Reality Integration Therapy™ (RIT) is an innovative therapeutic approach specifically designed to address the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Developed with a deep understanding of the underlying causes of BPD, RIT goes beyond traditional methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by focusing on the root issues of identity diffusion and fragmented object relations.
The Core Concept: Integration
At the heart of RIT is the concept of integration—integrating fragmented parts of the self into a cohesive whole. Individuals with BPD often experience a deep-seated internal conflict, where their sense of self is fractured and unstable. This leads to intense emotional experiences, impulsive behaviors, and a pervasive fear of abandonment. RIT works to address these challenges by helping individuals integrate their split object relations—essentially unifying the conflicting perceptions they hold about themselves and others.
Theoretical Foundations
RIT is grounded in psychoanalytic theories, particularly those related to object relations and identity formation. It draws on the work of theorists like Melanie Klein, Otto Kernberg, Margaret Mahler, and others, who explored the ways in which early relationships shape our sense of self. By understanding and working through these foundational issues, RIT aims to bring about lasting change.
How RIT Works
RIT involves a structured therapeutic process where individuals are guided to explore and reconcile their fragmented self-concept. The therapy encourages a deep, reflective examination of one’s past relationships and experiences, helping to identify and integrate conflicting parts of the self. This process helps individuals develop a more stable and coherent sense of identity, reducing the emotional turmoil and instability that are hallmarks of BPD.
Reality Integration Therapy™ consists of three phases:
- Fantasy Dismantling – The individual tests their disordered psychodynamics against a benchmark of reality that is provided to them. In this process, they are shown evidence that their fantasy is not rooted in reality, which creates a grief response for mourning the life they previously believed was real.
- Separation – Individuation – During separation, the individual must not only physically, but psychologically separate themselves from the inner abuser they have merged with. This may leave a void within, leaving room for growth of healthy internal objects and sense of self. Individuation then takes place, which is the building of healthy and realistic internal objects.
- Integration & Whole Object Relations – Steps are taken to encourage and support re-connection with society and a more stable life. As the individual now has healthy and realistic internal objects, their interactions with external objects will reflect this change. This is where whole object relations are fully restored and the individual becomes integrated.
Why RIT is Different
While psychoanalysis based in object relations theory is not new, Reality Integration Therapy™ (RIT) is novel in that it is currently the only object relations therapeutic technique that does not require a licensed therapist, and is also the only therapeutic technique based in these theories that has a self-administered therapeutic program available. By helping individuals achieve a more integrated and stable sense of self, RIT offers the potential for more profound and lasting change. It is not just about managing symptoms but about transforming the underlying patterns that give rise to those symptoms.
The Future of RIT
As RIT continues to be developed and refined, it holds the promise of becoming a highly effective treatment for BPD. With ongoing research and clinical trials, RIT is poised to offer hope to those who have struggled with BPD and found traditional therapies lacking.
RIT represents a significant advancement in the field of BPD treatment. By focusing on the integration of fragmented self-concepts, RIT offers a new pathway to healing for individuals with BPD, helping them build a more stable, coherent, and fulfilling sense of self.
