Frequently Asked Questions
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Borderline Personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by the inability to tolerate or regulate emotions and may show up as persistent emotional instability, problems sustaining relationships, uncertain self-image, impulsive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, and/or frequent suicide threats or attempts.
BPD is a severe and chronic mental illness affecting 5.9 % of the population. One in ten people with the disorder attempts suicide, usually due to impulsivity rather than chronic depression. BPD often exists alongside and may complicate the treatment of other co-occurring disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders, or Eating Disorders. While Borderline Personality Disorder has historically been viewed as “difficult to treat” there are multiple evidence-based treatments that have been shown to be effective in treating this disorder. It is important that people with Borderline Personality Disorder receive evidence-based, specialized treatment from an appropriately trained clinician.
For more information:
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Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Today, DBT is recognized as the gold standard psychological treatment for BPD and is an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health problems such as substance abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.
The "dialectical" in DBT refers to the process of finding balance and integrating opposites, primarily the balance between acceptance and change. DBT involves understanding and accepting your experiences as they are, while simultaneously working to implement positive changes.
DBT involves four main components:
Mindfulness: Improving an individual's ability to accept and be present in the current moment.
Distress Tolerance: Increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion, rather than trying to avoid them.
Emotion Regulation: Strategies to manage and change the intense emotions causing problems in a person’s life.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Techniques that allow a person to communicate with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.
DBT typically includes individual therapy sessions, skills training in a group setting, and phone coaching for in-the-moment crisis. With its balance of acceptance and change, DBT equips individuals with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships.
For more information visit:
https://depts.washington.edu/uwbrtc/about-us/dialectical-behavior-therapy
https://behavioraltech.org/resources/faqs/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that encourages individuals to observe and accept their thoughts and feelings rather than engage in strategies to control or avoid them. While it may seem counterintuitive to accept experiences that can at times feel intolerable, radically accepting our thoughts and emotions helps to reduce the suffering avoiding experiences can cause and paradoxically can decrease their intensity.
ACT focuses on three key areas:
Acceptance: Instead of trying to control or eliminate negative feelings, patients are encouraged to observe and accept their experience as it is. This doesn't mean resigning yourself to suffering, rather understanding that emotions are a natural part of human experience.
Mindfulness: This involves staying present and engaged in your experiences as it unfolds.
Personal Values: ACT helps you identify and commit to actions that align with your personal values. This process can guide you towards a more meaningful life.
The goal of ACT is not necessarily symptom reduction, although that may occur during the process. Instead, ACT focuses on helping you live a rich, full, and meaningful life, even in the presence of pain. ACT is not about eliminating certain parts of your life, rather learning to carry them with you as you move towards what matters most.
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At Chicago Behavior Therapy, we do not participate directly with any insurance providers. Our standard rate is $185 per session. However, our services may be eligible for coverage under your insurance plan's out-of-network benefits.
We understand that navigating insurance can sometimes be a complex process. As a courtesy to our clients, we are able to provide you with a detailed statement, often referred to as a "superbill," after each session. This statement includes all the information insurance companies typically require, such as diagnosis codes and procedure codes.
You can then submit this superbill to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Please note that the amount and extent of coverage can vary greatly between different insurance plans, so it's important to verify your benefits with your insurance company beforehand.
If you need assistance or have any questions about this process, we're here to help guide you. We believe in making therapy accessible and will strive to support you in making the best use of your resources. Our goal is to ensure that financial considerations do not become a barrier to receiving the help you need.
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Yes, therapy is confidential. At the core of the therapeutic process is an understanding that you have a secure, private space to openly share your experiences and thoughts. Confidentiality is paramount except in situations posing imminent threat to you or someone else as well as a few other situations that we’ll discuss at the outset of therapy. At Chicago Behavior Therapy, we uphold confidentiality with utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring you understand and are comfortable with this principle.
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Starting therapy can be a daunting process. At Chicago Behavior Therapy, we strive to make this process as comfortable and supportive as possible.
Here's a general outline of what therapy with us looks like:
Phone Consultation: After initial contact through our website or by email, we typically schedule a free 15-20 minute phone consultation. This is an opportunity for you to share a brief overview of what you're struggling with, and for us to provide a general idea of what therapy might look like. This initial conversation allows us to explore whether we might be a good fit for your needs.
First Session: If we agree to proceed, we'll schedule a one-hour intake session. This is a deeper exploration of your current struggles, history, and therapy goals. We'll begin to outline a potential therapy plan tailored to your unique situation.
Ongoing Therapy: Subsequent sessions will be structured based on your individual needs, utilizing a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as appropriate.
We are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel accepted and understood. If, at any point, you decide that our services may not be the best fit for your needs, we will assist you in finding appropriate referrals. Our ultimate goal is to support you in your journey towards health, whether that means working with us or helping you find someone who might be a better fit.