Borderline Personality Disorders/Self Harm
Cygnet operates a treatment programme for women with Borderline Personality Disorder and associated traits. We treat women who self-harm, exhibit parasuicidal behaviours and whose lives are in crisis. We provide two types of service using our innovative therapy technique, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or DBT:
- Short term crisis intervention
- Longer term therapeutic treatment programme
Pioneered in the USA, DBT helps clients to accept themselves as they are while encouraging them to change harmful behaviour. DBT emphasises learning how to solve problems and develop more adaptive ways of dealing with difficulties. It has been shown to reduce the frequency of suicidal feelings, help women stay in therapy and reduce the number of inpatient stays.
Treatment is overseen by a named team that includes a Consultant Psychiatrist, an individual therapist and nurse. Our holistic therapeutic service also provides access to other forms of therapy and may include art, music, drama and yoga that is tailored to each client's specific difficulties.
Our female only wards offer a safe and secure environment. Each client has her own room and is encouraged to make it as homely as possible during her stay. The length of stay will vary according to need, however regular clinical updates are provided by the consultant.
Assisting us to manage this challenging client group are our female PICU wards (either on site or nearby) that can admit women in a more severe crisis with a view to referring them to this service should it become clinically appropriate.
Referral forms can be downloaded here or alternatively, please phone the relevant hospital to make a referral. Once a referral has been received, an assessment will be organised as soon as possible. You will be notified of the result of the assessment within 24-48 hours.
