The Blending of Evidenced-Based Protocols in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder A Case Study

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is regarded as one of the more difficult clinical presentations to treat, and psychotherapy provides the best outcomes for those suffering with BPD. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and schema-focused therapy (SFT) are two of the most common evidenced-based treatments for borderline pathology. While these treatments are often used individually, some theorists argue that blended approaches to care could provide more benefit to some clients than just one treatment package alone. The present case study illustrates a blended approach to the treatment of BPD. Specifically, DBT and SFT were used in consort to treat “Luisa,” a 34-year-old biracial woman of Caucasian and Hispanic descent who struggled with longstanding interpersonal distress, emotional lability, and identity disturbance. Her treatment course is described in detail, and the implications of this approach to care are discussed.