Wise Moments: A four-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder

BackgroundBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition. Wise Moments is a four-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-themed intervention for the preliminary treatment of BPD. It focuses on the ACT concept of the 'self-as-context' (the 'observing self'), encouraging the person diagnosed with BPD to notice and observe their internal mental states without judgement. This study assessed the acceptability and efficacy of an ultra-brief, individual intervention based on ACT principles, designed for clients experiencing symptoms of BPD.MethodSelf-administered paper-based questionnaires were used to assess BPD symptom severity, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, self-compassion, and psychological wellbeing. Outcomes were analysed using a within subjects design, with clients assessed at admission and discharge.ResultsFifty-one participants completed Wise Moments. The majority were female (76%) with a mean age of 35.25 years (range 18-63 years). Statistically significant improvements on all clinical outcomes were evident following completion of the Wise Moments program.ConclusionsThe results suggest that placing an early emphasis on the self-as-context within an ultra-brief intervention program has important clinical utility and supports psychological change.