The Experiences of Women with a Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Using Sensory Modulation Approaches in an inpatient Mental Health Rehabilitation Setting

Sensory approaches are being used increasingly within inpatient mental health, however, few published studies into the service user perspective exist. This interpretative phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews with four women with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) to provide insight into the benefits and applicability of sensory strategies in a mental health rehabilitation setting and their part in the recovery process. Four superordinate themes were identified: barriers to using sensory strategies; emotion regulation; impact of the environment; and empowerment. While preliminary in nature this study highlighted the need for an individualized approach and transferability of strategies into the community.