BPD DBT at SLS

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is a pervasive dysfunction of the individual’s ability to regulate emotions and a pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood, presenting in a variety of contexts.  These individuals often may also have recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior and chronic feelings of emptiness, and fears of abandonment.

At SLS Residential, BPD is treated through a continuum of groups and individual sessions based on the “Angry Heart” along with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).  All clinical and residential program staff are trained in DBT for ongoing and consistent support.

The Angry Heart Track is designed to help individuals burdened by borderline and addictive problems to overcome the psychological causes of these problems.  The treatment is comprised of individual sessions, skills training groups, and group therapy.  The group therapy component is held concurrently with the skills groups.  It allows for the participants to practice the coping skills taught in group while systematically reviewing the concepts from “The Angry Heart”.   One such concept is the Existential Paradox: “We are not responsible for how we came to be who we are as adults.  But as adults we are responsible for whom we have become, and for everything we do and say.”

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) programs’ focus is that of skills acquisition.  This program was developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan and is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy for recovery from BPD.  It focuses on the balance between acceptance and change.  This program is divided into four modules of skills aimed to reduce the symptoms of BPD and empower the individual.  The modules are: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.  Concurrently with the skills groups are individual DBT sessions with their primary therapist.  DBT groups are held 5 days a week and individual therapy sessions are held 2-3 times per week. 

Angry Heart and DBT working together is unique to SLS Residential.  The participants in both the Angry Heart and DBT tracks are able to heal and make sense of their past as well as learn and practice new coping mechanisms.  Through this education, participants are more able to find meaning and purpose in their lives, empowering them to create and sustain a quality life.

Participant feedback:

The Angry Heart track “is incredibly helpful and insightful.  I look forward to it.”
“DBT + Angry Heart = Super Good!!”
“DBT is excellent, helpful, practical, realistic, and totally awesome!! “, “keeps you going emotionally and educationally.”

Why SLS?

The tragedy of a persistent behavioral health disorder casts a wide shadow. The friends and family of a suffering person endure countless hours of worry, vigilance, and heartbreak; daily life revolves around phone calls, research, and conferences with doctors.

You need dedicated, comprehensive, and effective care for your loved one. You want care that sees beyond a diagnosis, and honors your loved one’s uniqueness. For nearly two decades, SLS Residental’s nationally recognized residential care and treatment programs (treatment is coordinated by the residential clinic) and world-class professional staff have been successful in helping families like yours. In fact, approximately 90% of families who choose SLS say they would recommend us to a friend in need of similar services.

At SLS, we believe in the power of unity and shared purpose. We know the best clinical outcomes come from strong partnerships in the process, and we foster productive alliances among members, professionals, and families.

Good care is both compassionate and rigorous. Persistent behavioral problems don't yield to quick fixes. The SLS staff engages each member with passion and optimism - we believe in recovery even when a member does not. We offer inspiration and support as we help our members meet the challenges of the process.

Together, we help members and their families discover and celebrate each moment of success along the path of getting well. Click here to read more.