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Amanda L. Smith, LCSW

900 Austin Ave
Waco, TX, 76701
941.704.4328
Borderline Personality Disorder, Self-Injury, and Emotional Dysregulation

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Amanda L. Smith, LCSW

  • Let's Work Together
  • Help for Families
  • Testimonials
  • Books and Articles
  • DBT Self-Help
  • Blog

Understanding Identity and Self-Awareness

January 4, 2018 Amanda Smith
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Who are you? Who do others think you are?

These are sometimes difficult questions or ideas for individuals who are emotionally sensitive or who are coping with a mental health diagnosis.

Anyone is welcome to join us—including family members and friends—on Wednesday, January 10 at 8:00 pm Eastern/5:00 pm Pacific for a closer look at how we can understand ourselves, our values, our strengths, and our relationships better.

The investment for this live 90-minute webinar is just $19. However it's free for subscribers to My Dialectical Life. If you're a subscriber, email me for a special invitation.

The webinar will also be recorded for future listening. Simply log in and access the recording. It's that easy!

Please click here to register today.

How to Let Borderline Personality Disorder Ruin Your Life

August 4, 2017 Amanda Smith

It's important to recognize that individuals with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder have a very good or even excellent prognosis. Most people not only get better but they remain healthier and happier for the rest of their lives.

However if you're someone who would like to stay miserable for decades, here are some tips for staying stuck as long as possible.

1. Invalidate yourself.

You can engage in invalidation by calling yourself names, telling yourself that you can't do something, imagining that you'll never get what you want, and by thinking that life will never improve. If you find that you're having neutral or even positive thoughts, firmly decide that recovery is for other people and that an evidence-based treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy is imperfect and just won't work for you.

2. Stay in bed.

If you're tempted to get out of bed at a reasonable time, imagine all the things that may happen if you leave your home. Tell friends that you are too sad or suicidal to get together with them. Tell your family members that you know nothing will ever change and that you'll always be a failure. Keep thinking that you can really only rely on the illusion of friendship you may get from Netflix and gaming from the safety of your bedroom.

3. Don't go to treatment.

You might think that treatment or therapy might help but just consider how imperfect therapists and treatment programs are. At some point, they are going to ask you to make a commitment to making tiny changes or they might even suggest that you work towards accepting yourself just the way you are. You already know that it's going to be challenging. Isn't it easier just to stay in bed?

4. Ignore your physical health.

Tell yourself that a poor diet, no regular sleep schedule, or a lack of exercise doesn't make any difference in how you feel emotionally. I mean, you're an adult. Why not eat whatever you want and sleep whenever you want? Exercise may just wear you out. If someone tells you that you might feel better if you go for a walk, ignore them and tell them that they don't understand what depression is like.

5. Be dismissive (or downright mean) to the people who care about you the most.

If someone tells you that they love you, scoff at or ridicule them. If someone tells you that they care, believe that there is something wrong with them. When other people want to hang out with you, never say yes because it will only encourage them to ask again. Remind yourself that if you keep burning your bridges, people really will leave you alone. Thankfully, being alone will reinforce your feelings of loneliness and make them even stronger. This will give you even more to complain about.

Staying stuck is a choice that you don't have to make. Today you can do something different.

Ready to take steps to try something different? Contact me at amanda@hopeforbpd.com.

Borderline Documentary is Coming to Waco

June 10, 2017 Amanda Smith

Join me for an evening at downtown Waco's historic Hippodrome Theater where will view the documentary Borderline by filmmaker Rebbie Ratner, MFA.

This special event will take place on Wednesday, September 6 at 7:00 pm. The address for the Hippodrome is 724 Austin Avenue.

While the film is free to attendees, seating is limited. A suggested donation of a tax-deductible gift of $5.00 will benefit NAMI Waco. 

Please reserve your seat today by emailing Amanda L. Smith, LCSW at amanda@hopeforbpd.com. 

For more information, check out the film's web site.

My Life is Worth Living: A DBT-Inspired Booklet

March 21, 2017 Amanda Smith
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My Life is Worth Living: A 30-day booklet to help you identify your reasons for living


The idea for this booklet was inspired by the article Do reasons for living protect against suicidal thoughts and behaviors? A systemic review of the literature (2016). The researchers' important work took a closer look at the helpfulness of Marsha Linehan's Reasons for Living Inventory. Dr. Linehan created dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and knows a lot about preventing suicide.

The quick answer to the question of "Do reasons for living protect against suicidal thoughts and behaviors?" is a resounding "YES!" Thinking and writing about your reasons for living can help you today and tomorrow. It's a practical and easy way for you to help yourself if you're someone who thinks about suicide or self-harming behaviors.

This small 5 x 7 inch journal will take you through the next 30 days. It's okay if you have dozens of reasons for living or maybe just one or two. What's most important is that you start listing your reasons for living every single day.

Click here to purchase now for $9.

Questions or interested in ordering multiple copies at a discount? Email me at amanda@hopeforbpd.com.

Stronger Than BPD: An Interview with Author Debbie Corso

March 16, 2017 Amanda Smith
Stronger Than BPD offers hope for recovery

Stronger Than BPD offers hope for recovery

Hope for Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder

I love sharing recovery stories and am excited that author, educator, and advocate Debbie Corso has written an inspiring book that I know will help others.

Below you'll find an email interview with my friend Debbie about writing, effective treatment, and what it's like to be on the other side of BPD.

Who is this book for? Who did you have in mind as you were writing it?
I wrote this book primarily for people suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD), BPD traits, or emotional sensitivity.  Stronger than BPD is an empowerment tool. It helps destigmatize BPD, de-pathologize emotional sensitivity, and it offers scientifically validated Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills that have helped me and countless others learn to manage intense emotions and thrive in this world.  I also wrote this book so that loved ones, as well as professionals, will be encouraged that it is possible for their family member or client with BPD traits to recover and go into remission. It is possible for their loved one or client to be in a very difficult place today and to no longer meet the criteria for a borderline personality disorder diagnosis in the future.

Was writing Stronger Than BPD personally challenging to write?
There were some sections that were particularly challenging to write. Although I have been quite an open book about my mental health journey with BPD, I sometimes still feel vulnerable sharing certain aspects of my personal experience. In some cases, listening to my Wise Mind in those moments meant that I found another way to write about a certain topic, but in other cases, it meant taking a deep breath and using opposite action to the fear—I put the information into the book even though it caused me a little anxiety, because I knew the potential for the example to help countless others who are struggling and suffering. 

It was also challenging to write about coping with a severe episode of multiple sclerosis. The reason I chose to push through and write that section was to show that these skills aren't just about coping with the day to day challenges and upsets we face, but they can also help us break down big life issues so that we can deal with those skillfully as well.

What was a typical day like for you when you were writing Stronger Than BPD?
A typical day was at my desk, sitting by a window, looking at the trees and rain while writing. I'd make myself a cup of herbal tea or have some bubbly water nearby. Other times, I'd head to Starbucks or the library to write.  I'd turn on classical or spa music. I can only listen to music without words while I write.

What has DBT meant to you? How has it changed your life?
DBT has absolutely been life-changing, and that's why I so passionately teach it and spread the word on a global scale!  DBT, for me, was like taking an Adulting 101 class. I learned so many skills that many people naturally acquire while growing up in a healthy home environment.  I also learned skills that many people who do not have BPD traits, such as black or white thinking or fear of abandonment and rejection, take for granted. At first, I felt embarrassed that I didn't know things that seemed, as I learned them, should have been common sense for an adult. But we can't learn what wasn't modeled for us or taught to us, so I learned to accept this and treat myself with self-compassion. Learning these skills allowed me to learn to embrace my emotional sensitivity and manage my emotional intensity, which has allowed me to build a life worth living. I founded an online school (DBT Path) to teach others these skills. I have a wonderful therapist co-facilitator, and we teach DBT skills to people all around the globe. Yes, DBT has been totally life-changing for me!

What is your favorite skill to use?
Self-Soothing! I used to think self-care and self-soothing equaled self-indulgence or selfishness. It's just not true. I went from feeling undeserving of self-soothing to it being one of my go-to skills when I've problem-solved and there isn't an immediate solution to a distressing situation. This might look like going outside and getting some fresh air, making a blanket cocoon on the couch and watching a favorite TV program, or having a square of really nice dark chocolate.

Do you think that anyone can recover from BPD using the skills from DBT?
I wish this were the case, and I know that DBT has and can help many, many people with BPD. The reality is, everyone is different, and some people may respond to other modalities better. The most important thing for someone with BPD traits to do is be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional and then discuss treatment options that would be the best fit for them.  That being said, DBT skills are helping people, including teenagers, with better interpersonal communication skills. They are helping entrepreneurs be more effective in their business communications. They are helping people with eating disorders. And, they are helping many people with Borderline Personality Disorder enter into recovery and remission.  I think these skills have the potential to help many people with different backgrounds and challenges.

What inspires you today?
Graphic design of all things. It's something that has not been an inherent talent for me. I've challenged myself by taking several courses, and I'm getting better! I love looking at and admiring the work of graphic designers.

I am also inspired by the Universe. Remembering that we are made of stardust is something that is not only poetic but a scientific fact. I find that quite inspiring. :)

What's your favorite pizza topping?
I'm a vegetarian who eats a mostly vegan diet...so my favorite pizza topping is veggies, and of course vegan cheese.

You can buy Debbie's new book by clicking here. Congratulations Debbie!

10 Excellent Reasons for Not Getting Help for Borderline Personality Disorder and Self-Injury

February 5, 2017 Amanda Smith
You can feel better.

There are lots of really good reasons (and maybe a few not-so-good ones) for putting off getting the help, treatment, and support you need to recovery from borderline personality disorder or other self-harming behaviors.

Here are just 10:

1. Getting better requires lots of really hard work.

2. It's easier to resign yourself to the idea that you cannot be happy due to previous mistakes or past abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events.

3. At least you know what to expect when you stay in bed all day.

4. You cannot imagine a life that's not dictated by your emotions and roller-coaster mood swings.

5. You don't have the money, time, insurance, or it's just too far to travel to health care professionals and treatment programs.

6. Fear of failure. Again.

7. Asking for help leaves you feeling too vulnerable.

8. You're waiting for someone else to change first.

9. Family members and friends will begin to go away if they think you are better and no longer need them.

10. Even DBT creator Marsha Linehan says that all therapists act like "jerks" at one time or another.

What's next?

What are you telling yourself today? What are your reasons?

Sometimes obstacles can become opportunities. Please let me know if I can help.

I can be reached by email at amanda@hopeforbpd.com.

Better Relationships for Emotionally Sensitive Persons: An On-Demand Webinar

January 17, 2017 Amanda Smith

Creating and then sustaining healthy relationships takes a lot of hard work.

If you or someone you love is coping with emotional ups and downs then those healthy relationships can feel like an dream that may never come true. In this 60-minute webinar, I'll give you short, actionable steps for you to increase your relational happiness right away.

I cover topics such as:

• Identifying healthy relationships
• Developing greater self-awareness
• The role of forgiveness in healthy relationships
• How gratitude can improve your relationships overnight
• Attracting healthier people in our lives

This presentation is not just for individuals with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. It's for anyone would is interested in improving any important relationships. Family members and friends are welcome to participate.

This webinar is available on-demand so you can listen at anytime by registering here now.

The investment is just $19.

Wondering if this webinar is right for you? I'm available to answer any questions you have. Please contact me at amanda@hopeforbpd.com.

2017: Your Best Year Yet

November 30, 2016 Amanda Smith

Are you ready to create your best year?

Here's your opportunity to join 24 other compassionate, nonjudgmental, and highly-motivated individuals who want to make 2017 their happiest and healthiest year yet.

Beginning January 1, 2017 we'll start together on a 12-week online journey that is designed to help us implement our own personalized strategy that will help us work towards creating the life we were meant to live. We'll be working with author Danielle LaPorte's The Desire Map to guide us through the process.

Weekly activities, homework assignments, and writing prompts will be self-led. All participants are encouraged to work at a pace that is comfortable to them.

This course is open to anyone—persons recovering from borderline personality disorder, self-harming behaviors, and addictions. Family members, friends, and mental health professionals are welcome to participate as well.

Please note that this course will be limited to 24 individuals. Registration will close automatically when the capacity is met. The cost is just $49. You can sign up here today.

Questions? Thoughts? Contact me today at amanda@hopeforbpd.com.

2016: A (Research) Year in Review

November 26, 2016 Amanda Smith

2016 has been an important year for research and I want to share this information with you.

On Saturday, December 17 at 4:00 pm Eastern/1:00 pm Pacific, I'd love for you to join me for a free 60-minute webinar. This webinar is for anyone interested in learning more about the latest in research behind borderline personality disorder and self-harming behaviors.

We'll cover topics such as:

• Best practices in using medication to treat the symptoms of BPD
• Self-stigma and how it effects recovery
• Effectively reducing self-harming behaviors such as intentional overdoses
• Nutritional factors in mental health
• Understanding why evidence-based treatments may not be effective
• The problem in avoiding negative emotions

Won't be able to attend live? That's okay! This presentation will be recorded for future listening for registered participants.

Registration is limited to just 100 participants.

While this presentation is no longer available, please sign-up for my mailing list to be notified about future opportunities.

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DBT 101: A Free Webinar

July 23, 2016 Amanda Smith
DBT 101: A Free Webinar Designed Just for You

DBT 101: A Free Webinar Designed Just for You

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (or DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals suffering from suicidal thinking, intense emotions, and self-sabotaging behaviors to create lives worth living.

On Saturday, July 30 at 4:00 pm Eastern/1:00 pm Pacific, I'd love for you to join me for a free 60-minute webinar. I'll provide you with an overview of DBT and tell you about the science behind its effectiveness. This webinar is for anyone interested in learning more about this treatment.

Won't be able to attend live? That's okay! This presentation will be recorded for future listening for registered participants.

While this presentation is no longer available, please sign up for my mailing list to be notified about future events.

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Amanda L. Smith, LCSW
900 Austin Avenue Suite 1104
Waco, Texas 76701
amanda@hopeforbpd.com

Compassionate and confidential treatment options for emotion dysregulation disorders and borderline personality disorder.