STEPPS is an acronym for Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving. The approach of this treatment is cognitive-behavioral and based around skills training. BPD is regarded as a emotional and behavioral regulation disorder, and therefore learning emotion and behavior regulation skills is the primary goal of treatment. In addition, professionals treating the BPD patient, as well as the patient's family members and close friends are taught methods of reinforcing and supporting the new emotional and behavioral regulation skills, reducing the likelihood that the patient will practice “splitting” with those in their social support system.