Customer Reviews

Integrative Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder: Effective, Symptom-Focused Techniques, Simplified for Private Practice

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Having read his previous work, I'm not surpised that Preston could distill a massive amount of scholarship and personal experience with the most arguable of diagnoses into a hundred sixty-five pages one can actually read and understand -without- a doctorate degree. He has de-mystified Borderline to the point one can grasp it -- and actually -do- something about it -- in a single tome.

That said, I'd like to respectfully submit that he start work on a second edition. Preston missed a few gems here and there that might make the next edition of Integrative Treatment... even -more- effective. As an example, Glen Gabbard's almost throw-away ideas (in -Management of Countertransference wth Borderline Patients-, 1994) about containing reactions and digesting emotions hit me square in the nose one day. To them, I added detoxifying neurochemistry, considering the facts and responding appropriately. (I refer to this "CDDCR" list because it's an easier memonic for me to grasp than Linnehan's "steps for adaptive problem solving" quoted by Preston.)

Likewise, he might stir in some of Fritz and Laura Perls' techniques for indentifying, owning and -processing- emotions. Have you ever met a borderline who -didn't- need a course in affect management? That Borderline is hugely co-morbid with bipolar is self-evident to most who work with such patients.

Regardless, I expect I'll (selectively) recommend this book to some of them (and/or their family members, as well). But I'll do so -carefully-. The term "borderline" is still a perjorative in the world, including the acute wards and community mental health clinics in my area. But Preston's work here has helped me to be able to explain it to people in a way that defuses the worst of the "sharp stick in the eye" syndrome.

This is a very useful text for any mental health professional at any level, and all the more so because it is as accessible to front-line floor techs and SAP counselors as it will likely be for struggling MFT and LCSW interns. The Psy.D., Ph.D. or MD who sniffs at it as "beneath me" will do themselves a decided disservice. If this book fails to become a mandate for MA- and MS-level students, it'll be a real shame.

This book was written for therapists in private practice, but I'm just someone that has a relative with BPD and I found it easier to understand than many of the other books on the subject that are geared toward the layperson; plus, I liked the idea of having one book with a different angle such as this which is meant to be a clinician's guide.

This book is brief, clearly written, practical, and research-based. Preston covers a wide range of useful material on both assessment and treatment. Clinical tools for intervention are presented in the context of a practical understanding of BPD. Preston's work could serve well as a first overview of the area, or as a good refresher of current clinical tools for experienced practitioners.

This a a great text to use and have on hand if you work in any field that involves people. I work in the mental health field and this has provided me with so much usefuly information in interacting with my clients. It is intelligent and scholastic but it's language is not above the person who doesn't wish to go to Oxford.

This has been the best book I have read on the subject, and I have read many. Clinical information is presented thoroughly, and concisely, with insight beneficial to patient and therapist alike. I have even bought several copies to share with colleagues. THanks for a great reference on this subject!

I have read many books on borderline personality disorder and how to treat the fragile population. This brings much of the wisdom together in an easy to access format. Full of wisdom