The following article provides an overview of the diagnosis and symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. DSM IV-TR Definition A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, and marked impulsivity beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following: (1) frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5. (2) a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation (3) identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self (4) impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, Substance Abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5. (5) recurrent … [Read more...]
Trauma: Counseling Information on Trauma and Help for Overcoming a Traumatic Event
PORTRAITS James woke suddenly in the middle of the night. His heart was pounding in his chest and his sheets were tangled around him. His nightmare had seemed so real that at first he couldn’t figure out where he was. His accident has occurred years ago, but lately he had been having frequent dreams about it. Ali had been in several bad relationships throughout college- usually with older men. She is beginning to realize that her desperate need for affection from men comes from the time she watched her father walk out on her mother. Her memory of that night and the pain she felt hasn’t faded a bit. DEFINITIONS & KEY THOUGHTS Trauma is considered to be any situation that shakes one to the core and is beyond their control. Examples of trauma include childhood abuse, rape, abortion, a car accident, domestic violence, or many other types of events. Whatever the situation may be, a trauma could ultimately lead to mental disorders or even suicide. Recovery from a trauma is … [Read more...]
Am I too Dependent on My Counselor?
"Am I too dependent on my counselor?" I was out with some friends last week, and someone in our group asked me a question about counseling that I’ve heard before, and I think it is probably a common question that’s not often answered. So, I thought I would talk about it here. The question is this: “If I’m in counseling, is it possible that I could become dependent on my therapist?” Let me try to demystify it: 1) If you’re in counseling, or thinking about counseling, you probably want some amount of guidance or support from your therapist. Hence, it’s true that you might rely somewhat on your therapist and coach. This is not necessarily bad—and reliance isn’t dependence. You might rely on your therapist similar to the way that a student relies on their teacher, or an apprentice on a mentor. 2) It’s normal to have some attachment to your counselor, because when counseling (or coaching) is going well, it’s a real relationship. This too is ok, because not all attachment is … [Read more...]
Aging: Information on the Natural Process of Aging and Help for Caregivers of Aging Individuals
PORTRAITS Irene recently lost her husband and is now forced to battle cancer on her own. A neighbor is concerned with her living conditions and is worried that Irene is having trouble taking care of her self properly. David and Sheila did not choose to have children until much later in life. Just as their children are entering their teens, David and Sheila were presented with the choice of becoming caregivers for Sheila’s widowed mother after she fell, injuring her hip. Bernice has been a frequent volunteer at the hospital ever since retiring from her nursing position. However, recently her health has been declining and she is not sure how much longer she will be able to continue volunteering, never mind living on her own. DEFINITIONS & KEY THOUGHTS Aging is a normal and natural process that everyone must undergo at his or her own time and pace. The rate at which one ages cannot be controlled, however, it is influenced by several factors including emotional attitude, family … [Read more...]
Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Overview and Treatment Options
Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Anxiety A. Excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities. B. The person finds it difficult to control the worry. C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some present for more days than not for the past 6 months): Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on the edge Being easily fatigued Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance D. The focus of the anxiety and worry is not confined to features of an Axis I disorder, the anxiety or worry is not about having a panic attack, being embarrassed in public, being contaminated, being away from home or close to relatives, gaining weight, having multiple physical complaints, or having a serious illness, and the anxiety and worry do not occur exclusively during Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. E. The … [Read more...]