Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder and DBT: Insights from Therapist Sara Weand

In This Episode: DBT, BPD, and Emotional Healing

In this powerful episode, host Dustin Oliver sits down with therapist Sara Weand to explore the complex world of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its effectiveness in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and anxiety. Whether you're a clinician, someone seeking therapy, or supporting a loved one with BPD, this conversation offers rich insight into one of the most effective and compassionate therapeutic approaches available today.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals manage overwhelming emotions, develop distress tolerance, and improve interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan for those living with BPD, DBT is now used widely to treat anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.

In this episode, Sara breaks down the four core components of DBT:

• Mindfulness

• Distress Tolerance

• Emotion Regulation

• Interpersonal Effectiveness

Sara emphasizes how these skills can empower individuals to understand and accept their emotions, rather than avoid or suppress them.

Living and Working with BPD

Sara shares her personal journey into therapy and discusses the unique challenges and rewards of working with individuals who live with Borderline Personality Disorder. She addresses some of the common misconceptions about BPD, including the stigma surrounding emotional intensity and relational instability.

Key takeaway: BPD is not a hopeless diagnosis. With proper treatment and a compassionate therapeutic relationship, individuals can and do improve their quality of life.

The Role of Compassion in Therapy

One theme that resonates throughout the episode is the importance of compassion, not just from the therapist, but from the person in therapy and their loved ones. Sara explains how validation, acceptance, and curiosity can transform difficult interactions into moments of connection.

Whether you're a therapist, a family member, or someone navigating your own emotional landscape, this episode offers practical and emotional guidance.

Advice for Loved Ones of People with BPD

Sara offers actionable advice for family members and friends of individuals living with BPD:

• Educate yourself about the disorder.

• Practice boundaries with empathy.

• Encourage DBT skills without trying to “fix” the person.

• Prioritize your own self-care and emotional regulation.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how DBT works, the reality of living with BPD, or the path to healing emotional dysregulation. With warmth and clinical insight, Sara and Dustin illuminate a path toward understanding, growth, and acceptance.