10 Borderline Personality Disorder Books That Change Perspectives

Explore Borderline Personality Disorder Books endorsed by Bill Eddy, Amy Bloom, and Randi Kreger—trusted insights for managing and understanding BPD

Updated on June 23, 2025
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What if I told you that the turmoil surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder often masks complex layers few understand? BPD affects millions, yet misconceptions persist, complicating relationships, treatment, and personal journeys. Now more than ever, gaining clear, compassionate insight is vital—not just for those diagnosed but for families, therapists, and friends navigating the ripple effects.

Experts like Bill Eddy, a family lawyer and therapist, Amy Bloom, a New York Times bestselling author, and Randi Kreger, coauthor of foundational BPD guides, have long recognized these challenges. Eddy's experience with high-conflict personalities informs his practical advice on setting boundaries, while Bloom and Kreger bring deeply human perspectives on healing and hope. These voices anchor a collection of books that offer clarity, strategies, and empathy.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experiences, family dynamics, and goals might consider creating a personalized Borderline Personality Disorder book that builds on these insights. Tailored reading can bridge general principles with your unique path.

Best for family and friends of BPD sufferers
Bill Eddy, best-selling author specializing in personality disorders, brings a wealth of experience to his recommendation of this book. Having witnessed countless high-conflict cases involving borderline and narcissistic personalities, he appreciates the authors’ inclusion of narcissistic personality disorder in this edition. He notes, "This third edition is filled with the wisdom and tips that come from the authors’ continuing work with people with BPD and their loved ones." Eddy's perspective highlights how this guide offers practical insights that resonate deeply with professionals and families alike, helping them navigate the often chaotic dynamics of these challenging relationships.

Recommended by Bill Eddy

Best-selling author on personality disorders

This third edition is filled with the wisdom and tips that come from the authors’ continuing work with people with BPD and their loved ones. I’m so glad they have added narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) in this edition, because the overlap of NPD and BPD is present in so many of the high-conflict individuals I see in relationships and conflicts that end up in court today. Family members, friends, professionals, and (frankly) everyone needs to read this book to understand and deal with much of the surprising and outrageous behavior we see in close relationships all around us now.

When Paul T. T. Mason and Randi Kreger first recognized how deeply borderline personality disorder (BPD) strains relationships, they aimed to create a resource that addresses the emotional turmoil faced by those close to someone with BPD. This third edition expands its reach by including insights on narcissistic personality disorder, a condition often intertwined with BPD, offering readers nuanced understanding of complex interpersonal dynamics. You’ll learn to identify manipulative behaviors, set clear boundaries, and employ communication strategies that help stabilize volatile situations, with chapters dedicated to managing conflict and protecting yourself from emotional harm. If you’re navigating relationships shadowed by BPD or NPD, this book offers a grounded approach to reclaiming your life without glossing over the challenges involved.

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Best for navigating high-conflict divorces with BPD
Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD, brings his rare combination of family law expertise and therapeutic insight to this vital resource. As cofounder of the High Conflict Institute and author of sixteen books, Eddy’s work focuses on managing high-conflict disputes with respect and strategy. This book distills his decades of experience training professionals worldwide, offering you guidance rooted in both legal know-how and psychological understanding to navigate the complexities of divorcing someone with borderline or narcissistic personality disorder.

What started as Bill Eddy's dual career in law and therapy became an insightful guide for those navigating the treacherous waters of divorcing someone with borderline or narcissistic personality disorder. Drawing from his extensive experience as a family lawyer and mediator, Eddy offers concrete strategies for managing high-conflict disputes, including identifying manipulative behaviors and protecting your interests in court. You’ll find new chapters addressing abuse, false allegations, and domestic violence, alongside practical advice on handling emails and social media in legal battles. This book suits anyone facing emotionally charged separations complicated by personality disorders, equipping you with clearer understanding and tactical tools rather than vague platitudes.

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Best for personal BPD strategies
This AI-created book on Borderline Personality Disorder is tailored to your specific challenges and goals. It’s crafted after you share your background, current experience with BPD, and what areas you want to focus on. This personalized approach means the book covers exactly what you need, whether that’s managing emotional swings, improving relationships, or developing coping tools. Customizing the content ensures a sharper focus on your unique situation rather than broad, one-size-fits-all advice.
2025·50-300 pages·Borderline Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality, Emotional Regulation, Interpersonal Skills, Coping Mechanisms

This personalized book offers a tailored approach to understanding and managing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) by focusing on your unique experiences and challenges. It provides a detailed exploration of symptoms, emotional regulation techniques, interpersonal dynamics, and coping strategies specifically aligned with your personal situation and goals. The book cuts through generic advice, presenting a personalized framework that addresses your distinct emotional triggers, relationship patterns, and treatment preferences. By centering on your individual context, it provides practical insights and customized strategies to help you navigate BPD's complexities effectively.

Tailored Framework
Symptom Modulation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for understanding coexisting mental health conditions
Daniel J. Fox, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with more than twenty years specializing in personality disorders in clinical and academic settings. His deep expertise in treating complex cases within state and federal prisons, universities, and private practice underpins this book. Fox wrote it to address the often overlooked reality that BPD rarely exists alone and requires a tailored approach. His authoritative background and practical insights make this book a meaningful guide for anyone seeking to understand and manage the multifaceted nature of complex BPD.

Drawing from over two decades of clinical experience, Daniel J. Fox, PhD, offers a nuanced look at borderline personality disorder (BPD) as it intersects with other mental health conditions. This book teaches you to identify coexisting disorders like bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD that complicate BPD symptoms, providing tailored strategies rather than generic solutions. For example, Fox includes symptom checklists to help you distinguish overlapping issues and guides you toward personalized management plans to regain emotional balance. If you or someone you know faces complex BPD, this book helps clarify the often confusing mix of symptoms and equips you with practical awareness to navigate your unique challenges.

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Best for parents supporting children with BPD
Booklist, a respected authority in book reviews, highlights this guide as an indispensable resource for parents dealing with borderline personality disorder in their children. They emphasize how the book offers not just clinical insights but also personal stories, creating a fuller picture of the challenges involved. "This is a valuable, practical resource for parents and caregivers of children, from age five through adulthood, who exhibit signs of, or have been diagnosed with, borderline personality disorder (BPD)," they write. Their endorsement reflects the book's ability to provide hope and concrete strategies, reshaping how parents approach the disorder while maintaining their own wellbeing.

Recommended by Booklist

This is a valuable, practical resource for parents and caregivers of children, from age five through adulthood, who exhibit signs of, or have been diagnosed with, borderline personality disorder (BPD). Useful for both parents just learning about BPD and those with years of familiarity, the book goes through strategies of care for children with the disorder as well as tools for caregiver self-care, providing many useful resources along the way. One particularly unique and helpful tool placed throughout the book are charts comparing BPD with other disorders. With chapters dedicated to family dynamics and working with siblings, the book ultimately offers a roadmap for people to understand the complexities of the disorder, not just from a clinical perspective, but through personal accounts from people who have BPD. ‘When we began this book, the parents we interviewed asked us to include stories of hope,’ write the authors. ‘We thought such tales were going to be hard to find, but we had plenty—way more than we can use.’ Highly recommended for all libraries.

Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents: How to Help Your Child (of Any Age) with Borderline Personality Disorder without Losing Yourself book cover

by Randi Kreger, Christine Adamec MBA, Daniel S. Lobel PhD, Fran L. Porter MA BEd··You?

Unlike most parenting guides that focus on general advice, this book zeroes in on the complex realities of raising a child with borderline personality disorder (BPD) at any age. Drawing from the combined expertise of Randi Kreger, Christine Adamec, Daniel Lobel, and Fran Porter, it delivers specific strategies to navigate emotional volatility, self-harm, and interpersonal challenges unique to BPD. You’ll find tools to improve communication and maintain healthy boundaries, supported by real stories from parents who’ve walked this path. Chapters dedicated to family dynamics and sibling relationships deepen your understanding of the disorder’s ripple effects, making it a grounded guide for parents committed to managing BPD without losing themselves.

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Best for individuals managing BPD with self-help exercises
Daniel J. Fox, PhD, a licensed psychologist with extensive experience treating personality disorders in both clinical and correctional settings, brings a deep understanding of BPD to this workbook. His years of teaching and clinical practice inform the integrative approach that combines multiple evidence-based therapies. This book reflects his commitment to offering a compassionate and practical guide for those working to manage their BPD symptoms and improve emotional balance.

When Daniel J. Fox, PhD, a psychologist with over fifteen years of experience treating personality disorders in diverse settings including prisons and universities, developed this workbook, he aimed to create a nuanced, integrative tool for managing borderline personality disorder (BPD). You’ll learn to identify your emotional triggers and understand the spectrum of BPD symptoms through evidence-based therapies like DBT, ACT, CBT, and interpersonal therapy. The workbook meets you where you are on your journey, helping you move beyond the stigma and confusion often surrounding a BPD diagnosis. Its detailed exercises and compassionate tone make it especially useful if you’re seeking practical strategies to navigate emotional regulation and self-perception challenges.

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Best for personal symptom relief plans
This AI-created book on Borderline Personality Disorder is crafted based on your specific symptom patterns, daily challenges, and goals for relief. You share your experiences and focus areas, and the book is created to deliver a daily action plan that fits your unique needs. Personalization here matters because BPD symptoms and triggers vary greatly, so having targeted steps makes managing emotions more practical and achievable. This tailored approach helps you focus on what truly works for you in your journey toward emotional balance.
2025·50-300 pages·Borderline Personality Disorder, Emotional Regulation, Symptom Management, Daily Actions, Mindfulness Techniques

This personalized book provides a tailored approach to managing Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms through a practical, step-by-step daily action plan. It focuses on emotional regulation strategies specifically adapted to your unique situation and goals, cutting through generalized advice to fit your personal context. The book addresses techniques for recognizing triggers, implementing mindfulness exercises, and applying coping mechanisms designed to provide measurable relief within 30 days. By concentrating on incremental daily practices, it offers a clear pathway to stabilize mood swings, reduce impulsivity, and cultivate emotional resilience. Readers gain a personalized framework that navigates the complexities of BPD symptom relief with both clarity and actionable guidance.

Tailored Framework
Symptom Relief Protocols
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for insight into DBT from its creator's memoir
Amy Bloom, a New York Times bestselling author, emphasizes the profound impact of this memoir on understanding the construction of a meaningful life amid mental health struggles. After witnessing the challenges of those suffering from borderline personality disorder, she found in Marsha Linehan's story a compelling blend of darkness and light, courage and vision. "To read this book is to understand how a life is built. In dark, there is light," Bloom says, highlighting how Linehan’s detailed recounting of her personal and professional journey reshaped her views on treatment. Similarly, Gloria Steinem reflects on Linehan’s openness about suicidal depression, noting the healing power in turning personal pain into hope for others.

Recommended by Amy Bloom

New York Times bestselling author

To read this book is to understand how a life is built. In dark, there is light. Everything in Marsha Linehan’s life and remarkable memoir uncovers the dark—the hell of the unhappy self and the hell of inadequate help—and brings us into the light, with humor and detail in describing her grappling and growth, and her courage and vision of how to create a treatment for even the most unhappy of us.

Building a Life Worth Living: A Memoir book cover

by Marsha M. Linehan··You?

2020·384 pages·Borderline Personality Disorder, Psychology Biography, Memoir, Mental Health, Psychology

When Marsha M. Linehan first realized the depth of her own struggle with suicidal depression, she transformed that personal pain into a groundbreaking therapeutic approach now known as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In this memoir, you gain insight into the development of DBT through her journey from patient to psychologist, learning specific life skills that blend acceptance with change, including mindfulness practices and behavior modification techniques. You’ll witness how Linehan’s experiences shaped her scientific work, making the book particularly valuable if you’re interested in mental health treatment innovation or seeking a nuanced understanding of borderline personality disorder from both personal and clinical perspectives. This book suits those who want to grasp the human side behind evidence-based therapy and the perseverance required to build a meaningful life.

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Best for practical DBT strategies and exercises
Suzette Bray, LMFT, is a therapist and founder of mental health treatment programs focused on borderline personality disorder. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she brings deep expertise to this workbook, which offers clear guidance on dialectical behavior therapy strategies. Bray’s background equips her to translate complex therapeutic concepts into practical exercises that help you navigate BPD with more confidence and control.
2024·180 pages·Personality Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Psychotherapy, Mental Health, Dialectical Behavior Therapy

When Suzette Bray, LMFT, developed this workbook, she drew deeply on her two decades of clinical experience working with people navigating borderline personality disorder. You’ll find clear explanations of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) principles paired with practical exercises that help you regulate emotions, build mindfulness, and improve communication. This book guides you through understanding your diagnosis and offers tools to manage moments of crisis and foster healthier relationships. If you’re looking for a structured, hands-on approach to managing BPD symptoms—whether on your own or with a therapist—this workbook provides a grounded, accessible path forward.

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Best for adult children seeking relationship guidance
Daniel S. Lobel, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With his extensive experience in treating and teaching about Borderline Personality Disorder, he wrote this guide to help adult children understand and manage their relationships with mothers who have BPD. His clinical background informs the compassionate and practical advice found throughout the book, making it a valuable resource for those seeking clarity and support.
2019·168 pages·Personality Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Mental Health, Family Dynamics, Communication

When Daniel S. Lobel PhD challenges conventional wisdom, he offers a fresh perspective on navigating relationships with mothers who have Borderline Personality Disorder. Drawing from his clinical psychology practice and academic roles, Lobel provides clear explanations of BPD behaviors and equips you with practical techniques to protect your well-being while fostering a healthier connection. The book includes sample dialogues that serve as real-world examples, helping you communicate safely and confidently. If you're seeking to understand the emotional complexities and develop self-care strategies, this guide lays out manageable steps without overcomplicating the process.

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Best for mental health professionals teaching DBT
Judith Beck, PhD and President of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, highlights this manual’s value for mental health professionals regardless of therapeutic orientation. She encountered this resource as a way to enhance her practice with clients facing emotional dysregulation and complex problems. "Mental health professionals--whether or not they use DBT as their major therapeutic orientation--will find the second edition of Linehan's skills training manual and its companion volume of client worksheets and handouts invaluable," Beck explains. The manual’s clear theoretical framework and practical troubleshooting have reshaped how she approaches skill-building in therapy.

Recommended by Judith Beck

PhD, President, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Mental health professionals--whether or not they use DBT as their major therapeutic orientation--will find the second edition of Linehan's skills training manual and its companion volume of client worksheets and handouts invaluable. Skills such as mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance should be part and parcel of any therapist’s repertoire. The manual clearly spells out the theoretical basis and rationale for emphasizing these skills and provides a detailed account of how to use the patient material. Especially useful are descriptions of troubleshooting common problems. Therapists are sometimes at a loss to figure out how to help clients with complex problems; these books can significantly help us improve our effectiveness.

DBT Skills Training Manual book cover

by Marsha M. Linehan··You?

When Marsha M. Linehan developed dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), she sought to address the complex challenges faced by individuals with intense emotional dysregulation. This manual distills decades of clinical experience into detailed guidance on teaching mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills. You’ll find expanded modules and reproducible teaching notes that clarify how to tailor interventions to diverse clients, including adolescents and those with substance use issues. The book is ideal if you’re a mental health professional aiming to integrate DBT skills into therapy or deepen your understanding of managing borderline personality disorder through structured skill-building.

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Best for families building healthy BPD relationships
Randi Kreger, coauthor of "Stop Walking on Eggshells," brings a seasoned perspective to this guide, emphasizing its value for families caught in the confusion of borderline personality disorder. She highlights how Daniel Lobel's approach stands apart by acknowledging that many with BPD don’t perceive a problem, which leaves loved ones searching for guidance. "Unlike most clinicians, Daniel Lobel understands that the majority of people with BPD do not think they have anything wrong with them and therefore do not seek treatment. When this is the case, family members need specific information and tools that are hard to find. In this book, Lobel takes these family members from helplessness to hopefulness." Kreger’s insight reveals how this book reshaped her understanding and provided practical hope for those supporting loved ones with BPD.

Recommended by Randi Kreger

Coauthor of Stop Walking on Eggshells

Unlike most clinicians, Daniel Lobel understands that the majority of people with BPD do not think they have anything wrong with them and therefore do not seek treatment. When this is the case, family members need specific information and tools that are hard to find. In this book, Lobel takes these family members from helplessness to hopefulness.

2022·168 pages·Personality Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dysfunctional Relationships, Family Dynamics, Communication Skills

When Daniel S. Lobel, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry, wrote this book, he aimed to address the unique challenges faced by family members of those with borderline personality disorder (BPD). You’ll gain a clear understanding of BPD’s impact on relationships and practical ways to set boundaries and communicate effectively, supported by exercises and writing prompts in chapters like "Caring for Yourself" and "Taking Action." This guide suits those closely involved with someone with BPD who want to foster a healthier, more balanced dynamic without losing sight of their own needs. It’s straightforward about what you can expect: tools for compassion, self-care, and hope rather than quick fixes or clinical jargon.

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Conclusion

The 10 books featured weave together themes of understanding, practical guidance, and emotional resilience. Whether you’re grappling with complex coexisting conditions, seeking to support a loved one, or aiming to master therapeutic skills, these resources cover the spectrum.

If you’re facing family conflicts and emotional exhaustion, start with "Stop Walking on Eggshells" and "Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents" for grounded strategies. For hands-on self-management, combine "The Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook" with "Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook" for DBT-focused exercises.

Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Borderline Personality Disorder book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Tailored reading can help you apply proven approaches directly to your daily challenges and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Stop Walking on Eggshells" if you're supporting someone with BPD, or "The Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook" if you're managing symptoms yourself. They offer foundational knowledge and practical tactics that set the stage for deeper learning.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Borderline Personality Disorder?

No, these books balance accessibility with depth. Titles like "Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents" and "When Your Mother Has Borderline Personality Disorder" provide clear, compassionate guidance suited for beginners.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with relationship-focused books if you're a caregiver, then progress to self-help workbooks for personal management. Mental health professionals might start with the "DBT Skills Training Manual" to ground clinical practice.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your immediate needs—family support, self-management, or clinical skills. Each book stands alone but reading multiple offers a richer understanding of BPD’s many facets.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Complex Borderline Personality Disorder" explores theory and coexisting conditions, while "The Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook" and "Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook" emphasize exercises and applied DBT techniques.

How can I get Borderline Personality Disorder advice tailored to my specific situation?

While expert books provide solid foundations, personalized guides can focus on your unique background and goals. Consider creating a personalized Borderline Personality Disorder book that complements expert insights with targeted strategies just for you.

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