such as communication issues, trust problems, or feelings of loneliness or disconnection. By working with a therapist, clients can learn how to navigate these difficulties in a healthy and productive way, which can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment in their relationships.

Relational therapy is also helpful for those who have experienced trauma, as it can provide a safe and supportive space to process and heal from the trauma, while also working on building healthy relationships in the present. Additionally, it can be beneficial for those who are struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, as it helps people understand the role of their relationships in their mental health.

If you're looking for a way to improve your relationships and gain a better understanding of yourself and your emotions, relational therapy might be right for you. It can be a powerful tool for creating positive change in your life and building more meaningful connections with the people around you.