Integrated sociotherapy – IS from rehabilitation to recovery integrating sociotherapy and cognitivism in a TC for borderline personality disorders

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain that an integration of cognitivism with sociotherapy is possible and appropriate to help severe BPD cases. What follows is both an outline and a rationale of this integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Recovery programs for serious BPD represent a challenge because they require complex answers in three problematic areas: interdependent relationships, emotional intensity and identity, virtually at the same time. This prompted Raymond Gledhill Community the opportunity to integrate recovery programs with treatments that have yielded proven results for each cluster. Schema therapy and Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving have been integrated with sociotherapy.

Findings

This integration has led to considerable results including: increased motivation among the resident community, the adoption of a shared language, improved communication levels in the community, greater mutual support, increased trust in, and empathy toward, fellow residents, and more self-awareness – even among the facilitators.

Originality/value

It is the belief that the integration of cognitive tools with sociotherapy can indeed target recovery for people with BPD in a much more efficacious and cost effective manner.

Citation

Lombardo, A. (2016), "Integrated sociotherapy – IS from rehabilitation to recovery integrating sociotherapy and cognitivism in a TC for borderline personality disorders", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 194-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-02-2016-0006