Families of borderline clients: opening the door to therapeutic interaction

Clients who have borderline personality disorders have special needs for family involvement in their treatment, and inpatient staff members need to be aware of these needs. This article discusses reactions staff may experience when treating such clients and families, reasons why establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with family members is important, and ways of approaching and developing these relationships. Confrontation and limit-setting are seen as especially important, as is the role of teaching and support.