Becoming Trustworthy in Treating Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Ethics

Background:

• Trust is crucial in psychotherapy, yet its complexities and the therapist's role in establishing trustworthiness are often overlooked.
• Contemporary philosophy offers insights into trust and trustworthiness as ethical concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted nature of trust and trustworthiness in psychotherapy.
• To examine the social-cognitive development of trust and distrust, particularly in borderline personality disorder.
• To advocate for a shift in focus towards therapists cultivating their own trustworthiness.

Main Methods:

• Integrative review of scientific literature and philosophical concepts related to trust.
• Analysis of trust and distrust development within the therapeutic context.
• Exploration of borderline personality disorder as a case study for distrust.

Main Results:

• Trust and trustworthiness are complex, ethically-grounded phenomena.
• Understanding the development of trust and distrust is key in psychotherapy.
• Therapists face a continuous challenge to build trustworthiness throughout their careers.

Conclusions:

• The therapeutic relationship hinges on the therapist's active cultivation of trustworthiness.
• Shifting focus from patient distrust to therapist trustworthiness enhances the therapeutic alliance.
• Ethical considerations of trust are paramount for effective psychotherapy practice.