Internal Family Systems Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder
(IFS for BPD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new approach to assist individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, and impulsive actions. The focus is on testing Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which views the mind as a collection of parts, each with its own thoughts and feelings. IFS aims to help individuals understand and accept these parts, promoting a calmer and more centered life. The trial seeks participants in Ontario, Canada, who have been diagnosed with BPD and can commit to up to 50 therapy sessions over 15 months.
As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy methods and contribute to advancing mental health treatment.
What prior data suggests that internal family systems therapy is safe for individuals with borderline personality disorder?
Research shows that internal family systems (IFS) therapy is being explored for its safety and potential benefits for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This therapy views the mind as composed of different "parts," each with its own thoughts and feelings. Although IFS has not been specifically studied for BPD, it aims to foster internal harmony and understanding, which could benefit those experiencing intense emotional fluctuations.
As this is the first study of IFS for BPD, direct information on its safety for this group is unavailable. However, IFS's structured approach, which emphasizes increasing awareness and acceptance, suggests it is gentle and supportive. This approach might indicate it is likely to be well-tolerated, especially since licensed mental health professionals guide the process.
The therapy occurs in a safe setting with trained experts, enhancing participant safety. While this study is new for BPD, the IFS framework provides a supportive environment that many may find helpful and safe.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which often include medication and dialectical behavior therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy takes a unique approach. IFS conceptualizes the mind as a system of subpersonalities, or "parts," organized around a compassionate, stable core Self. This therapy focuses on promoting internal harmony by increasing awareness, acceptance, and cooperation among these parts and the Self. Researchers are excited about IFS Therapy because it offers a new way to address the complex emotional dynamics in BPD, potentially leading to deeper, more sustainable healing.
What evidence suggests that Internal Family Systems Therapy might be an effective treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder?
Research on Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is just beginning. This trial will evaluate IFS therapy, which views the mind as having different "parts," each with its own feelings and thoughts. Participants will engage in IFS therapy to understand and accept these parts, leading to a calmer and more balanced self. Although this is the first study focused on IFS for BPD, the approach might help by addressing the mixed and self-critical feelings common in BPD. Early results in other conditions suggest it can support emotional healing and self-kindness, potentially benefiting those with BPD.1236
Who Is on the Research Team?
Barna Konkoly-Thege, PhD
Principal Investigator
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), characterized by emotional instability, impulsive behavior, and relationship challenges. Participants will engage in up to 50 sessions of internal family systems therapy over 15 months. The study seeks people who can commit to the duration and are interested in exploring a new therapeutic approach.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive weekly, one-hour IFS therapy sessions over approximately 12 to 15 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in symptoms and overall mental health after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Internal Family Systems Therapy
Trial Overview
The trial is testing internal family systems therapy, which treats the mind as having various 'parts' with distinct thoughts and feelings. It aims to foster self-compassion and unity within oneself, potentially benefiting those with BPD who often experience inner turmoil and self-criticism.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will engage in internal family systems therapy in the individual format. This form of psychotherapy conceptualizes the mind as a system of subpersonalities ('parts') organized around a compassionate, stable core Self. The approach promotes internal harmony through increasing awareness, acceptance, and cooperation among these parts and the Self. Participants will receive weekly, up to 50, one-hour IFS therapy sessions in the private mental health care setting over approximately 12 to 15 months. Treatment will be delivered by two licensed mental health professionals trained in the IFS model. Participants will pay a significantly subsidized session fee to reduce financial burden of participation in the intervention.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Internal Family Systems Therapy for Borderline Personality ...
Objectives: The primary objective of this pilot study is to assess preliminary effectiveness of internal family systems (IFS) therapy in ...
A systematic review of dialectical behaviour therapy ...
This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of DBT, MBT and IFS for treating BPD with comorbid depression and/or anxiety (BPD + D/A).
3.
ctv.veeva.com
ctv.veeva.com/study/internal-family-systems-therapy-for-borderline-personality-disorderInternal Family Systems Therapy for Borderline Personality ...
This will be the first study to examine internal family systems therapy for BPD. We will run a small pilot study with 15 participants.
Borderline personality disorder: a comprehensive review of ...
Thirty‐four percent of patients lost their recovery and 30% their remission status after a two‐year long remission . Of note, most individuals ...
Suggesting internal family systems-informed eye movement ...
As protectors build trust and a sense of safety, the therapist can ask what they would be afraid would happen if they did not have their role, ...
6.
ftm.aamft.org
ftm.aamft.org/systemic-safety-planning-therapy-with-suicidal-borderline-personality-disordered-couples/Systemic Safety Planning: Therapy with Suicidal Borderline ...
It is suggested that systemic safety planning could be beneficial to help partners de-escalate conflict, communicate more effectively, and ideally decrease ...
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