Counselor Views of the Role of Trauma in Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a highly stigmatized disorder, including among clinicians. Though research indicates a connection between childhood trauma and BPD, there remains considerable debate about the role trauma plays in the diagnosis and whether the diagnosis is properly categorized as a personality disorder. Additionally, studies about counselor perspectives of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) indicate conflicted feelings combined with dependency on its use. Research examining clinician views of the diagnosis of BPD, including the role that trauma plays in the diagnosis and categorization as a personality disorder, have largely neglected to explore the views of counselors, indicating a significant gap in the research. This study took a qualitative approach to increasing understanding of the views and experiences of licensed counselors as they work with clients and encounter trauma and the diagnosis of BPD. A total of 17 themes emerged during data analysis. Each theme is examined and conclusions are discussed.