In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, we are diving into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and complex trauma (C-PTSD). We're discussing the stigma surrounding BPD, the challenges clinicians face in diagnosing and treating it, and the overlap with complex PTSD.

Kielyr Luthi, LICSW, PMH-C, R-PLC explains her approach to treatment, emphasizing trauma-informed care and discussing various therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, brain spotting, and trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT).

The conversation also covers the importance of treating symptoms over labels and the benefits of certain diagnoses. Essential listening for clinicians and anyone interested in understanding BPD and complex trauma.

GUEST BIO:

Kielyr Luthi, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C, R-PLC is a group private practice owner licensed in several states. She specializes in perinatal mental health and trauma. She is an EMDR trainer and certified in several evidence-based trauma treatment modalities. Her passions include supporting individuals overcome childhood trauma, supporting parents through new life transitions, and supporting with pregnancy and postpartum.

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. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

00:48 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma

04:33 Symptoms and Traits of Borderline Personality Disorder

09:04 Differentiating BPD from Complex PTSD

13:05 Exploring Trauma-Focused Modalities

21:30 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating BPD

33:26 The Importance of Accurate Diagnoses

40:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts