Borderline personality disorder from both sides : staff and client perspectives
The difficulties faced by individuals attracting a diagnosis of Borderline 
Personality Disorder (BPD) are multiple and varied. Whilst the psychological 
difficulties characteristic of this diagnosis have a significant impact on these clients’ 
everyday lives, they also contend with others’ attitudes and responses to their 
diagnosis, which has proved both controversial and stigmatising. 
Chapter one concentrates on the stigma that surrounds the BPD label by 
presenting a systematic review of the literature relating to professionals’ attitudes 
and responses to individuals diagnosed with BPD. This highlights the predominantly 
negative perceptions of this client group, the strength of countertransference 
experienced by professionals working with this client group, and the ways in which 
clinicians respond to this. 
Chapter two concentrates on the perspectives of clients with BPD by 
reporting an empirical study investigating the lived experiences of parenting for 
mothers with BPD. The experiences of six mothers are explored using a 
phenomenological approach and the themes emerging from their interviews are 
discussed in detail. The findings are considered in relation to the existing literature 
and the implications in terms of providing support for mothers with BPD are 
discussed. 
Chapter three continues the theme of motherhood by presenting a reflective 
paper focussing on the analysis of parenting–related dreams experienced by the 
author during the course of the research. The personal and professional implications 
of the dream analysis and research completion are considered.