97. Borderline Personality Disorder: Deep Dive with a Psychologist

Apr 30, 2025

Dr. Robyn Janssen, a licensed psychologist and VP of Clinical Programs at Ellie, dives into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She discusses the impact of countertransference on therapy, highlighting its importance for managing relationships with BPD clients. Janssen emphasizes the role of trauma in BPD and advocates for structured approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Listeners gain insights into navigating trust, emotional regulation, and the nuances distinguishing BPD from bipolar disorder, all vital for effective treatment.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Therapist Countertransference Insight

Therapist countertransference can be a useful tool when recognized and managed properly.
It involves the therapist's emotional reactions, which can inform therapeutic interventions if addressed in supervision or consultation.

ADVICE

Use Vulnerability to Build Trust

Share your feelings transparently with clients to build trust, especially when there's rapport.
Expressing emotions in therapy models healthy relationship communication.

INSIGHT

BPD's Roots in Attachment Trauma

Borderline Personality Disorder often roots in insecure attachment due to early trauma.
Therapy may serve as a foundational experience for teaching trust and relational skills.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Join Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Dr. Robyn Janssen, licensed psychologist, for a deep dive into the realities of working with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In this episode, Dr. Janssen shares insights from her dissertation on therapist countertransference when supporting clients with BPD—and why structured approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can make all the difference.

You’ll hear us talk about the trauma often underlying BPD, what makes relationship dynamics so complex, and how trust (on both sides!) plays a key role in the work. Whether you’re new to working with BPD or have years of experience, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and some validating reminders for therapists doing this challenging, meaningful work.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:29 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

00:47 Therapist Countertransference

05:50 The Role of Structure in Therapy

09:00 Link Between Trauma and BPD

12:31 Navigating Therapeutic Relationships

15:53 Understanding the Push-Pull Dynamic in Relationships

16:26 Inching Towards the Gray in Relationships

16:55 Foundational Skills for Healthy Relationships

18:59 Compassionate Approach to Borderline Personality Disorder

20:25 Can Borderline Personality Disorder Be Cured?

22:20 Differential Diagnosis: BPD vs. Other Disorders

27:13 Tips for Therapists Working with BPD Clients

29:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts