Foundation training for working with BPD in non-clinical settings

This training is ideal for support workers in non-clinical settings who are beginning to develop their skills in working with people who have BPD and explores the core common factors of effective engagement with this cohort.

This workshop will develop support workers’ understanding and practice in working effectively with people with BPD. It will include a developmental understanding of factors contributing to a diagnosis of BPD, the ongoing effects of early life experiences and complex childhood trauma, and the role of therapeutic relationships in treatment. The workshop will also focus on the assessment of, and working with risk, as well as principles for treatment and treatment planning.

Learning Objectives:

On completion of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand how BPD occurs and presents
• Identify the principles of effective, therapeutic supportive relationships with people living with BPD
• Set and maintain limits and boundaries with clients and work with strong emotions
• Practice various grounding skills to stabilize emotions
• Demonstrate an awareness of risk factors and assess the severity of risk
• Appreciate the importance of self care, self awareness, and reflection when engaging with people who have BPD

Prerequisite: Nil

Presenters:

Lauren Yua: Mental Health Nurse / Senior Clinician, Spectrum

Lauren Yua is a registered mental health nurse with 12 years of diverse experience across community, inpatient, and crisis services. For the past 9 years, she has focused her professional development around recovery-focused interventions for individuals diagnosed with personality disorders and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Lauren’s compassionate approach prioritises the client’s perspective, empowering them to recognise and utilise their own self-expertise in their recovery journey.

Currently in position as a Senior Clinician at Spectrum, Lauren is an active member of the DBT team and the Workforce Development team. She is deeply committed to challenging the stigma surrounding personality disorder diagnoses and enjoys delivering training sessions to fellow clinicians. Lauren is dedicated to supporting her peers in enhancing their skills and confidence in working with clients who present with complex and high-risk needs.

Dylan George: Clinical Psychologist / Senior Clinician, Spectrum

Dylan George is a Senior Clinical Psychologist, Trainer, and Psychology Board of Australia Approved Supervisor. He has experience working with personality disorder and complex trauma presentations in both youth and adult teams across the public health service. He has a training background in Mentalization Based Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and uses an integrative approach in his current work in the General Psychiatric Management (GPM) team at Spectrum. He is passionate about the value of strong therapeutic alliances and helping people to develop understanding of themselves and build their functional capacity in life.

Who should attend: Support workers and other health/wellbeing workers in non-clinical settings who are beginning to develop their skills in working with people who have BPD.