BPD Splitting

Splitting can cause significant distress, both to the individual with BPD and those around them. In this article, we will discuss how to stop splitting in BPD, including dealing with splitting in BPD, therapy for splitting in BPD, levels of care for BPD splitting, and what type of help and support is available for BPD splitting.

Dealing with Splitting in BPD

When dealing with splitting in BPD, it is essential to recognize that this is a defense mechanism that individuals with BPD use to cope with intense emotions. Splitting helps them to simplify complex situations, categorize people as “all good” or “all bad,” and protect themselves from perceived threats. However, splitting can be harmful, as it can lead to difficulties in relationships, self-destructive behavior, and emotional turmoil.

To stop splitting in BPD, individuals can try the following strategies:

Become more aware of the tendency to split: By recognizing the pattern of splitting and understanding the triggers that lead to this behavior, individuals can begin to develop a more nuanced understanding of their emotions and reactions.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises, can help individuals to stay present and avoid becoming overwhelmed by intense emotions.

Seek support from loved ones: Individuals with BPD can benefit from the support of friends and family members who understand their struggles and can provide a listening ear or a calming presence.

Therapy for Splitting in BPD

Treatment for BPD is a long and challenging process. The therapy approach that is most often used for treating BPD is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which includes both individual and group therapy sessions. DBT is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and aims to help individuals with BPD learn how to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors more effectively (10). This therapy includes specific skills training in areas such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness (11).

Therapists who specialize in treating BPD can also work with individuals to develop a better understanding of why they are experiencing splitting and teach them new coping skills to help them manage these feelings. They can help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts that contribute to splitting, such as black-and-white thinking and catastrophic thinking (12). Therapy can also help individuals with BPD learn to recognize their triggers for splitting and develop more adaptive coping strategies, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques, to use when they feel overwhelmed (13). Other forms of therapy that may help address splitting in BPD include:

Schema Therapy: This type of therapy helps individuals to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to BPD symptoms.

Mentalization-Based Therapy: This therapy helps individuals to develop the ability to understand their thoughts and emotions and to empathize with others’ perspectives.

Levels Of Care For BPD Splitting

There are several levels of care available for individuals with BPD, depending on the severity of their symptoms and their ability to function in daily life—the levels of care range from outpatient therapy to inpatient hospitalization. 

Outpatient therapy is usually the first level of care for individuals with BPD, and it can include individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Inpatient hospitalization may be necessary for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms, such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, and psychosis (14).

Other levels of care for individuals with BPD include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and residential treatment centers (RTCs). PHPs and IOPs are more intensive forms of outpatient therapy that provide a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy. These programs usually include multiple therapy sessions per week and may also provide medication management, group therapy, and other specialized services. 

RTCs provide 24-hour care in a structured environment and can be helpful for individuals who require a higher level of care than outpatient therapy but do not require hospitalization (14).

What Type Of Help And Support Is Available For BPD Splitting?

There are many resources available for individuals with BPD and their loved ones. Support groups can be particularly helpful for individuals with BPD who are struggling with splitting. These groups can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences, learn new coping skills, and receive emotional support from others who are going through similar challenges. There are also online support groups and forums that can be accessed from anywhere, making them particularly convenient for individuals who may not have access to in-person groups (13).In addition, to support groups, there are also many educational resources available for individuals with BPD and their loved ones. These resources can help individuals better understand the disorder and its symptoms, as well as guide how to manage BPD in daily life. Some examples of educational resources include books, websites, and online courses (15).