Book Being Reviewed:

Reviewer:
Katrina Webbeking

Curricular Areas:
Helping Relationships/Counseling Theory

Subject Headings:
Personality disorders

Review:
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an increasing concern that has generated a considerable amount of interest in respect to present research. As borderline personality disorder becomes more frequently diagnosed, it is imperative to advocate further exploration of the disorder by identifying and evaluating effective intervention strategies which address specific concerns associated with borderline personality.

Typically, research tends to address the person diagnosed with BPD as opposed to the influence of borderline behaviors on other significant persons involved with an individual meeting the criteria for BPD. In contrast, The Essential Family Guide to Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: New Tools and Techniques to Stop Walking on Eggshells by Randi Kreger, illustrates with a sense of compassion, humor, and humanity, the plights and perils of persons who by choice or sheer coincidence have a person in their life who meets the BPD criteria.

In terms of applicability to the counseling profession, perhaps one of the primary strengths of this reader- friendly text, is the way the author exerts a reasonable degree of care not to stigmatize the persons with BPD or the persons who choose to support them along their journey through the therapeutic process should the individual diagnosed as borderline indeed pursue and commit to recovery. Another practical consideration for counselors is the emphasis on the author’s advocacy of cognitive behaviorally-based interventions which are presented in a specific format designed for practical applications in working with clients. Counseling persons with BPD and associated support persons can present laudable challenges. The Essential Family Guide to Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder, encourages the counselor to maintain their own well-being as they embark upon the counseling process.

Throughout the book, support strategies such as : applying intentional communication, self-monitoring, and self-care are identified which are intended not only to address the needs of the client, but the needs of those who interact or work with clients with a borderline diagnosis. Kreger specifically discusses five primary therapeutic tools for effectively managing borderline interactions including: a focus on self-care (knowing your limits and setting boundaries), recognizing and identifying what allows the non borderline to feel "stuck” (what patterns are inhibiting progress and what can be gained from this insight), communicating personal needs and wants(using "I” statements and limiting praise), establishing boundaries in a respectful/loving context (boundaries should be clear and concise, and conveyed respectfully), and reinforcing appropriate behaviors(modeling desired behaviors and providing specific compliments-know what you are reinforcing). According to Kreger, utilizing each of the five techniques has proven most useful in managing BPD interactions in contrast to employing the "cafeteria method,” which constitutes applying only what you like and leaving the rest of the information undigested.

Originally posted on 3/29/2010 at csi-net.org