
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder with Amanda L. Smith, LCSW
10/22/24 • 42 min
1 Listener
In this episode of Hope Stories with Sister Josephine Garrett, Amanda Smith, a Catholic therapist and executive director at NAMI, shares her insights on borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the transformative potential of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They discuss the profound emotional pain and fear of abandonment experienced by individuals with BPD, the societal and self-stigmatization of the disorder, and the importance of early intervention and treatment. Amanda emphasizes the intersection of faith and therapy, highlighting how internalizing God's unconditional love can aid in the healing process. The episode also explores Amanda's experiences with burnout and the emotional toll of working with underserved populations, calling for increased compassion and understanding towards those with personality disorders.
Blessed Eustochium Bellini, Pray for us.
Links:
- Amanda's Website Hope for BPD
- Amanda's Amazon Author Page
- Information on BPD
- Helpful therapy approach for personality disorders
- Learn all about Blessed Eustochium Bellin
Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.
Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/
In this episode of Hope Stories with Sister Josephine Garrett, Amanda Smith, a Catholic therapist and executive director at NAMI, shares her insights on borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the transformative potential of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They discuss the profound emotional pain and fear of abandonment experienced by individuals with BPD, the societal and self-stigmatization of the disorder, and the importance of early intervention and treatment. Amanda emphasizes the intersection of faith and therapy, highlighting how internalizing God's unconditional love can aid in the healing process. The episode also explores Amanda's experiences with burnout and the emotional toll of working with underserved populations, calling for increased compassion and understanding towards those with personality disorders.
Blessed Eustochium Bellini, Pray for us.
Links:
- Amanda's Website Hope for BPD
- Amanda's Amazon Author Page
- Information on BPD
- Helpful therapy approach for personality disorders
- Learn all about Blessed Eustochium Bellin
Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.
Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/
Previous Episode

In the Middle: The First Generation American Experience with Maribel Laguna, LPC-S
In this episode of the Hope Stories podcast, Sister Josephine Garrett welcomes her lifelong friend Maribel Laguna, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and founder of Cor Sacrum Counseling and Consulting. They discuss the unique experiences of first-generation Mexican American women and the mental health challenges they face navigating multiple cultural worlds. Maribel shares her personal journey towards integration and healing through therapy and EMDR, as well as her appreciation for her Latin American heritage and faith. The episode also touches on her role in counseling seminarians and clergy, emphasizing the importance of authentic human relationships. Maribel's story is one of self-acceptance, faith, and the journey towards finding home within one's cultural identity.
"Those who remain silent are responsible" Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Links:
Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.
Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/
Next Episode

From Darkness to Light: Postpartum Depression with Emily Dery
In this episode of Hope Stories, Sister Josephine Garrett talks with Emily Dery, a multi-passionate mother of four, about the challenges of postpartum depression and anxiety. Emily shares her personal experiences with three of her pregnancies, the varied symptoms she faced, and how it impacted her family life. She reflects on her path to diagnosis, the support systems that helped her, and the role of her faith and family in her recovery. The conversation dives deep into the importance of mental health awareness, seeking help, and the transformative power of love and support in overcoming life's struggles.
Links:
- Nothing Without God: Finding Faith and Healing Postpartum
- Rose Hawthorne Declared ‘Venerable’
- Pregnant and Postpartum Women
- Identifying Maternal Depression
- Emily Dery's Music YouTube Page
This episode is sponsored by Box of Joy.
Learn more by visiting boxofjoy.org
Journey to a new depth of hope, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, with Sr. Josephine in her new book HOPE: An Invitation. Available at osvcatholicbookstore.com.
Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.
Learn more about Sr. Josephine at:
https://nazarethcsfn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sr_josephine/
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