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 a virtual option for families living far from Family Connections™ meeting locations or for those who prefer to take the course online. The Family Connections™ Virtual (FCV) course allows participants to “meet” weekly for the 12-session course 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Age Requirement

The course is designed for adults 18 years of age and older.

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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.

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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.

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Wait Times

Demand for our course is very high and there is a long waitlist so wait times vary from several weeks to months. We make every effort to offer you a course as soon as one is available.
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Course Dates and Times

We have multiple courses starting on a weekly basis at various times and days in all US time zones. If you are offered a course you can’t attend, you can request another.
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Loved One's BPD Diagnosis

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.

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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.

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Taking the Course with my BPD Loved One

Family Connections™Â is not intended for people suffering with BPD. The program was designed for family members of someone with BPD and/or significant emotion dysregulation and related problems.

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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.

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For Persons with BPD or BPD Traits

Family Connections™Â is not intended for people suffering with BPD. The program was designed for family members of someone with BPD and/or significant emotion dysregulation and related problems. Please visit our  Recovery and Treatment Resources page. 
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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.

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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.

 

Family Connections™ Application

Questions?

Email fc@neabpd.org

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