Working Relationally with Borderline Personality Disorder

One of the significant challenges facing mental health and community-based services over the last few decades has been responding to the complex needs of people and families living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Although there have been developments in treatments for sufferers, appreciating the impacts on caring relationships along with the consideration and support for families, has remained a marginalised area in mental health care.

This course will consider the significance and challenges of the relational system in responding to BPD/complex needs. It will provide a space to share our experiences, challenges and learnings. In an attempt at breaking the code surrounding this system, we will consider the value of working mindfully, relationally and collaboratively in supporting sufferers, supporters/carers, family relationships and ourselves.

Drawing from a number of therapeutic traditions, we will sample key practices of Relational Mindfulness, Re-store(y)ing the Conversation-Restarting Reflection, Validating Communications and Relational Limit Setting.

Suitable for

Community counsellors, family, housing, AOD and outreach workers, mental and community health practitioners.

Course benefits

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Reflect on and share your challenges, experiences, understandings and learnings of working with this complex needs client group
• Increase understanding of the role of the relational system in responding to BPD/complex needs
• Relate the value of working mindfully and relationally with better outcomes for clients, supporters/carers, family relationships and the
  service system
• Apply key relational mindful practices

What you can expect

• A full day course with a subject expert exploring key theories and theoretical and practical frameworks
• Small group activities to ensure the workshop material is relevant to you and to your specific work context
• Implementation guides to help you put your knowledge to practice
• Discussions of case examples
• A collection of relevant readings

Related Training and Support

Narrative Therapy Approaches to Trauma

Families and Trauma Work: Integrating Key Ideas from Individual and Systemic Practice