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If you’re searching for BPD treatment in Ottawa, you’ve likely already encountered conflicting information, stigma, and confusion about what borderline personality disorder really is. At The Resiliency Clinic, we understand that finding a therapist who treats BPD with genuine compassion—not judgment—can feel nearly impossible. The good news? Trauma-informed BPD therapy in Ottawa that focuses on healing, not labels, is available right here in our community.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) seems to be discussed more frequently these days in healthcare settings, and on social media. It is a diagnosis many clients mention when reaching out to the clinic. Do we treat BPD? Absolutely! First and foremost, we treat it with compassion and non-judgment, which is often missing for those diagnosed with BPD.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder in Ottawa
Despite decades of research linking it to childhood trauma and abuse, BPD is often treated as if it’s a character flaw—as if people with BPD are choosing to be difficult, manipulative, or overly emotional. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), which is the official guidebook mental health professionals use for diagnosis, labels BPD as a “personality disorder.” This language can make it sound like there’s something fundamentally wrong with who you are as a person, rather than recognizing BPD as what it truly is: the brain’s response to overwhelming trauma during critical developmental years.
It is valid to note that the effects of severe trauma do impact our personality and ways of interacting with other people, but this is because trauma impacts the brain and the way it functions. If we see BPD as a brain problem and the result of trauma, perhaps we can approach it with less judgement and stigma.
What Does Borderline Personality Disorder Feel Like?
If you’re reading this and wondering whether BPD describes your experience, you’re not alone. Many people live with BPD symptoms for years before understanding what’s happening. Here’s what our Ottawa clients often describe:
Intense, overwhelming emotions that come out of nowhere — Small disappointments can feel catastrophic. A friend canceling plans might trigger feelings of complete abandonment. You might go from calm to panicked or furious in seconds, and feel like you have no control over the intensity.
Fear of abandonment that shapes your relationships — You might find yourself constantly checking whether people still care about you, reading into every text message or change in tone. The thought of someone leaving feels unbearable, even when logically you know they’re just busy.
A sense that you’re “too much” for people — You might apologize constantly, feel like a burden, or worry that if people really knew you, they’d leave. At the same time, you desperately want closeness and connection.
Unstable sense of self — Who you are can feel like it shifts depending on who you’re with or how you’re feeling. Your goals, values, or even your personality might feel unclear or constantly changing.
Impulsive behaviours when emotions feel unbearable — This might look like overspending, substance use, binge eating, risky driving, or other ways of trying to escape emotional pain.
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts — When emotions become too overwhelming, some people with BPD turn to self-injury as a way to cope, or experience thoughts of suicide during particularly painful moments.
Feeling empty or numb — Between the intense emotions, you might experience a profound sense of emptiness, like something fundamental is missing inside you.
If this resonates, please know: these aren’t character flaws. These are survival responses your nervous system developed to protect you. And with the right support, healing is absolutely possible.
What Really Causes Borderline Personality Disorder?
The link between BPD and trauma has been clear for decades. Studies show that early abuse or neglect, including relational disconnect or disruption, is always present. Research from the University of Manchester analyzing 42 international studies found that 71% of people diagnosed with BPD reported at least one traumatic childhood experience, with particularly strong links to emotional abuse and neglect. Canadian research indicates that approximately 2.2% of Canadians live with BPD, making it more common than many people realize.
If a client is diagnosed with BPD or shows the collection of symptoms consistent with BPD, a therapist might be surprised when the client denies abuse. A good follow up question could be: “Did you feel scared or frightened of one or both parents?” or “Did they behave in a way that was frightening, such as threats of abandoning you, hurting you or ignoring you?” The answers may reveal attachment-based trauma.
Not ALL trauma leads to BPD, but it’s definitely one of the pathways. A common pattern is one of “disorganized attachment”. When a caregiver provides comfort at times, but also creates fear at other times, their child does not have a safe way to self-regulate their nervous system. If they are always dysregulated and anxious, they are likely to develop what is called “BPD” in adulthood. In essence, they are hard to help because authority figures and caregivers were not experienced as safe or reliable early in life. This may be why one caring adult, like a teacher or extended family member, is often mentioned in the cases where a survivor of abuse seems to be able to connect with others in a healthy way.
There can be a cost to a label, as some may label those with BPD as manipulative, dramatic or untreatable, rather than reflecting back how deep their hurt is and working harder to connect to these survivors. At the Resiliency clinic, we recognize the diagnosis of BPD as helpful for some clients, who may find medication from their doctor helpful for mood stabilization alongside therapy. We also embrace the fact some survivors find the diagnosis validating. However, we do not impose the label or focus on it, we let the client decide how to use it, and we focus on connection and healing.
Our Approach: Seeing Emotions as Messages, Not Problems
At our resiliency-focused Ottawa psychology and psychotherapy clinic, our approach to BPD treatment focuses on trauma work that sees intense emotions as messages, and signs that the client needs protective responses due to unhealed trauma. When clients see their symptoms as trauma responses, not personality flaws, we can reframe their suffering as the long-term effects of physical or relational trauma, not a character flaw or being “difficult”. We have various ways to help restore a sense of safety, including through a secure attachment in the therapy relationship itself that includes positive regard and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions About BPD Treatment in Ottawa
Is BPD treatable?
Absolutely. While BPD was once considered difficult to treat, modern trauma-informed approaches show excellent outcomes. Many people with BPD experience significant improvement in emotional regulation, relationships, and quality of life with the right therapeutic support.
How long does BPD treatment take?
Treatment length varies by individual. Some clients see meaningful progress within months, while others benefit from longer-term therapeutic relationships. At The Resiliency Clinic, we don’t rush healing—Stephanie Kaczer specializes in building the kind of long-term, trusting relationships that allow for genuine transformation.
What makes trauma-informed BPD treatment different?
Traditional approaches often focus on managing symptoms or “fixing” behaviors. Trauma-informed therapy recognizes that BPD symptoms are protective responses your nervous system developed to survive difficult early experiences. We work to understand the “why” behind your responses, help you feel safe in your body again, and build new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Does insurance cover BPD therapy in Ottawa?
Many Ottawa insurance plans cover psychology and psychotherapy services, with coverage ranging from $500-$2,000+ annually. Because our therapists work under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist and foudner (Michelle Sorensen), clients may have better insurance coverage. Contact us to discuss your specific plan, or explore our affordable therapy options including sliding scale fees and reduced-rate intern services.
BPD Treatment Ottawa: Finding the Right Therapist
At The Resiliency Clinic, our Ottawa-based psychologists and therapists specialize in compassionate BPD treatment that honors your experience and supports your healing. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been struggling with borderline personality disorder for years, our trauma-informed approach to BPD treatment in Ottawa offers hope and genuine pathways to healing.
Stephanie Kaczer brings extensive experience working with BPD, offering long-term therapeutic relationships built on trust, positive regard, and genuine understanding. Stephanie has been working in mental health in hospitals, community clinics, and research labs for almost a decade. She creates a safe space, allowing you to be your authentic self. She believes the therapeutic relationship is a critical component of the success of therapy
Ready to Begin BPD Treatment in Ottawa?
You deserve therapy that sees you as whole, capable, and worthy of healing—not broken or difficult. At The Resiliency Clinic, Stephanie Kaczer and our team of Ottawa therapists provide trauma-informed BPD treatment built on trust, compassion, and genuine understanding of what you’ve been through.
Book your free 15-minute consultation to explore whether our approach is the right fit for your healing journey. No pressure, no judgment—just a conversation about what support might look like for you.
Crisis Support: If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local emergency services or call the Ottawa Distress Centre at 613-238-3311.
