[mf13]

New here. New to much of this. Started seeing a therapist about five months ago after my life sort of crumbled apart. A lot of reading, self-reflection, and weekly sessions later. The discussion with my therapist has been hovering around BPD. Specifically a high-functioning and "quiet/acting in" manifestation.

After reading more and more of the research and personal accounts here and elsewhere, all the bells are going off. It fits like no other explanation/diagnosis ever has. It has good to finally have a name for it and a community of shared experience, but also daunting and I feel more and more hopeless about my prospects. After living this way in varying levels of functioning for 31 years...is there any hope of an actual "good" life?

I've started looking into a center that offers comprehensive DBT, and mentioned it to my therapist. He is actually trying to dissuade me from pursuing it. Our work has been primarily talk-therapy based on attachment theory, AEDP, and a bit of mindfulness. He said that he doesn't think DBT would really help me very much because of how my symptoms manifest and that DBT is more designed for those engaged in acting-out, "raging", and frequent self-harm.

I was just looking for personal insight from any other high-functioning "quiet" BPD folks out there that have gone through DBT and what their experience/results have been? I would really appreciate the help on making this tough decision.

[technigal]

I was high functioning (just have traits now) and DBT was very helpful to me. I did a shortened version but it gave me tools to help deal with things that are stressful.

If you have specific questions just ask.

[BPDforever]

I did DBT and it helped me recover.

[Fuzzybear]

I wish they had the resources to offer effective treatment in the uk

DBT is now being offered online with an outfit called "DBT Path." I learned about it on the bipolar forum where BoogieSmash is taking it. I considered it but i'm pretty happy with just my dog for company so i decided it wasn't necessary.

[Arctos]

Originally Posted by mf13

New here. New to much of this. Started seeing a therapist about five months ago after my life sort of crumbled apart. A lot of reading, self-reflection, and weekly sessions later. The discussion with my therapist has been hovering around BPD. Specifically a high-functioning and "quiet/acting in" manifestation.

After reading more and more of the research and personal accounts here and elsewhere, all the bells are going off. It fits like no other explanation/diagnosis ever has. It has good to finally have a name for it and a community of shared experience, but also daunting and I feel more and more hopeless about my prospects. After living this way in varying levels of functioning for 31 years...is there any hope of an actual "good" life?

I've started looking into a center that offers comprehensive DBT, and mentioned it to my therapist. He is actually trying to dissuade me from pursuing it. Our work has been primarily talk-therapy based on attachment theory, AEDP, and a bit of mindfulness. He said that he doesn't think DBT would really help me very much because of how my symptoms manifest and that DBT is more designed for those engaged in acting-out, "raging", and frequent self-harm.

I was just looking for personal insight from any other high-functioning "quiet" BPD folks out there that have gone through DBT and what their experience/results have been? I would really appreciate the help on making this tough decision.

Heya, sadly i cannot give personal inside as to the DBT as I'm in the same boat as you as it were, i just wanted to comment as, I'm in the same boat. I guess you could say I'm also a high function, quiet BPD person, i don't have many of the outburst, well i do but not to the degree i suppose that would qualify as the "norm"??? i dunno, i internalize everything then explode, i do rage but again internally or away from people, i do self harm, but not in traditional sense, so when i was desperately seeking help, the drs said no for DBT, i was not a risk to my self, lets go group therapy, sadly group is the worst place for me as i have other issues with group, but thats another story. Any ways i think i digressed here, i was just trying to comment that I'm also having issue getting into DBT....i think that was the point of my comment lol sorry.

[technigal]

For those looking/waiting to get into a DBT program. This website helped me a lot. DBT Self Help

[Arctos]

Originally Posted by technigal

For those looking/waiting to get into a DBT program. This website helped me a lot. DBT Self Help

Thank you technigal for the link, very much appreciated

[StrawberryAnnie]

I am similar in the high functioing/ acting in type. I actually worked as a RN for several years in an adolescent psych unit and when I confided in one of the seasoned nurses there about my BPD, she was so surprised about the diagnosis, because I hid it so well at work. Anyways, like I said, I have similar patterns as you. I have done several rounds of DBT and it has literally been a lifesaver. I have made a lot of progress with it. When I started it, I had to change therapists because when doing a DBT skills group, you are supposed to have a DBT therapist for individual therapy so they can work on skills with you, do diary cards with you, participate in transferring and do phone coaching (very helpful!). Maybe your therapist is trying to dissuade you from DBT because he could potentially lose you as a client? I would definitely encourage you to look into DBT.

[Trippin2.0]

I'm high functioning and mostly very quiet...
With that being said DBT has definitely helped tremendously, because it has helped me challenge the internal turmoil, the cognitive distortions and maladaptive thinking patterns, which eventually lead me to acting out in a "traditional" sense.

I have no clue what a good reason for dissuading a client from seeking specialized care would look like, bit I sure don't see it in your T's reasoning. Unless they are going to be doing DBT with you one on one.