Group therapy module to enhance self-esteem in patients with borderline personality disorder

Introduction: Enhancing self-esteem is an important issue in many psychotherapeutic approaches. However, there has not been much systematic work on it in behaviour therapy yet. Low self-esteem is of special significance in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), as it is associated with instability of self-concept, self-hate, self-contempt and self-harming behaviour. Methods: We present a 6-session group therapy module to enhance self-esteem in patients with BPD. Its essentials are the examination of dysfunctional negative beliefs about the self as well as the enhancement of an appreciating attitude towards the self. As patients with BPD tend to devaluate themselves massively, efforts to enhance self-esteem often cause feelings of shame and guilt. Therefore, it is actively tried to strengthen therapy motivation and reduce anxiety. The presentation of the therapy module includes concrete examples. Furthermore, hitherto existing clinical experiences are reported and limitations are discussed.