General psychosocial interventions

This represents a very broad category of interventions which are of value across different conditions and will not be specific to the treatment of personality disorder. It is beyond the scope of this document to attempt to make a list of general psychosocial interventions, but examples include crisis planning, problem-solving training, emotion regulation training and psychoeducation of various kinds. The category of general psychosocial interventions also includes recovery and relapse-prevention planning (for example, the Wellness Recovery Action Plan or (WRAP). As stated previously, it is important that any interventions used are coherent with, and informed by, the concepts described in the General Principles Section of this document and fit within an overall psychologically-informed formulation and treatment plan.

Crisis planning is of particular importance in personality disorder and should be considered early in any treatment process. When people with personality disorder experience intense emotions, their ability to think clearly is reduced, often even more than for other people. Hence a crisis plan can be invaluable, with options and contacts for dealing with a crisis situation readily available.

Although a crisis plan may be produced in collaboration with a clinician, it necessarily remains the patient’s document. However, clearly it is likely to be useful for the patient to share copies with relevant people. Examples of crisis self-management plan templates can be found in the Appendix.