Mental Health
BPD often involves intense emotions, sensitivity to rejection, and relationship stress. Skills-based treatment—especially DBT—can help you feel more stable, secure, and in control.
BPD is associated with intense emotions, sensitivity to rejection, identity shifts, and relationship instability. These patterns often developed as adaptations to earlier stress, trauma, or chronic invalidation. A helpful way to think about BPD is “a nervous system that learned to survive.” Treatment focuses on building skills so your emotional system doesn’t have to stay in emergency mode.
Every person is different, but some patterns are common. The goal is not to label you—it’s to understand what you experience and what helps.
Skills-based approaches—especially DBT—can help with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships while supporting sobriety and stability. Treatment often focuses on building a “pause” between emotion and action, strengthening boundaries, and creating a plan for crisis moments before they happen.
When emotions spike, substances can feel like fast relief. But the crash can worsen shame, conflict, and instability. In co-occurring care, the goal is to replace emergency coping with skills that work—especially in the first 30 minutes of distress, when relapse risk is highest.
Progress is often gradual, then suddenly obvious. Over time you may notice emotions feel less overwhelming, relationships feel steadier, and urges pass more quickly—because you have a plan and skills that you trust.
If you or someone you love needs help, we can walk you through next steps and build a plan that fits your situation.
Educational information only; not medical advice. If you feel unsafe or at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.