Stephanie Campoli Psychotherapy Blog

Telling the people in your life about a BPD diagnosis is hard. This post walks you through what to say, what to expect, and how to navigate the conversation — from a DBT therapist who has worked closely with this for years.

I want to be straight with you: a BPD diagnosis is not the worst thing that can happen to you. In many ways, getting the right diagnosis is the beginning of getting the right help. And with the right treatment, BPD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions there is. Let me explain what I mean.

If you've been searching for a trauma therapist in Oshawa, you already know how overwhelming it can feel. You scroll through directories, read bios that all sound the same, and try to figure out who might actually be a good fit for the specific, complicated, very human things you're carrying. It's a lot. And it often happens at a point in your life when you're already running low.

By Stephanie Campoli, MSW, RSW | Psychotherapist in Oshawa, Ontario She looked at me like I’d suggested she try flapping her arms and flying home. I’d just gently floated the idea of being a little kinder to herself — nothing dramatic, no journaling prompts with bubble baths involved — and her response was immediate. Almost allergic. “That feels fake.” Then, quieter: “I don’t think I can do that.” I’ve had some version of this conversation more times than I can count. And ev

Homework in DBT therapy is a vital part of the healing journey. It’s where you get to practice new skills, reflect on your progress, and build resilience in your daily life. If you’re wondering why homework matters so much in DBT, or how to approach it with kindness and patience, you’re in the right place.

With evidence-based treatments like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Borderline Personality Disorder is actually considered one of the most treatable mental health diagnoses. In my work as a therapist, I regularly see people learn the skills they need to regulate emotions, improve relationships, and build lives that feel meaningful and stable.

When suicidal thoughts feel overwhelming, it can be hard to see a way forward. I want you to know that you are not alone, and there are tools that can help you navigate these difficult moments. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills designed to help manage intense emotions and thoughts, including those related to suicide.

Understanding Radical Acceptance in DBT Ever since I started my training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), I knew that radical acceptance would be one of the most challenging—and emotionally tumultuous—skills to practice. I wasn’t surprised when I spoke with other DBT clinicians and colleagues who shared the same belief. In fact, Marsha Linehan herself acknowledges how difficult it can be. Radical acceptance lies at the heart of DBT. It’s absolutely necessary to build

Understanding DBT and Its Core Principles People often think Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) works because of the skills worksheets or the structure. And yes, the skills are great. But honestly? The thing that really changes people is the relationship . Marsha Linehan writes about this clearly: In DBT, the connection between therapist and client is part of the treatment itself. This connection is especially important when being your real self, being honest, and talking op

Understanding the Role of Homework in DBT Whether you have just started a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) program or are considering accessing this form of support in the future, one of the first topics you will encounter is homework. The word "homework" may evoke memories of stressful classroom experiences or feelings of failure linked to past learning. However, in DBT, homework serves a different purpose. It is designed to help you apply newly learned skills in your dai

The holidays tend to bring out the best and the most stressful parts of our relationships. Expectations pile up, routines shift, and suddenly you’re doing emotional gymnastics just to keep everyone happy.This is exactly the kind of situation Marsha Linehan created DEAR MAN for a structured way to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively. Below is a short guide you can use right away, especially if you’re heading into family dinners, group chats, party planning, or

Have you ever sent an angry message you immediately regretted? The DBT STOP Skill is a simple 4-step distress tolerance technique that helps you pause before you react and choose a more intentional response instead.