What do you think?
Rate this book
Stronger Than BPD: The Girl's Guide to Taking Control of Intense Emotions, Drama, and Chaos Using DBT
You are strong! No matter what anyone says, you can heal the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). In this unique guide, influential BPD advocate and blogger Debbie Corso offers an easy-to-use primer on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), as well as powerful peer-to-peer support for managing your worst BPD symptoms.
If you have BPD, you may experience extreme emotional ups and downs. These intense feelings can make navigating everyday life that much more difficult, and as a result, you may have trouble maintaining relationships, seeing yourself clearly, or reaching career goals. You should know that you are not alone, and that BPD isn’t your fault. Most importantly, you need to know that you are strong. With the right tools, you can overcome the symptoms of your BPD—this book will show you how.
Written by a BPD survivor and advocate, Stronger Than BPD offers practical, evidence-based dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to help you manage the intense emotions and negative self-image that can occur with BPD. This easy-to-use guide helps you apply the fundamental components of DBT—such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—to everyday situations that can trigger your symptoms. And through personal examples and real-life stories, you’ll see how others have put these skills to work in their own lives to get relief. You’ll even learn how social media can help you heal!
BPD is a part of your life, but it doesn’t have to define you. If you are ready to take control of your symptoms using powerful, evidence-based DBT skills, this friendly guide will light the way.
If you have BPD, you may experience extreme emotional ups and downs. These intense feelings can make navigating everyday life that much more difficult, and as a result, you may have trouble maintaining relationships, seeing yourself clearly, or reaching career goals. You should know that you are not alone, and that BPD isn’t your fault. Most importantly, you need to know that you are strong. With the right tools, you can overcome the symptoms of your BPD—this book will show you how.
Written by a BPD survivor and advocate, Stronger Than BPD offers practical, evidence-based dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to help you manage the intense emotions and negative self-image that can occur with BPD. This easy-to-use guide helps you apply the fundamental components of DBT—such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—to everyday situations that can trigger your symptoms. And through personal examples and real-life stories, you’ll see how others have put these skills to work in their own lives to get relief. You’ll even learn how social media can help you heal!
BPD is a part of your life, but it doesn’t have to define you. If you are ready to take control of your symptoms using powerful, evidence-based DBT skills, this friendly guide will light the way.
176 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2017
85 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 26, 2016
Maybe for some people who are new to DBT this book will be helpful as it talks about mindfulness, about coping mechanisms, dealing with intense emotions and is full of examples.
But for me it wasn't all that great as it was way to personally charged by the author experience and POW and some neutrality would have been better IMO. Also I found it could have provided a better psychological background.
But for me it wasn't all that great as it was way to personally charged by the author experience and POW and some neutrality would have been better IMO. Also I found it could have provided a better psychological background.
March 11, 2017
Debbie Corso's "Stronger Than BPD: The Girl's Guide to Taking Control of Intense Emotions, Drama, and Chaos Using DBT" is an excellent resource for young ladies dealing with borderline personality disorder. As a psychology student, I find many of New Harbinger's publications quite invaluable in learning more about many of the issues we tend to skirt around in many of the classes. Ms. Corso is a "mental health blogger and is in recovery from BPD" (Back Cover of ARC, 2017) so she has first hand knowledge of many of the topics discussed in this book. My favorite section was "Coping Effectively with Distress"; there is a lot of useful information here.
I would recommend this book to young ladies with the disorder as well as those studying psychology. It would be an excellent point of reference for any discussions or reports concerning BPD. My copy of this book was obtained from the Goodreads website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
I would recommend this book to young ladies with the disorder as well as those studying psychology. It would be an excellent point of reference for any discussions or reports concerning BPD. My copy of this book was obtained from the Goodreads website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
December 1, 2025
I did enjoy this book, but I feel like this is strictly for teenagers or someone who just found out about having BPD. Overall, there are some decent tips on how to manage your emotions, but overall I needed a little something more :)
February 11, 2017
I have reviewed this book as it was sent to me for review kindly from the publishers.
I have to say firstly, I recommend this book if you or someone you know has Borderline Personality Disorder. I personally have a friend who has been diagnosed with BPD and she wants to read this book now too after me telling her about it.
In the book the author describes how the condition can cause such intense emotions that lead to uncontrollable situations. The author describes how she ended up in accident and emergency most times as no one else could help to keep her calm as often is the way with people with BPD, my friend is the same.
BPD can be triggered by traumatic events, suppressed memory can also lead to PTSD and that often coincides with BPD.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to treat suicidal patients with a BPD diagnosis. Obviously the overall aim is to prevent the situation of suicide but also teaching skills to be able to cope more with the BPD and running emotions.
The basic breakdown of DBT comes into four categories;
Personal relationships, coping with distress, paying attention to your life, coping with your emotions.
The activities in the book are capable for BPD sufferers and others alike with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder.
For example the most common technique mentioned in the book is mindfulness which is very popular anyway, focusing on living in the moment and not focussing on the past you.
This book has been a very eye opening read into the world of Borderline Personality Disorder. I am definitely more aware of how others with the condition must feel in certain situations now too.
I have to say firstly, I recommend this book if you or someone you know has Borderline Personality Disorder. I personally have a friend who has been diagnosed with BPD and she wants to read this book now too after me telling her about it.
In the book the author describes how the condition can cause such intense emotions that lead to uncontrollable situations. The author describes how she ended up in accident and emergency most times as no one else could help to keep her calm as often is the way with people with BPD, my friend is the same.
BPD can be triggered by traumatic events, suppressed memory can also lead to PTSD and that often coincides with BPD.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to treat suicidal patients with a BPD diagnosis. Obviously the overall aim is to prevent the situation of suicide but also teaching skills to be able to cope more with the BPD and running emotions.
The basic breakdown of DBT comes into four categories;
Personal relationships, coping with distress, paying attention to your life, coping with your emotions.
The activities in the book are capable for BPD sufferers and others alike with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder.
For example the most common technique mentioned in the book is mindfulness which is very popular anyway, focusing on living in the moment and not focussing on the past you.
This book has been a very eye opening read into the world of Borderline Personality Disorder. I am definitely more aware of how others with the condition must feel in certain situations now too.
March 6, 2017
As a multi-year student of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, I can personally attest to the impact of this approach. What I can't do is what Debbie Corso does in this useful guide! She acts as coach, champion, and fellow sufferer as she delves strategically into the various components of DBT - mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Debbie's personalization of the material adds compassion and sensitivity to the subject. She emphasizes practice, commitment, and benefit. Her own experiences coupled with her ability to warmly and clearly convey DBT's modules are profound testaments to the life changing impact of this material.
February 22, 2017
Excellent ! Easy to read.
February 7, 2019
A very good introduction to the world of dbt thoroughly enjoyed learning and adapting my behaviours through this book
Read
February 24, 2017I received this as a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a very helpful, consumer friendly, book to learn about BPD and to address key principles of DBT and psychotherapeutic interventions. It may be too simple for some, but as a mental health professional, I think I will frequently recommend this to consumers and their families. A great addition to the literature! Thanks!
This is a very helpful, consumer friendly, book to learn about BPD and to address key principles of DBT and psychotherapeutic interventions. It may be too simple for some, but as a mental health professional, I think I will frequently recommend this to consumers and their families. A great addition to the literature! Thanks!
February 25, 2021
Das Buch "Stärker als Borderline" von Debbie Corso ist eines, das mich vieles besser hat verstehen lassen. Hierbei erklärt sie gut und leicht verständlich die Optionen, die die "DBT" (Dialektisch-behaviorale Therapie) bietet. Ich fand natürlich nicht alles direkt nachvollziehbar, einfach weil es nicht meine Position ist, die die Autorin vertritt. Jedoch hatte ich das Gefühl, dass das Buch, dessen Zielgruppe Personen mit Borderline, Borderline-Zügen und erhöhter emotionaler Sensibilität waren, durch den Dialog zwischen Betroffenen und der Autorin vieles ersichtlicher machen konnte. Ich hatte wirklich das Gefühl, einen Einblick in das Gehirn der Betroffenen zu bekommen, weswegen das Buch also auch zum Verständnis der Allgemeinheit gegenüber der Persönlichkeitsstörung Borderline beiträgt. Ich will behaupten, dass es auch mich sensibilisiert hat, was Themen wie plötzliche Wutausbrüche angeht.
Ich hatte um ehrlich zu sein auch manchmal -gerade im Kapitel "Achtsamkeit"- das Gefühl, ich lese einen Motivationscoach. Dieser Fokus wurde glücklicherweise aber schnell wieder auf andere Faktoren gerichtet, weswegen das für mich nicht sonderlich störend war.
Ich habe in den Verhaltensweisen auch einige wiedererkannt, die in meinem Umfeld auch schon vorkamen und mir jetzt verständlicher erscheinen.
Ich glaube, wenn man sich auf das Buch einlässt, bietet es jedem einen guten Einblick und sogar auch jedem vielleicht die ein oder andere Übung, die auch mir auf jeden Fall nicht geschadet hat.
Alles in allem ist das also ein gelungenes Buch über die Erkrankung Borderline, die Symptomatik und einen Einblick in das Gehirn der Betroffenen. Natürlich ersetzt ein Buch in keinem Fall eine Therapie, die bei psychischen Erkrankungen zu empfehlen ist, kann aber sehr wohl Verständnis schaffen über das Verhalten anderer oder das eigene und helfen, den richtigen Weg einzuschlagen.
Ich hatte um ehrlich zu sein auch manchmal -gerade im Kapitel "Achtsamkeit"- das Gefühl, ich lese einen Motivationscoach. Dieser Fokus wurde glücklicherweise aber schnell wieder auf andere Faktoren gerichtet, weswegen das für mich nicht sonderlich störend war.
Ich habe in den Verhaltensweisen auch einige wiedererkannt, die in meinem Umfeld auch schon vorkamen und mir jetzt verständlicher erscheinen.
Ich glaube, wenn man sich auf das Buch einlässt, bietet es jedem einen guten Einblick und sogar auch jedem vielleicht die ein oder andere Übung, die auch mir auf jeden Fall nicht geschadet hat.
Alles in allem ist das also ein gelungenes Buch über die Erkrankung Borderline, die Symptomatik und einen Einblick in das Gehirn der Betroffenen. Natürlich ersetzt ein Buch in keinem Fall eine Therapie, die bei psychischen Erkrankungen zu empfehlen ist, kann aber sehr wohl Verständnis schaffen über das Verhalten anderer oder das eigene und helfen, den richtigen Weg einzuschlagen.
Read
April 11, 2017The first thing that came to mind when I read this book was how this book addresses people who haven't figured out a way to rein in their intense emotions.
Debbie discusses Borderline Personality Disorder, how she was diagnosed and measures she implements to manage it.
She focuses on the use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). DBT is a set of highly effective skills that helps treat chronic suicidality in patients diagnosed with BPD.
There are many lessons to learn especially mindfulness. You don't necessarily need to have BPD to learn healthy habits, effective ways of living and expressing emotions in a better way.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite quote: "We can learn to accept the reality that we cannot completely avoid upsetting circumstances and situations. We can learn to accept and deal with the fact that some issues can’t be resolved as quickly as we’d like and that we can find ways to skilfully wait things out"
Debbie discusses Borderline Personality Disorder, how she was diagnosed and measures she implements to manage it.
She focuses on the use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). DBT is a set of highly effective skills that helps treat chronic suicidality in patients diagnosed with BPD.
There are many lessons to learn especially mindfulness. You don't necessarily need to have BPD to learn healthy habits, effective ways of living and expressing emotions in a better way.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite quote: "We can learn to accept the reality that we cannot completely avoid upsetting circumstances and situations. We can learn to accept and deal with the fact that some issues can’t be resolved as quickly as we’d like and that we can find ways to skilfully wait things out"
September 27, 2024
This is a very accessible and quick overview of some of the most basic DBT skills. If you're looking for something comprehensive, this is not it, but if you are a teen or a parent of teen with a recent diagnosis or who is experiencing symptoms in line with this diagnosis, this can be a great place to start. Corso hits on some of the biggest challenges of BPD - intrusive and overwhelming thoughts of rejection, extreme emotional reactivity, and severe identity disturbance - and walks the reader through some basic skills for how to manage these things.
One of the things I liked most about this book was the way that Corso keeps it grounded and relevant for people who don't identify with their diagnosis. She frequently frames things like "even if you don't experience full identity disturbance" or xyz works for "anyone who is really emotionally sensitive." Especially for the newly diagnosed or the self-diagnosed, this can go a long way.
My biggest criticism is that it's a little too rose-colored for a lot of folks with BPD and is based in an assumption that the folks around them are healthy and mature - which is all too often not the case. For example, I really struggled with the fact checking chapter and the idea that most people in my family or most of my sister's (who has BPD) partners and friends would respond in the way she portrayed here. Displaying this level of vulnerability in relationships only works if the other person is relatively healthy and able to have these types of conversations in a rational non-judgmental way. The author is blessed that she has that, but so many don't. It's just overly simplistic, which is common in self-help books. I would recommend it to someone young with a strong and emotionally intelligent support system, but a lot of people with BPD just don't have that.
One of the things I liked most about this book was the way that Corso keeps it grounded and relevant for people who don't identify with their diagnosis. She frequently frames things like "even if you don't experience full identity disturbance" or xyz works for "anyone who is really emotionally sensitive." Especially for the newly diagnosed or the self-diagnosed, this can go a long way.
My biggest criticism is that it's a little too rose-colored for a lot of folks with BPD and is based in an assumption that the folks around them are healthy and mature - which is all too often not the case. For example, I really struggled with the fact checking chapter and the idea that most people in my family or most of my sister's (who has BPD) partners and friends would respond in the way she portrayed here. Displaying this level of vulnerability in relationships only works if the other person is relatively healthy and able to have these types of conversations in a rational non-judgmental way. The author is blessed that she has that, but so many don't. It's just overly simplistic, which is common in self-help books. I would recommend it to someone young with a strong and emotionally intelligent support system, but a lot of people with BPD just don't have that.
September 9, 2017
I read the Kindle version of this book and finished it in one day. I could not stop reading it! Debbie shares Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, along with real-word examples from her own life. It is inspiring! I loved this part:
It can be really painful to be in this particular mental space, so it makes sense to me that when we are hurt, we sometimes judge. That way, we can put the blame on someone or something else and make them “wrong” and us “right.” It’s a defense mechanism to reduce the hurt. If that person is a jerk because she forgot to write me down or he’s self-absorbed because he’s canceling our dinner plans, I don’t have to focus too much on the fact that I feel disappointed, sad, and maybe even disrespected, all of which are difficult emotional states to bear when you are sensitive. *
People don’t understand this and think that we are manipulating them and judging on purpose. For me, it wouldn’t even be a conscious decision. We do most of our BPD behaviours automatically. That’s where DBT comes in. While our behaviours can seem automatic, we can practice DBT skills until they also become automatic. Try it for yourself.
There are resources for further information in the back of the book. This book is great for anyone who has Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD traits or emotional sensitivity.
I highly recommend you order this book today and begin doing the exercises in it to change your life for the better.
It can be really painful to be in this particular mental space, so it makes sense to me that when we are hurt, we sometimes judge. That way, we can put the blame on someone or something else and make them “wrong” and us “right.” It’s a defense mechanism to reduce the hurt. If that person is a jerk because she forgot to write me down or he’s self-absorbed because he’s canceling our dinner plans, I don’t have to focus too much on the fact that I feel disappointed, sad, and maybe even disrespected, all of which are difficult emotional states to bear when you are sensitive. *
People don’t understand this and think that we are manipulating them and judging on purpose. For me, it wouldn’t even be a conscious decision. We do most of our BPD behaviours automatically. That’s where DBT comes in. While our behaviours can seem automatic, we can practice DBT skills until they also become automatic. Try it for yourself.
There are resources for further information in the back of the book. This book is great for anyone who has Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD traits or emotional sensitivity.
I highly recommend you order this book today and begin doing the exercises in it to change your life for the better.
June 11, 2020
I do not have BPD, at least to my knowledge. I read this book in hopes that it would give me some guidelines about DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). I expected it to be a little cheesy and not very technical as it was not written by a psychologist, but even that was looking for a bit too much. I finished reading it, and I'm still not sure what DBT is, what to expect, or how to apply it.
Both the title and the content seem as though the author intended it to be geared towards girls or young women. If this was the first self help book I ever read when I was a pre-teen, it might have been helpful. However, almost all of the personal examples used come from the life or are aimed at the lives of an adult. Not even necessarily an adult woman, just...an adult.
Sadly, I have to report I was underwhelmed. There are some good exercises sprinkled throughout the chapters, which merits adding at least one star to the review. If you are looking for something substantial and comprehensive, however, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Both the title and the content seem as though the author intended it to be geared towards girls or young women. If this was the first self help book I ever read when I was a pre-teen, it might have been helpful. However, almost all of the personal examples used come from the life or are aimed at the lives of an adult. Not even necessarily an adult woman, just...an adult.
Sadly, I have to report I was underwhelmed. There are some good exercises sprinkled throughout the chapters, which merits adding at least one star to the review. If you are looking for something substantial and comprehensive, however, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
April 10, 2018
Great book for practicing DBT skills
Though it was unnecessarily gendered (there was nothing female-specific within the dbt skills presented), it was a great and accessible look at actually using the skills and real world examples and exercises to practice and absorb the information. It's a great alternative to those impersonal dbt workbooks that feel dry and condescending.
However, I would say that the book built on information about DBT, and may not work as a standalone for everyone. For BPD sufferers, it's probably best used in tangent with a therapist or one of the aforementioned DBT workbooks.
Though it was unnecessarily gendered (there was nothing female-specific within the dbt skills presented), it was a great and accessible look at actually using the skills and real world examples and exercises to practice and absorb the information. It's a great alternative to those impersonal dbt workbooks that feel dry and condescending.
However, I would say that the book built on information about DBT, and may not work as a standalone for everyone. For BPD sufferers, it's probably best used in tangent with a therapist or one of the aforementioned DBT workbooks.
December 13, 2018
I've read much better books on DBT and mindfulness, I assumed because this is a book for people with bpd it would aim the mindfulness at the more ridiculous situations and states we often get our self's into.
DBT and mindfulness is fantastic for people with bpd but what I wanted from this book was higher more solid forms of it like what I can do if I've just gone mental at work and embarrassed myself. Staying calm and counting to ten is not good enough advice. I really thought this was going to help my bpd but honestly it's a deep as a kids paddling pool.
I bought the journal version as well maybe that's more practically useful!
DBT and mindfulness is fantastic for people with bpd but what I wanted from this book was higher more solid forms of it like what I can do if I've just gone mental at work and embarrassed myself. Staying calm and counting to ten is not good enough advice. I really thought this was going to help my bpd but honestly it's a deep as a kids paddling pool.
I bought the journal version as well maybe that's more practically useful!
September 12, 2017
First of all, this book will only really be relevant to you if you have BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) yourself, or if you have a friend or loved one with BPD, or if you just really have a strong interest in BPD.
Since I have recently been diagnosed with BPD, I decided to give this book a try. I felt that I could really use any advice it had to give, so I had nothing to lose by reading it, and it’s a short little book anyway.
Overall, I’d say it’s an okay book. I wasn’t overly satisfied with it but I wasn’t exactly disappointed either. It was interesting to read the thoughts of someone else diagnosed with BPD but it was more of just an encouragement than actual real advice, if that makes sense.
It was nice reading something filled with so much positivity about the disorder, so if you’re just looking for a short, positive read, this might be the book for you. Overall, however, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as I believe there’s other books that might be more worth your time.
Since I have recently been diagnosed with BPD, I decided to give this book a try. I felt that I could really use any advice it had to give, so I had nothing to lose by reading it, and it’s a short little book anyway.
Overall, I’d say it’s an okay book. I wasn’t overly satisfied with it but I wasn’t exactly disappointed either. It was interesting to read the thoughts of someone else diagnosed with BPD but it was more of just an encouragement than actual real advice, if that makes sense.
It was nice reading something filled with so much positivity about the disorder, so if you’re just looking for a short, positive read, this might be the book for you. Overall, however, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as I believe there’s other books that might be more worth your time.
January 14, 2019
I will recommend this book to my clients and not only the ones struggling with BPD, but any intense emotion. This book is one of the more validating and gentle mannered mental health books I have read. Although not clinically written and it could go WAAAAYYY more in depth with examples and exercises, this book still provided essential information and helpful tactics. Perhaps Corso will publish another book to use in collaboration
June 25, 2021
Best help for me. I dont do groups well, and with COVID-19 this book has been a great help to self healing and helping me move forward. When you loose yourself, your job, your relationships, your identity, this book helps put you back together with compassion and understanding. Thank you for publishing such a book. I appreciate it immensely.
May 30, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read about BPD ever - and since being diagnosed with it. I highlighted A LOT. It’s crazy how relatable it could be and nice knowing I’m not the only one who thinks/acts this way.
I don’t think the book needs to be gendered - there’s no reason for it. And I thought it was WAY more personal than professional but it did give me helpful information nonetheless.
I don’t think the book needs to be gendered - there’s no reason for it. And I thought it was WAY more personal than professional but it did give me helpful information nonetheless.
July 28, 2024
This is a decent approach to "How to DBT" from a peer perspective. It doesn't explore many other options and is basically from the point-of-view of someone who coped with BPD using DBT and who is acting, in text, as a peer leader for explaining the skills. This is useful if you are looking for peer explanation on how DBT can help, particularly for BPD, but that is the start and end of the scope.
February 7, 2019
A brilliant introduction into the dbt world
for me this was a very informative and inspiring book it made me think about my self destructive behaviour and how I can change them with the skill of dbt
for me this was a very informative and inspiring book it made me think about my self destructive behaviour and how I can change them with the skill of dbt
August 30, 2023
I adore this book. I'm keeping it with me forever. I can't recommend it enough for anyone dealing with BPD. Debbie writes so empathetically and uses great DBT exercises that are easy to do. There is no growth in your comfort zone and I'm so happy that I picked up this book.
December 25, 2018
This is an excellent guide to DBT written in a way for anyone to understand. Debbie is an inspiration.
December 28, 2018
This was helpful but a little too focused on the authors life
April 12, 2019
It’s like pulling skeletons out of the closet
June 11, 2019
Worth reading. Debbie's terrific!
Read
September 21, 2022Basic
November 14, 2022
A great introduction to the world of dbt giving simple exercises to get you ready for the intensive therapy that dbt it.
October 31, 2024
Wonderful book diving into my journey of my BPD
November 5, 2019
I just started reading Debbie Corso's book today, March 23 2017, as I found it at Barnes & Nobles.
First, I want to commend the author for her successful journey from the depths of BPD (emotionally sensitive) and CPTSD. One has to acknowledge that her trek took her deep inside to realms she had rather have ignored, than to reveal. It isn't easy mining experiences and accounting for many years and failed occurrences to "make it" out in this ever hectic world.
Early on in the book, she mentioned, "embrace the difficult parts," of herself. And that is quintessentially the best, and only, strategy in coming to real grips with BPD. Build a resilient nature through embracing those difficult parts. Self-understanding takes time; it's a process, as Ms. Corso herself knows, and speaks to in her empathy-laden book.
Ms. Corso lays out the journey very simply, using the methods found in DBT. I could hear (not literally) her voice in the opening chapters, as I just read through her process of gaining mindfulness, focusing in the present - on one task - to achieve a balance to one's self.
So far, I believe she hasn't disappointed in the slightest. Meaning: she has a story to tell on how to achieve success in this most difficult of Cluster B personality disorders to diagnose, treat, and overcome the traits of towards a better path.
I will complete the book as soon as I can - with an overall look at the outcome. So far, it's enjoyable, personable, and easy to understand and read.
(Side note: This reviewer was involved many years ago with a BPD-traited woman (2000-2002). I only then slightly suspected it, after a very tumultuous ride where as a man, with his own set of issues, had to first figure himself out, and then embrace what was left after the dust settled. Only in 2015-2016, did I revisit the prior relationship topic. So, between a health dosage of Youtube (Debbie's channel) and various books on BPD, and tangentially related topics, I came to further empathize with that person, as I tried before, but with little success, and mostly triggering her worst outbursts.)
First, I want to commend the author for her successful journey from the depths of BPD (emotionally sensitive) and CPTSD. One has to acknowledge that her trek took her deep inside to realms she had rather have ignored, than to reveal. It isn't easy mining experiences and accounting for many years and failed occurrences to "make it" out in this ever hectic world.
Early on in the book, she mentioned, "embrace the difficult parts," of herself. And that is quintessentially the best, and only, strategy in coming to real grips with BPD. Build a resilient nature through embracing those difficult parts. Self-understanding takes time; it's a process, as Ms. Corso herself knows, and speaks to in her empathy-laden book.
Ms. Corso lays out the journey very simply, using the methods found in DBT. I could hear (not literally) her voice in the opening chapters, as I just read through her process of gaining mindfulness, focusing in the present - on one task - to achieve a balance to one's self.
So far, I believe she hasn't disappointed in the slightest. Meaning: she has a story to tell on how to achieve success in this most difficult of Cluster B personality disorders to diagnose, treat, and overcome the traits of towards a better path.
I will complete the book as soon as I can - with an overall look at the outcome. So far, it's enjoyable, personable, and easy to understand and read.
(Side note: This reviewer was involved many years ago with a BPD-traited woman (2000-2002). I only then slightly suspected it, after a very tumultuous ride where as a man, with his own set of issues, had to first figure himself out, and then embrace what was left after the dust settled. Only in 2015-2016, did I revisit the prior relationship topic. So, between a health dosage of Youtube (Debbie's channel) and various books on BPD, and tangentially related topics, I came to further empathize with that person, as I tried before, but with little success, and mostly triggering her worst outbursts.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews