Q & A with Emily Rabuchin, MA, MFT – Clinical Therapist at OPI Intensive for BPD
We connected recently with one of our treasured OPI Living team members, Emily Rabuchin, Clinical Therapist, to talk about her valued work with us at our specialized OPI Intensive for participants suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder, BPD Traits and Co-occurring Conditions.
Q: What have you learned from participants attending our program?
A: The participants that I have had the opportunity to work closely with at OPI Intensive have taught me that even though there are rough spots in their lives and they can feel hopeless at times, there is still hope in trying to reach a small goal they are working so hard for, but just can’t seem to grasp on their own. Through many prior attempts they begin to realize their insight was just not what they needed it to be in order to pull through, but with acceptance of some extra guidance and support they are willing to keep trying, even when the going gets tough. I’ve learned that certain patterns can become familiar for them and at times these can be hard to break, but they can break through and persevere.
Q: Have you been inspired by our participants?
A: The participants I work with inspire me on a daily basis. I see how hard they work and how badly they want something and how hard they push themselves to get better. Or if they feel like giving up momentarily and want to let it all go, they don’t allow themselves to completely let go and are able to bounce back because they want change in their lives badly enough. This inspires me to keep reaching and working harder, not only for them but for myself as well.
Q: How have you motivated, inspired and supported participants?
A: What I have noticed as a pattern in my work with the participants is at times they can feel very discouraged and hopeless. They can easily get so down on themselves and repeat this dialogue that keeps them stuck. I try and support the participants I work with by pointing out and highlighting all the things they are doing right, no matter how small they are. Sometimes by just validating how they feel emotionally it can help to make them feel heard and at the same time I can be a voice to help create a positive dialogue that they can connect with and can keep going. I’ve noticed that setting up small goals to build some confidence and a sense of mastery helps them to feel inspired and at the same time supported in their journey towards recovery.
Q: What changes have you witnessed in participants attending OPI Intensive?
A: Some of the changes that I have seen in the participants I have worked with are their commitment to personal goals and changing past behaviors. There have been things they were afraid of but are now facing and challenging their fears on a daily basis; even if they hate it or don’t want to do it they find a way. I see them at times enjoying life and having fun even when faced daily with challenges and obstacles.
One participant I can think of specifically used to be very isolated, but as she progressed through the program I saw her become more engaged and social, speaking up more among her peers and smiling. When she wanted to quit or stop, at times dug her heals in and fell into old patterns, but these episodes didn’t last as long and she was able to think about the actions of her behaviors and continue to work towards eventually changing them.
Q: Any follow up from participants that you’d like to share?
A: I spoke with one past participant recently that had moved back home, who had been scared to leave OPI Intensive where she did very well. She is continuing to keep herself safe on her own accord and has maintained her commitment to not engage in self-harm, and she’s just recently started college this past fall at a major university and doing well.