Yes, it is possible for a person with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), even one who has been in therapy for some time, to still experience "splitting" behavior in their relationships. Splitting is a defense mechanism commonly associated with BPD, where a person sees others or themselves in black-and-white terms, either as all good or all bad, with little room for shades of gray or complexity.
Therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with BPD in helping them understand their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve their relationships. Through therapy, they may gain insight into their splitting tendencies and learn techniques to manage these behaviors.
However, BPD is a complex and challenging disorder to treat, and progress can be gradual. Even with therapy, it's common for individuals with BPD to continue struggling with symptoms and emotional dysregulation. They may still occasionally resort to splitting when faced with distressing or triggering situations.
Factors that may influence the persistence of splitting behavior despite therapy include:
Severity of BPD: The severity of the individual's BPD symptoms can vary, and those with more severe symptoms may find it harder to completely eliminate splitting tendencies.
Stress and triggers: Stressful events or triggers in the person's life can exacerbate BPD symptoms, including splitting behavior. Coping with stressful situations may still be challenging, even with therapy.
Progress and insight: While therapy can help individuals gain insight into their behaviors, it might take time for them to internalize and apply the lessons learned in therapy to real-life situations.
Interpersonal patterns: Early experiences and relationship dynamics can play a significant role in the development of BPD and its associated behaviors. Unraveling deep-seated patterns can be a lengthy process in therapy.
Comorbid conditions: BPD often coexists with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. These comorbidities can complicate the treatment process and may impact the persistence of splitting behavior.
It's crucial for individuals with BPD to continue engaging in therapy and treatment, even if they still struggle with splitting or other symptoms. Progress can be gradual, and therapy can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall well-being.
For loved ones and partners of individuals with BPD, it's essential to maintain empathy, patience, and open communication. Engaging in couples or family therapy can also be beneficial in understanding and addressing relationship dynamics and finding ways to support each other through the challenges that may arise.