I read this on a senior psychologist's profile

[unaangrybird]

"Never smile at a crocodile … what not to do with patients who have BPD borderline personality disorder."

This particular therapist offers this training to other therapists.

I don't have bpd but I found it very harsh and judgemental.

I wonder what they mean by that. (I'm BPD.) Makes me think of either crocodile tears or the danger of being savaged. Neither option seems a kind way to conceptualise BPD sufferers. Some therapists are both 'on the make' and ignorant. Dangerous, in other words. Perhaps this therapist is one of that type.

I would definitely avoid training with someone who has an adversarial view of 'helping' those with mental health issues.

I also have BPD but read that as an attempt at being funny, but can see how it can be seen the other way. It could have been written as eg look both ways before you cross the road.... what not to do with patients who have BPD borderline personality disorder."

Have you got a link? I’d like to see the context.

Based on this, presumably:

Never smile at a crocodile
No, you can't get friendly with a crocodile
Don't be taken in by his welcome grin
He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin
Never smile at a crocodile
Never tip your hat and stop to talk awhile
Never run, walk away, say good-night, not good-day
Clear the aisle but never smile at Mister Crocodile
You may very well be well bred
Lots of etiquette in your head
But there's always some special case, time or place
To forget etiquette
For instance
Never smile at a crocodile
No, you can't get friendly with a crocodile
Don't be taken in by his welcome grin
He's imagining how well you'd fit within his skin
Never smile at a crocodile
Never dip your hat and stop to talk awhile
Never run, walk away, say good-night, not good-day
Clear the aisle but never smile at Mister Crocodile

@interminablehellishwhatever, I completely agree with you. I don't understand why these therapist are okay to make money from seeing bpd patients if their views are such.

@PurpleDaisies, irrespective of context, referring bpd patients as crocodiles is not nice and lacks empathy towards their experiences.

This is what I found on their profile --

Over the past x years I have given various talks to GP's and staff at the hospital.

1. Never smile at a crocodile … what not to do with patients who have BPD borderline personality disorder.
2. .....