Diagnosis
Geraldine was first known to the writer as a pullet and due to the possibility that her behaviour was related to ongoing developmental changes, earlier diagnosis wasn't possible. The writer has theories pertaining to Geraldine's early removal from her family unit into the writer’s care, which he considers to be a likely cause of her maladaptive attachment bond regulation.
Statistical studies show the likelihood of hens developing Borderline Poultry Disorder as compared to cock birds, to fall within a ratio of 4:1. Certainly, with regard to DSM IV’s ‘9 traits of the borderline’, Geraldine qualifies to a greater or lesser degree to each of the diagnostic criteria. Exhibiting behaviour relating to 5 of the 9 traits is sufficient for diagnosis of BPDh and c.
Treatment
In terms of treatment, it is hoped that Geraldine will accept that she is a chicken and I am a human being. Boundaries have been laid down dealing with issues such as the house is my place, and the hen coop is hers, while the yard is a communal area.
On each occasion she displays inappropriate sexual behaviour, I explain that I respect and understand her feelings, validating her, but that my own feelings are different. There is no sign that these boundaries are respected unless enforced, and the enforcement of boundaries are in truth, as much about my own needs as hers. In terms of her recovery and healing I've tried a number of models relating to human personality disorders since little is written about the treatment of poulty disorders. I have had limited success.
Reparenting:
This has been attempted but was extremely difficult. Geraldine proved resistant to my attempts to brood her, refusing to stay still. It may be a factor that my weight ratio is greater than her own mother's would have been, and she was left quite traumatised, indeed ruffled, by the experience. I would not recommend this method of treatment unless the patient completely buys into the process.
I wonder whether my own displays of affection may promote identity confusion in her since it encourages the development of inter-species relationships and may reduce the likelihood of her seeking her needs being met by her own peer group.
Schema Therapy:
Moving on to the more established models of child / chick modes and reparenting, it concerns me that my attempts to display adult chicken behaviour as a demonstrative model may further confuse her. Certainly I empathise with the "abandoned chick mode", and I do consistently attempt to help the abandoned chick to give and receive love. In terms of bonding with Geraldine, this is achieved.
Bypassing the detached protector I feel is beyond us using classical techniques, and I take this responsibility on myself (my own unrelenting standards?). I feel incapable of explaining such a remedy in terms that she can understand. Ideas such as her writing a diary or flashcards are unworkable due to her limited communication skills. I do set limits, or boundaries as I call them. Overall, this form of therapy is simply too "humanistic" in approach.
Dialectic Behavioural Therapy:
This has proven most successful with the creation of a validating environment where adaptive poultry behaviour is re-enforced and motivated. I now realise my own behaviours must change so that there is an avoidance of encouragement for maladaptive fowl behaviour. I realise I must limit my own environmental intervention so that Geraldine, with encouragement, will adapt to life with her peers and develop her own inter-poultry skills.
Recovery
I have no wish to disempower Geraldine, or subjugate her in any sense, and hope in time that there is an acceptance by her of the boundaries which I have put in place. These are in place for my own protection in terms of social acceptance, and to help ensure each of our individual needs. Currently, such activities have resulted in an increase in her brooding but I'm hopeful that, with time, Geraldine's sense of self-worth will develop. I also hope that Geraldine comes to realize and adapt to her place in the world, and accept that the life of a chicken can be so much more than a poultry existence.
In essence, in terms of her borderline pathology, little can be done to reverse any biological emotional vulnerability, but the writer hopes that a consistent validating environment will see some reversal of her borderline traits. Geraldine is loved.
[This article was written by Michael Robinson. Michael is a freelance writer, a tireless campaigner for parents' and grandparents' rights and author of the book The Custody Minefield, an essential self-help work for mothers, fathers and grandparents wishing to resolve residence and contact issues related to separation and divorce. The article is a spoof, originally written for Michael's friend who is a psychologist.]
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