“What we need is to be held when we’re falling, but allowed to get on with it when we’re well”: What do individuals with a diagnosis of 'Borderline Personality Disorder' really need from Counselling Psychologists?

Hartnell, Bethan

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with ‘Borderline Personality Disorder’ (‘BPD’) suffer both psychological distress and rejection from professionals. Though the qualitative literature highlights many beneficial therapeutic qualities for this clinical group, it is unclear how they interact to facilitate processes of positive change. Such knowledge could reduce disengagement and improve outcomes. Ten participants with a diagnosis of ‘BPD’ were invited to consider the utility of different therapeutic approaches in working with ‘BPD’. Reflective Thematic Analysis was used to analyse participant narratives. Data patterns moved beyond identification of beneficial therapeutic qualities and the nature of their interactions in creating a process of positive change, to wider ‘Healing’ and ‘Harmful’ processes for participants in their engagements with services. ‘De-Othering’, ‘Someone to be There’ and ‘Giving What’s Needed’ represent ‘Healing Processes’. ‘Harmful Processes’ include ‘Lights on, but Nobody’s Home’ and ‘Corned Beef Sandwiches and Paper Suits’ (being incarcerated, stripped, handcuffed, and abandoned). This research provides a platform for this stigmatised group to express their needs from services, drawing attention to the powerful impact of psychosocial factors on mental health. The findings have major implications for counselling psychologists both for therapy, and for promoting psychologically informed practice within the team and wider services. Limitations and possibilities for future research are also discussed.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 15, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 3, 2022
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7471024
• Award Date: May 3, 2022