Manage BPD Using the Pros Cons Tool

Manage BPD Using the Pros Cons Tool BPD Living With BPD Print Manage BPD Using the Pros Cons Tool By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Updated on May 11, 2019 Hero Images/Getty Images More in BPD Living With BPD Diagnosis Treatment Related Conditions Using the Pros and Cons is a skill taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a cognitive behavior approach to borderline personality disorder (BPD). During DBT, this tool is used to help you evaluate whether or not to engage in impulsive behaviors  or aggressive actions. But this tool can help you think through other kinds of decisions too. By thinking through the consequences of what may happen and by evaluating what your goal is for your behavior, you can help manage your symptoms. If you are struggling to decide what to do in a given situation, give the Pros and Cons Tool a try.   Getting Ready   Get a piece of paper and draw one horizontal and one vertical line to divide it into quarters. At the top of the upper left-hand corner write “pros of BLANK.” Fill in the blank by writing in whatever behavior you are thinking of doing. For example, if you are thinking of fighting with someone who hurt you, write in “hitting.” If you are thinking of quitting therapy, write in “pros of quitting therapy.” At the top of the upper right-hand corner write “cons of BLANK” and fill in the blank with whatever you wrote in the upper left-hand corner (i.e., cons of hitting, cons of quitting therapy). Next, at the top of the lower left-hand corner write “pros of BLANK.” Fill in the blank with the behavior that is the opposite of whatever you are thinking of doing. So, if you are thinking of fighting, write in “pros of not fighting. For the quitting therapy example, write in “pros of staying in therapy.” At the top of the lower right-hand corner right “cons of BLANK” and again fill in the blank with the behavior that is the opposite of the one you are thinking of doing. Listing the Pros and Cons Now that you have your sheet set up, fill in the squares with all the positive consequences (“pros”) and negative consequences (“cons”) that you can think of for each scenario. Feel free to use extra paper if you need it. For example, for “pros of fighting you might write: “Get rid of the emotional pain instantly.” For “pros of not hitting” you might write, “Not getting in trouble at work or school.” Or, for “pros” of quitting therapy you might write: “An extra hour each week to devote to other things.” For “cons” of quitting therapy you might write: “Have to try to find ways to reduce my symptoms on my own.” How to Evaluate the Pros and Cons Once you have completed the form with every consequence you can think of, take a look at it again, and see if anything stands out to you. Any patterns that you notice? Any quadrants that are empty, or full? After completing this exercise, does it change what you want to do? Carefully evaluate the pros and cons, and compare them to what your purpose is. If for instance, your goal is to eventually recover from borderline personality disorder and have a strong relationship, there are steps you need to take to get there. Quitting therapy, while it may free up some time, will make it harder for you to reach your end goal. By looking at both sides of the situation and their repercussions, you can make more appropriate and measured decisions about how to act.

The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay - 1546 Words

Consumption and materialism were both taken to new and extreme heights on the eastern coast of America in the Roaring Twenties. Consumption, and especially materialism were always hallmarks of the elite upper class aristocracy of any culture in any time period, but with the new technology, urbanization, the consolidation of funds via the world stock market, and a brand new breed of elite, called millionaires, evolved the upper class culture beyond anything any human had seen before. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald imbues a story with many themes and qualities from his own life, reflected in the parallels between his own history and that of Gatsby and Nick Carraway. With new, unbridled, booming economic growth, what started as the Great American Dream became a vulgar, empty, greedy pursuit of material goods. On top of this rise in national wealth, the addition of disillusioned World War I veterans looking to grab the American Dream and use it to hoist themselves up in the wor ld, and the 18th Amendment’s creation of a thriving and powerful organized criminal underworld gave birth to a new America, with unprecedented levels of consumption and wealth. East and West Egg is aptly named, as they symbolize the old aristocracy and the new, fresh millionaires which are two sides of the same solid gold coin- the absurdly wealthy. The difference between the two is based in the social ties and moral values held by the old aristocracy that contrast the materialismShow MoreRelatedThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald1393 Words   |  6 PagesF. Scott Fitzgerald was the model of the American image in the nineteen twenties. He had wealth, fame, a beautiful wife, and an adorable daughter; all seemed perfect. 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Scott Fitzgerald1155 Words   |  5 PagesThe Great Gatsby The Jazz Age was an era where everything and anything seemed possible. It started with the beginning of a new age with America coming out of World War I as the most powerful nation in the world (Novel reflections on, 2007). As a result, the nation soon faced a culture-shock of material prosperity during the 1920’s. Also known as the â€Å"roaring twenties†, it was a time where life consisted of prodigality and extravagant parties. Writing based on his personal experiences, author F. ScottRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1166 Words   |  5 Pagesin the Haze F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in a time that was characterized by an unbelievable lack of substance. After the tragedy and horrors of WWI, people were focused on anything that they could that would distract from the emptiness that had swallowed them. Tangible greed tied with extreme materialism left many, by the end of this time period, disenchanted. The usage of the literary theories of both Biographical and Historical lenses provide a unique interpretation of the Great Gatsby centered aroundRead MoreThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald845 Words   |  3 PagesIn F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, colors represent a variety of symbols that relate back to the American Dream. The dream of being pure, innocent and perfect is frequently associated with the reality of corruption, violence, and affairs. Gatsby’s desire for achieving the American Dream is sought for through corruption (Schneider). The American Dream in the 1920s was perceived as a desire of w ealth and social standings. Social class is represented through the East Egg, the WestRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay970 Words   |  4 Pagesrespecting and valuing Fitzgerald work in the twenty-first century? Fitzgerald had a hard time to profiting from his writing, but he was not successful after his first novel. There are three major point of this essay are: the background history of Fitzgerald life, the comparisons between Fitzgerald and the Gatsby from his number one book in America The Great Gatsby, and the Fitzgerald got influences of behind the writing and being a writer. From childhood to adulthood, Fitzgerald faced many good andRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald2099 Words   |  9 Pagesauthor to mirror his life in his book. In his previous novels F. Scott Fitzgerald drew from his life experiences. He said that his next novel, The Great Gatsby, would be different. He said, â€Å"In my new novel I’m thrown directly on purely creative work† (F. Scott Fitzgerald). He did not realize or did not want it to appear that he was taking his own story and intertwining it within his new novel. In The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, he imitates his lifestyle through the Buchanan family to demonstrateRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1607 Words   |  7 Pages The Great Gatsby is an American novel written in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald. One of the themes of the book is the American Dream. The American Dream is an idea in which Americans believe through hard work they can achieve success and prosperity in the free world. In F. Scott Fitzgerald s novel, The Great Gatsby, the American Dream leads to popularity, extreme jealousy and false happiness. Jay Gatsby’s recent fortune and wealthiness helped him earn a high social position and become one of the mostRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1592 Words   |  7 PagesMcGowan English 11A, Period 4 9 January 2014 The Great Gatsby Individuals who approach life with an optimistic mindset generally have their goals established as their main priority. Driven by ambition, they are determined to fulfill their desires; without reluctance. These strong-minded individuals refuse to be influenced by negative reinforcements, and rely on hope in order to achieve their dreams. As a man of persistence, the wealthy Jay Gatsby continuously strives to reclaim the love of hisRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1646 Words   |  7 PagesThe 1920s witnessed the death of the American Dream, a message immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Initially, the American Dream represented the outcome of American ideals, that everyone has the freedom and opportunity to achieve their dreams provided they perform honest hard work. During the 1920s, the United States experienced massive economic prosperity making the American Dream seem alive and strong. However, in Fitzgerald’s eyes, the new Am erican culture build around that

A Socratic Worldview Essay - 1060 Words

A Socratic Worldview Of the philosophers I have studied, Socrates stands out to me from all the rest. Although I would be the first to confess that I have never put forth the time nor the effort necessary to consider myself a philosopher (at least not in the sense that I imagine most would consider to be the credentials of a philosopher), my philosophy about life is most closely aligned with what I understand Socrates philosophical beliefs to be. Although there are some distinct differences in what I believe to be the ultimate meaning behind life, which I will later address, I believe his thoughts on how one should live their life to be the wisest of any philosopher we have studied. First, let me relate what I understand Socrates†¦show more content†¦The soul will finally meet truth away from the constraints of an imperfect body. He believed that the soul is immortal and imperishable. He believed that â€Å"good souls† departed to an invisible world where happiness is secured and they are free of human folly and error, and of all the problems that normally plague us. Evil souls, on the other hand will wander about in misery paying their penalty until they are reincarnated to a form fitting of their former evil ways in life. And, although I do not believe this view, I appreciate it for the thought and logic behind it. I am intrigued with the way Socrates can look beyond the physical, and make reality of the spiritual aspect while holding no allegiance to any certain god or gods. I can agree with his philosophy regarding living our lives in an effort to be good, and cherishing the soul above the body, and placing all emphasis on the soul and not on the body. Although we cannot scientifically prove that the soul is imperishable - or beyond that, if we even have a soul, but we do know that the body is only temporary, so it seems logical to place importance on something beyond the physical. I think Socrates reasoning behind the evidence of our souls, is brilliant even if incorrect - which I am in no means implying. His idea of anamnesis/recollect intrigues me. Where would we have any idea of perfection, if not fromShow MoreRelatedMythic and Pre-Socratic Worldviews1142 Words   |  5 Pagesmyths and examine how their stories came into being made and how it had an effect on their civilization. These myths are a part of Philosophy because they were the first ideas about creation. The transition between these mythic worldviews and pre-Socratic philosophers’ worldview was important because it lays down the structural work for great philosophers to learn from them and develop further theories based on their findings. Homer was a very influential and significant part of the Greek civilizationRead MoreThe Epic Of Gilgamesh 1523 Words   |  7 Pagesimportance of friendship in the society, the need to avoid pride, the need to have perseverance of the face of problems and the importance of chastity or good morals (Cunningham and Reich 156). Question #2: The Concept of Pre-Socratic Philosophy The concept of Pre-Socratic philosophy refers to Greek philosophy before Socrates philosophy. Aristotle called the pre-Socrates philosophers as physicists since they used natural explanations in their phenomena unlike the theologians who explained phenomenaRead MoreThe Flaws of the Socratic Method1798 Words   |  8 PagesThe Flaws of the Socratic Method In Plato’s Republic, as well as in most of his other works, the philosopher writes dialogues between the character of his mentor, Socrates, and various figures meant to illustrate contradictory positions. He carefully scripts the engagements in a form of discussion now called the Socratic Method, where Socrates critiques the positions of the other characters in order to find flaws in inaccurate arguments. Although this method is prevalent even today, I will makeRead MorePhil 201 Study Guide Essay2453 Words   |  10 Pagesmindset is the significant role it takes in helping us establishing a comprehensive system by which our knowledge can be categorized and examined. This is called a worldview. 3. A philosophical mindset is necessary to assure that all three elements of a worldview are functioning harmoniously together, which gives confidence that our worldview is well reasoned and intact. 4. One of the real values of adopting a phil mindset: it plays a significant role in solving conundrums. 5. Philosophical mindsetRead MoreAnalysis Of Aaron Beck s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Essay1348 Words   |  6 Pagesand integrates new empirical findings about a pathological disorder into a new model of treatment for that disorder (344)†. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is structured and directive, relying heavily on the cognitive tools of psychoeducation, Socratic questioning, and inductive method. CBT interprets personality development as a process of combining introspectively reflective cognizance with learned response (CBT, 2010). It can occur through the interaction between the thoughts regarding one’sRead MoreEducation and the World Citizen1073 Words   |  5 Pagesgood citizen? According to Martha Nussbaum, educating the young has everything to due with becoming a world citizen. A prevailing theme that seems to occur in Martha Nussbaums literary essays entitled The Old Education and the Think-Academy and Socratic Self-Examination seems to be the equality of all whether it be in everyday life or in education. We are now trying to build an academy in which women, and members of religious and ethnic minorities, and lesbian and gay people, and people livingRead More The Purpose of Love Essay1597 Words   |  7 PagesWhy does one love? One loves for the sake of happiness. This was the common mindset in the pre-modern worldview from the time of ancient Greece. The ideas present in Plato’s The Symposium have however been replaced with a more contemporary view, particularly in Western societies. Allan Bloom details this transition in his work Love and Friendship. Bloom argues that the idea of â€Å"eros† has lost its true meaning; it has been morphed into a selfish and self-less act of mere sex: â€Å"Eros, in its FreudianRead MoreWhat Does The Word Man As A Synonym For Humans?1410 Words   |  6 Pagesnature loops around to contribute to men view women. According to Speth in A New Consciousness, approximately 85% of the world’s people belong to some sort of a religion (214). For some of these people, their religion will encompass their entire worldview whereas for others it will only take up two hours of their week. At any rate, it cannot be denied that religion affects some part of how we view our place in the world. A major aspect of that is how people view themselves in comparison to natureRead MorePhil2013340 Words   |  14 PagesCritically About Foundational Beliefs. 2012) * What is the difference between having a worldview and establishing a worldview? While everyone holds a worldview, not everyone has done the real labor of establishing a worldview. Some people simply adopt, with out much critical reflection, their worldview by accepting what they were told or what their culture proclaims or tacitly endorses. To establish a worldview is to reflect on our foundational beliefs, to consider the different options concerningRead MoreSocrates And Machiavelli s Views On Politics1464 Words   |  6 Pagestoo: Is the prince not ashamed that his only is on war and glory? And not of enlightenment of one’s soul through all wisdom? In the end, it is clear that the worldviews of Socrates and Machiavelli are incompatible. Socrates, living in a Machiavellian world would be doomed for death and failure, while Machiavelli’s prince, living in a Socratic world, would be unable to perform any basic governmental function. Socrates’ idealism and thirst for knowledge would get the best of him: Socrates wouldn’t

Explication of a Poem Making a Fist by Naomi Shihab Nye Free Essays

The title contributes, to us readers as it shows, that we are alive and strong as long as we can still make a fist. The person speaking in this poem is speaking to her daughter after a long car ride of days and days, maybe even weeks. Her mother is giving her comfort and reassuring her that even though people go through obstacles, you need to be strong enough to go through many aspects in life to bring happiness. We will write a custom essay sample on Explication of a Poem: Making a Fist by Naomi Shihab Nye or any similar topic only for you Order Now And just tells her if you can still make a fist you are still alive. You will make it through because she believes her daughter has the strength to get through all the obstacles they have and will go through. This poem is very easy to understand, I think she did very well with her words and references of the content. I believe this story develops as a true statement, I think the lady speaking with her daughter has gone through similar obstacles as a child and her mother reassured her as she does for her daughter. It is always important to tell your children that they are strong and can make it through anything and that’s all she is trying to do. Many people face difficult times in life and that’s why it sounds so much like a true statement then just a story. Strength is very important to have and is always nice to have someone’s reassurance. Main idea of this poem is Strength. To never give up, and you are strong enough to get through anything even at rock bottom. The figurative language is symbolism the writer is giving her worlds to create the image using more meaningful words rather than a writers experience. How to cite Explication of a Poem: Making a Fist by Naomi Shihab Nye, Papers

Vietnam Memorial Essays - National Mall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Vietnam Memorial annon At the age of twenty one, a female undergraduate at Yale University named Maya Lin submitted her design for the Vietnam Memorial. Her idea for the memorial was extremely unique and controversial. After long discussions by a panel, it was chosen for construction. The design that she submitted was one that was very different in comparison to other memorials, and it was one that has a tendency to leave a lot of questions on the minds of the visitors. On the face of the memorial there is a list of all those who died or are missing in the order by which they were lost. It could seem to some one who did not understand the incident that the monument honors only those lost, but that is incorrect. Maya Lin?s design formed into the most unique memorial structure of its kind, which honors all who served in the Vietnam War (Colliers 23: 137). The official name given to the monument was the Vietnam Veterans memorial. In this name alone it is clear that it was not erected for the sole purpose of honoring only those who were lost in the conflict. The term KIA was the abbreviation used for those people who were killed in action, and these people represent 47,000 of the 58,000 names on the wall. The other 11,000 were soldiers who died from crashes, snake bites, illnesses, and other non-combat related deaths (Olson 227). There is no distinction made between the two groups on the monument. The structure is a v-shaped polished granite slab that unlike other monuments has no message of honor or patriotism. All of those subjects are left to the thoughts of the beholder. People often find therapy in locating the name of a companion or a loved one. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is by far the most emotional moving war monument in Washington, and that alone makes it very unique(Collier?s 138). In comparison with other monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is vastly different. A point of comparison could be the Marine Corps War Memorial, otherwise known as the Iwo Jima monument. This monument is a sculpture of three soldiers risking their lives to keep the American flag flying. The structure has a deep sense of understood patriotism and there is a great deal of honor that is also associated with it. Unlike the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Iwo Jima monument is a tribute only to the Marines who served in World War Two. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has no such message of honor and courage, but rather an atmosphere that causes visitors to reflect on the conflict (Colliers 138-139). The only monument that is similar the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the memorial to Ulysses S. Grant. It is located at the foot of the capital and has no clear cut meaning. There is no political message that can be taken away from Grant?s memorial. It neither glorifies war nor possesses an antiwar message, and there is no moral lesson that can be taken away from this monument (Colliers 138). One of the great things about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is that it allows the public to form its own opinion of the conflict with out forcing a political message. It is because of this ambiguity that the monument is so unique. Unlike other monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial can not be seen from a distance. One must commit to see it, and then walk down to it. This is just the opposite of other monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial which were created to show the men on a higher God-like platform. Also, it is not at all uncommon to find men and women alike weeping at the base of the monument (Colliers 138-139) Cynics could argue and say they morn only for their loved ones, and were not moved by the power of the monument, but this is not always the case. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an experience that affects thousands of people daily, and changes the lives of almost as many. This is a characteristic that no other war monument in the country seems to posses. The first inscription on the wall reads ?IN HONOR OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES WHO SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR. THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND OF THOSE WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED IN THE ORDER THEY WERE TAKEN FROM US?. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is also unique in the sense that is honors all who fought, as most monuments honor only those who

Essay on Final Complaint and Boys

Essay on Final Complaint and Boys Essay on Final: Complaint and Boys Kaley Aurichio Professor Feig Writing 101 Week 10 Essay 5 They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky is the stories of three boys Benson, Alepho, and Benjamin. As all three of the boys go on the same journey for safety and the hope to be reunited with their family though they share the same journey they have different views and stories. The boys are all different ages and go through different experiences on the journey. Each boy is very different though sometimes it’s hard to tell which boys story you are reading. I found it easier to tell the boys apart in the beginning when they were not together but separate. Though the boys tell very similar stories they also differ in certain accepts because of their different personality. In the beginning of the book you’re introduced to each of the boys Benson, Alepho, and Benjamin where you find out about the boys and their personalities. The voices of the boys while telling their stories differ in the beginning of the book because they all start off with a different life and your learning more about each of the boys then their personalities. As the book goes on their stories become more and more alike and it beings to be hard to tell whose story is whose. Each boy is on a very similar journey and at sometimes they are together experiencing the same things. During those time I found it very difficult to tell each boy apart I normally found myself looking back to see which boys story I was reading. The boys do have some distinguishing characteristics like for example Alehpo complained a lot â€Å"My mother always asked â€Å" if I was not here, who you going to complain to?† I’d say, â€Å"Well I’m going to be complaining to the air yo u know.† (Alepho 12) So when I would hear complaining I normally would assume it was Alepho’s story. While Alepho describe Benson as â€Å"he was quite, always a good boy. He didn’t do silly things.† (Alepho 11) Benson was more serious and was a hard worker that how I could tell it was Benson

U.S. Economic Regulation and Control

U.S. Economic Regulation and Control The U.S. federal government regulates private enterprise in numerous ways. Regulation falls into two general categories. Economic regulation seeks, either directly or indirectly, to control prices. Traditionally, the government has sought to prevent monopolies such as electric utilities from raising prices beyond the level that would ensure them reasonable profits. At times, the government has extended economic control to other kinds of industries as well. In the years following the Great Depression, it devised a complex system to stabilize prices for agricultural goods, which tend to fluctuate wildly in response to rapidly changing supply and demand. A number of other industries trucking and, later, airlines successfully sought regulation themselves to limit what they considered harmful price-cutting. Antitrust Law Another form of economic regulation, antitrust law, seeks to strengthen market forces so that direct regulation is unnecessary. The government and, sometimes, private parties have used antitrust law to prohibit practices or mergers that would unduly limit competition. Government Control Over Private Companies The government also exercises control over private companies to achieve social goals, such as protecting the publics health and safety or maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration bans harmful drugs, for example; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration protects workers from hazards they may encounter in their jobs; the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to control water and air pollution. American Attitudes about Regulation Over Time American attitudes about regulation changed substantially during the final three decades of the 20th century. Beginning in the 1970s, policy-makers grew increasingly concerned that economic regulation protected inefficient companies at the expense of consumers in industries such as airlines and trucking. At the same time, technological changes spawned new competitors in some industries, such as telecommunications, that once were considered natural monopolies. Both developments led to a succession of laws easing regulation. While leaders of both political parties generally favored economic deregulation during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, there was less agreement concerning regulations designed to achieve social goals. Social regulation had assumed growing importance in the years following the Depression and World War II, and again in the 1960s and 1970s. But during the presidency of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, the government relaxed rules to protect workers, consumers, and the environment, arguing that regulation interfered with free enterprise, increased the costs of doing business, and thus contributed to inflation. Still, many Americans continued to voice concerns about specific events or trends, prompting the government to issue new regulations in some areas, including environmental protection. Some citizens, meanwhile, have turned to the courts when they feel their elected officials are not addressing certain issues quickly or strongly enough. For instance, in the 1990s, individuals, and eventually government itself, sued tobacco companies over the health risks of cigarette smoking. A large financial settlement provided states with long-term payments to cover medical costs to treat smoking-related illnesses. This article is adapted from the book Outline of the U.S. Economy by Conte and Carr and has been adapted with permission from the U.S. Department of State.