If you believe that you may have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and you have not been diagnosed or sought BPD treatment, then the beginning of a brand new year can be the perfect time to start your journey to recovery. The first step is meeting with a BPD therapist.
There are many ways to prepare for what to expect when you meet with a BPD therapist for the first time. You may wish to have questions for the BPD therapist prepared beforehand. It is also helpful if you are ready when you get there to give a very thorough description of your symptoms and behavior.
Prep for Your Appointment
- Make a list of what Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms you believe you have. Ask friends and family members to help you with this if you are comfortable doing so.
- Write down any life-altering events from your past that you know may have had a significant impact on your emotional development.
- Be prepared to discuss any existing medical conditions you have or medications you may currently be taking.
- Bring your own set of questions for the BPD therapist, such as “What do you think is causing my symptoms?” or “What type of changes will I see from BPD treatment?”
- Research what your insurance may or may not cover in regards to Borderline Personality Disorder treatment so that you can plan a course of therapy that works with the kind of coverage you have.
What to Expect When You Meet with a BPD Therapist
In your initial meeting with a Borderline Personality Disorder therapist, you can expect them to ask you a number of pointed questions in order to assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you. Knowing some of the things they may ask can help you contemplate the answers beforehand and walk into that first meeting feeling less intimidated and more empowered.
Some things that a potential BPD therapist may ask about include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Do you use alcohol or other drugs? If so, how often?
- Do you ever engage in risky behavior like reckless driving, gambling, or over-spending?
- Do you have thoughts of suicide?
- Is there any history of mental illness in your family?
- Were you physically abused or neglected?
- How would you describe your childhood?
Finding a BPD Therapist
Of course, before you have a meeting with a Borderline Personality Disorder therapist, you want to make sure you find one who is qualified to diagnose and treat BPD. Do research to find a licensed therapist who has expertise in BPD treatment, preferably one who is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Before committing to BPD treatment with a therapist, set up an initial meeting to see if the two of you are a good fit. You want to make sure you go through BPD therapy with someone who you feel comfortable with and who you feel you can trust. Taking the time at the onset to find a BPD therapist who you think you’ll work well with will make it easier for you to go through BPD treatment.
Stay Focused on Your BPD Recovery
Taking the first step to seek treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder can be daunting, but it is truly the only hope for recovery. Congratulate yourself for being pro-active and taking an important step toward improving the quality of your life and your relationships.
More than any medication or therapist, you are the most important part of your recovery. Being committed to making positive changes will make a difference in how effective your Borderline Personality Disorder treatment is.