7 Tips for Dating Someone with BPD
You might be asking yourself “Is it worth it?”
Before getting into tips and advice on how to date someone with Borderline personality disorder (BPD), let’s learn a bit more about it.
What is BPD?
BPD is a mental health disorder that affects a person's ability to regulate their emotions and can cause intense and unstable emotions, impulsivity, and difficulties in relationships. People with BPD may experience feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment, and engage in self-destructive behavior, such as substance abuse or self-harm. They have a tendency to idealize or devalue others and have a distorted sense of self.
BPD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. People with a history of trauma, neglect, or abuse may be at higher risk for developing BPD. Research suggests that changes in the brain's chemistry and structure may contribute to the development of BPD. BPD is a relatively common condition, affecting an estimated 1-2% of the general population.
The symptoms of BPD can be challenging to manage and can impact a person's relationships, work, and overall quality of life. However, with the right treatment and support, people with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning.
How to date someone with BPD
If you are dating someone with BPD, it is important to understand that their behavior may sometimes be unpredictable or intense, which can be challenging for both parties in the relationship. However, with the right support and resources, it is possible to have a fulfilling and loving relationship with someone who has BPD.
1. Be aware of the symptoms: It is essential to educate yourself about BPD and its symptoms. This will help you understand the behavior of your partner and empathize with them. Some common symptoms of BPD include intense mood swings, fear of abandonment, impulsive behavior, and a sense of emptiness or worthlessness.
2. Encourage therapy: People with BPD can benefit from therapy, and it is important to encourage your partner to seek professional help. Therapy can help them manage their symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their relationships.
3. Set boundaries: It is important to set clear boundaries with your partner and communicate them effectively. People with BPD can struggle with boundaries, and it is essential to establish them early on in the relationship.
4. Be patient: People with BPD may experience intense emotions and can be challenging to deal with at times. It is essential to be patient with them and understand that their behavior is not a reflection of you.
5. Practice self-care: Dating someone with BPD can be emotionally draining, and it is important to take care of yourself. Set aside time for yourself, engage in self-care activities, and seek support from friends and family.
6. Practice effective communication: Communication is crucial in any relationship, but it is especially important when dating someone with BPD. Be clear and direct in your communication, avoid criticizing or blaming your partner, and listen actively to their concerns.
7. Don't take things personally: People with BPD may have a tendency to idealize or devalue their partners, and it is important not to take things personally. It is essential to recognize that their behavior is a symptom of their condition and not a reflection of your worth.
How therapy can help you learn how to date someone with Borderline Personality Disorder?
Therapy can be a valuable resource for someone who is dating or considering dating someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). A therapist can help the individual understand BPD and its symptoms, as well as provide guidance on how to communicate effectively and manage the challenges that may arise in the relationship.
One of the most effective forms of therapy for BPD is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT can help individuals learn how to regulate their emotions, communicate effectively, and manage conflict. DBT also provides guidance on how to set healthy boundaries, which can be essential in maintaining a healthy relationship with someone with BPD.
A therapist can also help individuals understand their own emotional triggers and responses, which can be helpful in managing the emotional intensity that often comes with dating someone with BPD. Additionally, therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to process their own feelings and experiences related to the relationship.
Are you asking yourself if it’s worth dating someone with BPD?
The answer is Yes! People with BPD CAN have loving relationships.
Dating someone with BPD can be challenging, but with patience, understanding, and support, it is possible to have a healthy and fulfilling relationship. It is essential to educate yourself about the condition, encourage therapy, set boundaries, practice effective communication, and take care of yourself. It is important to seek professional help if you or your partner are struggling with BPD or other mental health issues.
Therapy can provide tools and strategies for managing symptoms and improving communication in your relationship. Remember that your partner's behavior is not a reflection of your worth, and it is important to seek support from friends and family.
Shikha is a therapist/owner of The Therapeutic Way, Counselling and Psychotherapy Services. She is a relationship and relational trauma therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families who have been on the receiving end of narcissistic abuse, gone through trauma, experiencing relationship issues, and experienced attachment wounds as a child or adult. She also provide therapy to clients who are diagnosed with BPD and we help support to individuals whose loved ones are diagnosed with BPD. She uses a trauma-informed and holistic approaches to help her clients.
Thinking of Therapy? Schedule your free 20 mins consultation call to see how we can help.
For more information reach us at info@thetherapeuticway.ca or call/text (289) 635-4660.
Therapy services: Online Anywhere in Ontario; Hamilton, ON; Burlington, ON, Oakville, ON; Mississauga, ON; Milton, ON.
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Online therapy is as effective as in person therapy. What is most important with any format of therapy is the strong therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist. Online therapy is a good option when coming in-person is not feasible, when you have dependents at home, and it is also more convenient.
At The Therapeutic Way, we offer online therapy and therapy by phone from the convenience of your home. Click here to learn more about our online therapy.
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Not necessarily. Online therapy and in-person therapy are usually the same cost as their effectiveness are the same. Online therapy can also be most cost effective for the client as transportation is not involved. Now, there are therapy apps or programs that area available to clients that are cheaper than traditional therapy. However, the effectiveness of those programs are questionable, and they are most likely not covered by insurance.
At The Therapeutic Way, we offer online therapy with a registered psychotherapist that is covered by most insurance providers and helps you save the cost of transportation.
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There are many different types of therapist that you can choose from. Before reaching out to a therapist, it’s important to know what issue you would like to work on. A tip is to seek out a therapist who specializes the issue and problem you are facing with. For example, if you would like to work on trauma, a therapist who focuses on eating disorders may not be the best fit.
It is also important to decide what type of therapist you are looking for, such as gender, experience, their approaches to therapy, etc. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance provider which type of therapist they cover. A lot of therapists offer free consultation calls for you to decide they are a right fit.
At The Therapeutic Way, we specializes in relationship issues, relational trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, and attachment wounds. We work with adults, couples, and families over the age of 16.
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The type of therapy that is best for you, depends on you as a person and the reason you are seeking therapy. There are different types of therapy, such as somatic-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, trauma-informed therapies, holistic therapy, existential therapy, and more. The type of therapy that is right for you will depend what you are looking for. While you may have an input in this, majority of the time the therapist will know what is best suited for you and will let you know.
At The Therapeutic Way, we work with clients using an integrative approach to therapy, meaning using different modalities to suit your needs. We use a trauma-informed, holistic, and relational approach to working with you. Click here to learn more.
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The term psychotherapy and counselling are often used interchangeably with some slight differences. Psychotherapy refers to the treatment based for psychological disorders and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. Counselling refers to wellness support and providing insights and clarity which leads to growth or personal betterment. At The Therapeutic Way, we provide both psychotherapy and counselling.
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The difference between psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist, depends on education and scope of practice.
Psychotherapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist can provide therapy called talk therapy.
A psychotherapist can provide therapy under the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario, a psychologist can provide therapy under the College of Psychologists of Ontario, and a psychiatrist can provide therapy under College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Difference:
Psychotherapist Education: Master’s Degree or higher
Psychologist Education: PhD or PsyD.
Psychiatrist: MD
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Psychotherapist: Can’t diagnose
Psychologist: Can do assessment and diagnose
Psychiatrist: Can do assessment, diagnose, and prescribe medication
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Psychotherapist Training: Counselling and focus on therapy techniques
Psychologist: Focus on clinical research and assessment
Psychiatrist: Use medical treatment such as prescribing medications for mental health conditions
Before seeking help, it’s important to know what you need and are seeking. A consultation call can help you decide.
At The Therapeutic Way, we are registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario.