Borderline personality disorder

A condition characterised by pervasive instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behaviour.

How borderline personality disorder may affect you

Individuals with BPD often display the following symptoms:

Intense and unstable relationships: Frequent and intense mood swings that affect relationships with family, friends, and partners.
Fear of Abandonment: A strong fear of being abandoned, leading to desperate efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
Unstable Self-Image: An unstable self-image or sense of self, often marked by sudden shifts in identity, values, and goals.
Impulsive Behaviours: Engaging in impulsive and potentially harmful behaviours, such as substance abuse, binge eating, or reckless driving.
Recurrent Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harming Behaviours: Persistent thoughts of self-harm or engaging in self-destructive behaviours as a coping mechanism.
Emotional Instability: Intense and unpredictable emotional responses, including irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: A persistent sense of emptiness and boredom, often leading to an ongoing search for stimulation and meaning.
Difficulty controlling anger: Frequent and intense anger, difficulty controlling temper, and expressing anger inappropriately.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can present unique challenges for individuals, impacting their emotions, relationships, and overall well-being. Our specialised Someone Health psychologists are here to offer understanding, guidance, and tailored support to help individuals manage and enhance their mental health.

Recognising borderline personality disorder:

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterised by pervasive patterns of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions.

Treatment approaches for borderline personality disorder:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): A specialised form of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with acceptance strategies to improve emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns to promote healthier behaviours and emotional responses.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness and meditation techniques to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Interpersonal Effectiveness Training: Building skills to navigate and improve interpersonal relationships.
Emotion Regulation Skills: Learning strategies to manage and regulate intense emotions effectively.

Take the first step toward healing:

If you or someone you know is dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder, schedule an appointment with one of our psychologists. They are ready to provide support and collaborate on a personalised treatment plan.

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Frequently asked questions

Is telehealth right for me if I'm having a mental health crisis?
Telehealth works well for mild to moderate mental health concerns. It is not designed for a mental health crisis or an acute episode. Some examples are:
- Psychosis (losing touch with reality, or having thoughts and beliefs that are not based in reality)
- A manic episode (racing thoughts, little need for sleep, and taking big risks)
- A severe eating disorder that needs medical care
- A serious risk of harming yourself or someone else
Because we are a telehealth service, we cannot manage these situations safely. If you are in crisis, please get help in person.
If you are having thoughts of suicide and need urgent support, see your GP. They can assess you and refer you to the right in-person service.
If you feel at risk of acting on these thoughts, or you cannot keep yourself safe, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call Lifeline any time on 13 11 14.
Once you are safe and you have the support you need in person, we welcome you to book with us for ongoing care.
How will I know the therapy is working for me?
It will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.
You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Research shows online and face-to-face therapy can be equally effective.
Yes. Studies (like this one) have shown online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy. Similarly, research (like this one) demonstrates the importance of being able to quickly access care when needed.
Are all your psychologists registered?
Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.
Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), and individually selected and monitored by Someone Health's expert clinical team.
How long does it take to see a psychologist?
It depends on the psychologist you choose and how your sessions are funded.
Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist and book a time that suits you. Availability varies by psychologist and funding option, and Find a psychologist shows each psychologist's next available appointment.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.
If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.

How borderline personality disorder may affect you

Individuals with BPD often display the following symptoms:

Intense and unstable relationships: Frequent and intense mood swings that affect relationships with family, friends, and partners.
Fear of Abandonment: A strong fear of being abandoned, leading to desperate efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment.
Unstable Self-Image: An unstable self-image or sense of self, often marked by sudden shifts in identity, values, and goals.
Impulsive Behaviours: Engaging in impulsive and potentially harmful behaviours, such as substance abuse, binge eating, or reckless driving.
Recurrent Suicidal Thoughts or Self-Harming Behaviours: Persistent thoughts of self-harm or engaging in self-destructive behaviours as a coping mechanism.
Emotional Instability: Intense and unpredictable emotional responses, including irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: A persistent sense of emptiness and boredom, often leading to an ongoing search for stimulation and meaning.
Difficulty controlling anger: Frequent and intense anger, difficulty controlling temper, and expressing anger inappropriately.

Frequently asked questions

Is telehealth right for me if I'm having a mental health crisis?

Telehealth works well for mild to moderate mental health concerns. It is not designed for a mental health crisis or an acute episode. Some examples are:

Psychosis (losing touch with reality, or having thoughts and beliefs that are not based in reality)
A manic episode (racing thoughts, little need for sleep, and taking big risks)
A severe eating disorder that needs medical care
A serious risk of harming yourself or someone else

Because we are a telehealth service, we cannot manage these situations safely. If you are in crisis, please get help in person.

If you are having thoughts of suicide and need urgent support, see your GP. They can assess you and refer you to the right in-person service.

If you feel at risk of acting on these thoughts, or you cannot keep yourself safe, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call Lifeline any time on 13 11 14.

Once you are safe and you have the support you need in person, we welcome you to book with us for ongoing care.

How will I know the therapy is working for me?

It will not always be obvious and it could be gradual. But when you start feeling better, then that means that the therapy is working.

You'll also be able to see things more clearly as you progress with your talk therapy. Healing, however, is not always so clear-cut. There will always be ups and downs. If that happens, you can talk to your psychologist about your progress and be open with what you're feeling.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Research shows online and face-to-face therapy can be equally effective.

Yes. Studies (like this one) have shown online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face therapy. Similarly, research (like this one) demonstrates the importance of being able to quickly access care when needed.

Are all your psychologists registered?

Australia has regulatory bodies to ensure we maintain consistent and high standards across the psychology profession.

Yes. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), and individually selected and monitored by Someone Health's expert clinical team.

How long does it take to see a psychologist?

It depends on the psychologist you choose and how your sessions are funded.

Once you have signed up and we have verified your details, you can choose a psychologist and book a time that suits you. Availability varies by psychologist and funding option, and Find a psychologist shows each psychologist's next available appointment.

Can a psychologist prescribe medication?

Only your GP or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

Medication can only be prescribed by medical doctors, which includes general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists.

If you need the services of a psychiatrist, please visit Call To Mind, a telehealth service specialising in psychiatry.