Healing Through Understanding: A Therapist's Journey with Borderline Personality Disorder

In a compelling episode of Nicole's podcast, licensed clinical social worker Sarah Abbott opens up about her unique perspective as both a mental health professional and someone living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Their conversation reveals valuable insights about therapy approaches, finding proper support, and redefining identity beyond diagnosis.

Disclaimer: The title of this podcast and its contents are not intended to in any way promote, encourage, or advocate suicide or any form of self-harm. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide and needs support, please call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Here is the episode breakdown:

Guest:

• Sara Abbott, MSW, LCSW, LICSW https://www.thewellnesswayllc.com/home

• Sarah hosts the "Bold Beautiful Borderlands" podcast and can be found on Instagram at @borderlinefromhell, with her podcast at @boldbeautifulborderline

In this episode, you will hear:

• 0:00 Intro

(Beginning of Interview)

• 1:28 Sara’s Introduction

• 4:09 11 Years of Pre-Suicide and Post-Suicide Behavior?

• 11:21 How Trauma Informs Her Perspective?

• 12:08 Not Being in Therapy as a Therapist

• 13:26 What in the World is Holistic Bio Psychosocial Approach to Therapy?

• 16:56 Why Aren’t All Medical and Mental Health Providers Using Cross Systems Planning?

• 23:39 Why It’s Okay Sometimes for Both the Therapist and the Client to Say the Wrong Thing?

• 27:57 Why Borderlines Need to Bring the “Fun” Back?

• 34:56 Be Clear About Your Deal Breakers and Must Haves Before Finding a Therapist

• 41:01 Permission to Not See Yourself Through the Lense of Having Borderline

• 43:37 Closing

(End of Interview)

• 43:57 Closing Statement & BPD Daily Mantra

• 44:15 Outro

Episode Resources:

• Press Pause, Inc.’s Website: https://www.showmegrace.org/

o Free & low-cost BPD resources and support, including career coaching

• Crisis Hotline - Call or Text 988 or Chat At 988lifeline.org

❗Don't miss the special offer from Dr. Gregory Serfer, who is providing a 30% discount on the digital version of his book, “I Am Still Right Here” exclusively for our listeners! Use promo code XA05T3V2K1MMK on the website linked in the episode resources section. ❗

Additionally, 15% of each sale using this code will go to support the “Press Pause” podcast.

• “I Am Still Right Here”: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Still-Right-Here/dp/B0BNTZBZFT

Credits:

Host and Podcast Producer: Nicole [e-mail]

Music Producer: DJtheIII

Sound Engineer: Stefan Mitroi