718 | If Chaos was a Couple: The Treatment of Structural Dissociation in Narcissistic-Borderline Marriages

Narcissistic-Borderline (NPD-BPD) marriages present some of the most challenging dynamics in marital therapy, with many clinicians believing such marriages are beyond repair. Classic treatment modalities like EFT and Imago often fail to resolve destructive patterns of emotional dysregulation, anger, conflict management, and insecure attachment styles. However, when NPD-BPD interactive patterns are viewed through the lens of complex PTSD, the resolution lies in understanding structurally-dissociative and ANS dysregulatory patterns. In this workshop, licensed mental health professionals will differentiate structurally-dissociative interactive patterns within narcissistic and borderline couples and formulate alignment around four marital therapeutic objectives that foster the integration of dissociated personality components. Participants will also identify two ANS-dysregulatory patterns that hinder resolution and explore the corresponding bio-psycho-social treatment considerations. Ultimately, participants will discuss how to rebuild trust, cultivate compassion, and facilitate the couple’s progression towards object constancy and deepened intimacy, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit for willing Christian clients.