The significance of therapy for mothers with borderline personality disorder : a case study approach

Abstract

The current study explored the significance of therapy for mothers with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The research question posed looked into how therapy impacted the parenting experience of a mother with BPD. A case study approach making use of in-depth interviews with a mother suffering from BPD was employed. Triangulation of data was utilized in order to add to the quality and depth of the study, with in-depth interviews with five professionals who worked with the mother. Results show the mother's sense of determination, in building a new life for herself and of providing her son with necessary care and protection. This was possible with the support of her husband and of the professionals. Helpful aspects of therapy for the client include, providing containment and encouragement, making it possible for the client to deal with emotions through affect-regulation interventions and imparting knowledge on health-led interventions during the perinatal period. Therapeutic interventions for the mother-child dyad were far and few. This generates insight on their importance in the current local practice.