Therapeutic work with personality disorders rarely follows a straight line. Clients often move through cycles of improvement and setbacks, emotional clarity and confusion, connection and withdrawal. This session explores how to navigate the natural ebb and flow of change, with a focus on distinguishing between clinical regression and periods of remission.

Regression can occur when a client becomes overwhelmed, triggered, or emotionally dysregulated, leading to a temporary return to old patterns, such as impulsivity, splitting, or self-harm. Rather than viewing this as failure, we’ll discuss how to understand regression as part of the healing process and an opportunity to strengthen insight, build new coping strategies, and deepen the therapeutic alliance.

Remission, on the other hand, is often misunderstood. It doesn’t always mean the absence of symptoms, but rather an increase in emotional regulation, relationship stability, and internal coherence. Clinicians will learn how to identify signs of true remission, such as reduced reactivity, greater self-awareness, and more consistent behavior across settings, and support clients in maintaining these gains.

We’ll also address how to talk with clients about setbacks without reinforcing shame or hopelessness, and how to normalize the nonlinear nature of recovery. Case examples will highlight how clinicians can remain steady, validating, and focused during both regression and remission periods.