What is the Family Connections™ Program?
Family Connections™ is a free, evidence-based, 12-session course that meets in person for 2 hours and requires 1-2 hours of homework/practice weekly. It provides education, skills training, and support for people who are in a relationship with a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or BPD traits.
Please note: Due to the current pandemic, all in-person classes have been suspended until further notice and classes meet virtually.
What is Family Connections™ Virtual?
NEABPD also offers an online option for families living far from Family Connections™ meeting locations or prefer to take the course at home. The Family Connections™ Virtual (FCV) course allows participants to “meet” for the course weekly via Zoom video conferencing.
What You’ll Gain
Family Connections™ is based on research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. Survey data from previous courses show that after completing the course, family members experience decreased feelings of depression, burden, and grief, and more feelings of empowerment.
The Family Connections™ program includes:
Education on treatments and the latest research findings on BPD
Skills based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to promote the wellbeing of participants
Support from others in a relationship with a person with BPD or emotion dysregulation
Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
Supporting your loved one with compassion and empathy
Problem-solving and effective communication with your loved one
Details of the Program
Commitment
We ask for a commitment to participate in at least 10 of 12 classes. Skills build on the previous week’s so it is important to only commit if you can participate in the majority of the classes.
Individual Applications
Each person must apply individually, including spouses. This is required regardless of whether you reside at the same address or will use the same computer.
Cost
NEABPD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that relies on volunteers and donations to continue its mission. No person is ever charged a fee to take a Family Connections™ Course.
Age Requirement
The course is designed for adults 18 years of age and older.
Enrollment
You will be offered one course via email with the subject line: Response Required– Family Connections™ Course. Check your SPAM folder often as sometimes the email goes there.
Response
You must respond via the enrollment form whether you can participate in the course offered or want a future course. YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM OUR WAIT LIST UNLESS YOU RESPOND.
Wait Times
Apply Only Once
Loved One's BPD
Many of those that suffer emotion dysregulation and exhibit BPD traits often are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. A confirmed diagnosis is not a requirement to participate in our course.
Applying for Spouse or Another Family Member
An application is for one participant only. Each person must apply individually and specify that they would like to be in a course with you. This is required regardless of whether you reside at the same address or will use the same computer.
Taking the Course with my BPD Loved One
Family Connections™ is specifically designed for family members of a loved one diagnosed with BPD (or BPD traits) and not for people diagnosed or suffering from the disorder. You can go to NEABPD’s Recovery and Treatment Resources page for BPD sufferers.
While Waiting for a Course
You may find it helpful to browse the Home Page, Family Guidelines, Family Education Workshops Videos, and Resources sections of our website. There are recent Webinars that feature skills taught in the Family Connections™ Course as well. The NEA BPD website has the largest video library specific to BPD in the world.
For Persons with BPD or BPD Traits
Family Connections™ is specifically designed for family members with a loved one diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (or traits) and not for people diagnosed with the disorder.
Course Cost
No person is ever charged a fee to take a Family Connections™ Course. A donation of $60 per participant is suggested. Click here to donate to NEABPD Family Connections.
COVID-19
All in-person Family Connections™ Courses are being taught virtually via Zoom video conferencing. We will offer in-person courses subject to pandemic safety guidelines.
If you think a Family Connections™ Course is right for you and you can commit to attending at least 10 of 12 sessions, please complete our online application. All personal information submitted is confidential and we will never send any information to you via the US mail.
Please add this email address to your contact list so you are sure to get our communications: fc@neabpd.org.
Questions?
Email fc@neabpd.org