Dramatherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder

This enriching practice based book focuses on a complex client group, who often struggle to obtain adequate treatment. The descriptions of the work are detailed, humane and knowledgeable, drawing on a range of dramatherapist experiences, whilst including the wider multidisciplinary team of professionals through feedback. Client stories are illustrated with poems, images, as well as directly elicited feedback. The diagnosis and treatment chapters offer nuanced information and changes over time about how clients are perceived, whilst recognizing the continuous effect of stigma. The dramatherapy sessions are described in clear detail in a variety of settings, so that the individuality of the clients shines through. It will be useful to see this book complemented by other arts therapies’ volumes. The current inclusion of music, art and movement within dramatherapy elicits questions about collaborative or medium specific interventions across the arts therapies; enabling further development of theory and research around the role of creativity in the treatment of BPD.

Ditty Dokter PhD, UKCP registered groupanalytic psychotherapist and ADMPUK registered dance movement psychotherapist.

This book brings alive the joys and pain of living and working with individuals suffering the impact of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder on their lives. Nicky Morris, through her skilled use of the techniques of Dramatherapy, is seen to be present, alongside patients and staff, in an emotionally available way to facilitate helpful changes to the lives of this ‘difficult to work with’ client group. She brings warmth, humanity, compassion and caring to all her working relationships, and to her writing. This book will be of significant help to both patients and professionals striving to work together towards ‘a life worth living’.

Kevin Healy, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director Cygnet Healthcare Ealing and Kenton

This is a hopeful and refreshing book. It is honest and does not shy away from the complexity of client material, illustrating effectively how dramatherapy can change shape, pace and colour to enhance and develop the therapeutic process. Nicky Morris engages the reader through a skilled and compassionate lens. The book offers a solid account of the developments in BPD treatment and diagnosis and through highlighting the stigma BPD attracts goes some way to lessening it. The individual voice of the client jumps out of the page offering a rare insight from inside the therapy space.

Dr Alyson Coleman, Chair of British Association of Dramatherapists