Working Relationally with Borderline Personality Disorder

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 people living with BPD, appreciating the impacts on caring relationships, along with consideration and support for families, has remained a marginalised area in mental health care.

This workshop will consider the significance and challenges of the relational system in responding to BPD/complex needs. In an attempt at breaking the code surrounding this system, we will consider the value of working mindfully, relationally, and collaboratively to support clients living with BPD, supporters/carers, family relationships and ourselves.

Drawing from a number of therapeutic traditions, we will sample key practices of relational mindfulness, ‘re-stor(y)ing’ the conversation, re-starting reflection, validating communications and relational limit setting.

What will you learn?

By attending this workshop, you will:

• Reflect on and share your challenges, experiences, understandings, and learnings from working with this complex-needs client group
• Increase your 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
• Be able to apply key relational mindfulness practices

Relevant Audience

A range of practitioners working with clients living with BPD and their families, including community counsellors; family, housing, AOD and outreach workers; and mental and community health practitioners.

Workshop Style

This workshop will provide a space to share our experiences, challenges and learnings. It will encompass small group activities, discussions of case examples, and an implementation guide to help you put your knowledge into practice.

Upcoming Workshop

Expression of Interest

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Training at your workplace

We can customise our training to the needs of your team and deliver it to your workplace. See here for more information.