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The Buddha and the Borderline

Kiera Van Gelder

264 Pages
2010

The Buddha and the Borderline

My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism, and Online Dating

New Harbinger Publications

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The Buddha and the Borderline - Summary

In this powerful and intimate memoir, Kiera Van Gelder takes readers on a transformative journey through her struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Beginning with her first suicide attempt at age twelve, the narrative weaves through two decades of emotional turmoil, addiction, and self-destructive behavior before finding a path to healing through an innovative combination of dialectical behavior therapy, Buddhist practices, and modern dating experiences. This raw and honest account illuminates the complex nature of BPD while offering hope and understanding to others facing similar challenges.

Key Ideas

1

The Path from Chaos to Integration

An exploration of how fragmented emotional experiences and destructive patterns can be transformed through therapeutic intervention and spiritual practice, showing the gradual process of building a cohesive sense of self despite BPD's challenging symptoms.

2

Eastern Wisdom Meets Western Treatment

The powerful synthesis of Buddhist mindfulness principles with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), demonstrating how ancient spiritual practices can complement modern psychological treatments to create a comprehensive healing approach.

3

Relationships as Mirrors of Growth

The role of interpersonal connections, including online dating experiences, in reflecting personal progress and challenging old patterns, while learning to navigate intimacy with newfound awareness and skills.

FAQ's

Buddhist practices offer tools for mindfulness and emotional regulation, helping individuals observe their thoughts without judgment and develop compassion for themselves and others, which directly addresses core BPD challenges.

Yes, the book offers valuable insights for anyone interested in mental health, personal growth, or supporting loved ones with BPD, as it provides a deep understanding of emotional healing and transformation.

DBT serves as a fundamental treatment approach in the author's journey, providing practical skills for emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, while complementing her spiritual practice and personal growth.

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