This episode explores the biology and nature of anger in borderline personality disorder ("BPD Rage") and practical strategies family members, friends and partners can use to respond to BPD rage.

Some people get angry, while some people just see red. In this episode, Dr. Kibby lifts the veil on what’s happening in the brain during these emotional storms and shares proven strategies to manage, soothe, and respond effectively. You might feel helpless as your loved one spirals into a rage that lasts for hours, fueled by triggers deep in their brain’s emotional wiring. Dr. Kibby unpacks why BPD rage is so overwhelming, rooted in hyper-reactive amygdalas, weak prefrontal regulation, and a cascade of shame and rejection fears. It's not about bad character or being "evil," but a biological response, amplified by social triggers like betrayal, abandonment, or misunderstood intentions. These emotional storms often appear suddenly, with the flip of a switch, and how they can mimic psychosis or demon-like behavior, leaving loved ones terrified and powerless. Dr. Kibby breaks down the neuroscience behind BPD rage, including the brain’s regulatory pathways.

Then, the conversation offers practical, research-backed communication techniques that help de-escalate these heightened states. Dr. Kibby shares specific scripts and real-life stories that reveal how these tools can prevent escalation, reduce personal attacks, and promote healing instead of blame. Learn why acknowledging the emotional experience, rather than dismissing it, is crucial for injury prevention and long-term connection. Most importantly, she emphasizes that setting boundaries around dangerous behavior isn’t about blame- it’s about safety and self-care. Whether you’re a parent, partner, or therapist, this episode offers a compassionate, no-nonsense blueprint to handle BPD rage.

This episode describes how to respond when a teen, adolescent or young adult says they want to hurt themselves or kill themselves.

It's horrifying when someone as young as 12-20 years old says they want to take their own life. When a teen or young adult confesses thoughts of hurting themselves or even hints at a plan, panic often kicks in...but what you do next can mean the difference between life and tragedy. In this episode, Dr. Kibby describes how you can transform fear into effective, life-saving support. If you're a parent, clinician, educator, or anyone caring for at-risk youth, this episode will change your perspective on how to handle these terrifying moments with compassion, clarity, and confidence. In this honest conversation, you'll discover why traditional reactions often do more harm than good and how shifting from control to understanding can unlock trust and safety.

Dr. Kibby shares insights from her nearly lifelong work with mental health crises as well as adolescent and family Dialectical Behavior Therapy expert Dr. Marcus Rodriguez. Drawing from what she learned from Dr. Rodriguez, she emphasizes the importance of treating the whole family and system instead of isolated individuals. You'll learn why vague answers from teens are actually a sign of trust-building, not apathy or indifference, and how impulsivity heightens the risk of dangerous behaviors that require immediate, delicate intervention. We break down practical, step-by-step frameworks for assessing suicidality, from asking direct questions about plans and access to means, to understanding the importance of safety measures like environment restriction and involving the support system. You’ll hear specific scripts designed to validate pain without validating harmful coping strategies, and how to balance genuine empathy with concrete safety protocols.

This episode features a conversation with Kaytlyn Gilner, a mental health advocate and host of the "Not So Dumb Blonde" podcast. We delve into the complexities of complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), exploring the nuances and overlaps between these diagnoses.

If you struggle with intense negative emotions, difficulty with intimacy, low self-esteem, and dissociation, what "diagnosis" should you get? In this episode, Kaytlyn Gilner shares her personal journey of misdiagnosis and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Kibby and Kaytlyn break down the hot controversy over these diagnoses that pushes back on the stigma of BPD. The recent backlash against the "borderline personality disorder" label argues that a diagnosis like "complex PTSD" recognizes the symptoms as trauma responses better.

his episode gives a step by step guide to managing mental health crises like self-harm, suicide, or overdose threats.

Most people feel completely helpless when someone they love descends into a mental health crisis but what if you had a clear, plan that could save lives? In this episode, Dr. Kibby shares the insider knowledge she gained from working in psychiatric emergency rooms and supporting families through the most dangerous moments. Whether it's a loved one overdosing, becoming violent, or threatening suicide, knowing exactly what to do can make all the difference and even prevent tragedy.