Yes, it is not uncommon for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to experience feelings of fatigue or frustration in their therapeutic relationships. There are several reasons why this may occur:
Idealization and Devaluation: As mentioned earlier, individuals with BPD tend to experience extreme shifts in their feelings towards others, including their therapists. At times, they may idealize their therapist, viewing them as a savior or someone who understands them completely. However, this idealization can be followed by devaluation, where they may suddenly see their therapist as uncaring or ineffective.
Fear of Abandonment: People with BPD often struggle with a fear of abandonment, and this fear can also manifest within the therapeutic relationship. They may worry that their therapist will leave them or reject them, leading to a desire to distance themselves from the therapist preemptively.
Challenges in Trust and Intimacy: Establishing and maintaining trust and intimacy can be difficult for individuals with BPD due to their past experiences of trauma, invalidation, or turbulent relationships. As therapy progresses and delves into deep emotional issues, it can trigger feelings of vulnerability and discomfort.
Emotional Intensity: Therapy for BPD can be emotionally intense and draining. The process of exploring and processing emotions, addressing core issues, and challenging maladaptive patterns can be overwhelming, leading to fatigue or burnout.
Resistance to Change: BPD is characterized by patterns of behavior that are deeply ingrained. Making changes and breaking free from these patterns can be challenging and uncomfortable, leading some individuals to avoid or resist therapy.
Difficulty with Emotional Regulation: People with BPD may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to moments of heightened distress or frustration during therapy sessions.
It is essential for both the therapist and the individual with BPD to be aware of these dynamics and work through them collaboratively. Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, setting appropriate boundaries, and employing specialized treatment approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can be beneficial in managing these challenges.
If you are a person with BPD feeling tired of seeing your therapist, it might be helpful to discuss these feelings openly with your therapist. A skilled therapist will understand these dynamics and work with you to address your concerns and provide appropriate support. Remember that therapy is a process, and building a trusting therapeutic relationship takes time and effort from both the therapist and the client. If needed, don't hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals who specialize in BPD or personality disorders.