Program Description
This day long session will focus on practical issues in the treatment of clients with borderline personality disorder. Insights from different theoretical approaches will be examined for the wisdom they provide in guiding our interventions with these challenging clients. The workshop will focus on the therapeutic alliance as the key ingredient necessary before any therapeutic approach can be helpful. We will also review ways of dealing with self- harming behaviors and substance abuse with this population.
Learning Objectives :
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
1. Understand the psychodynamic, trauma treatment and cognitive-behavioral explanations of this disorder;
2. Explain the importance of the therapeutic alliance and understand how to solidify their alliance with borderline personality disorder clients;
3. Identify ways to reframe and validate the “irrational” reactions of these clients and understand the importance of doing so;
4. Describe various ways to address self-harming behaviors and substance abuse;
5. Identify ways to avoid becoming embroiled in power struggles with borderline personality disordered clients;
6. Identify ways to integrate aspects of dialectical behavior therapy into their treatment approach;
7. Understand how to address trauma issues as part of any treatment approach.
Target Audience
Mental health and substance abuse professionals or any other human service professional interested in this topic.
Contact Hours
6 hours
Program Agenda
9:00 AM
10:15 AM
10:30 AM
12:00 Noon
1:00 PM
Overview of the diagnosis
Break
Review of various approaches to treatment, including psychodynamic, trauma perspective, cognitive - behavior therapy perspective
Brief review of medication management
Lunch
The therapeutic alliance-the importance of empathy and validation and techniques for maintaining an empathic stance

2:00 PM
2:30 PM
2:45 PM
4:30 PM
Introduction to dialectical behavior therapy
Break
Managing self-harm, substance abuse, dissociation
Adjourn
Faculty
Marilyn Ghezzi, LCSW is a clinical social worker who worked as a therapist and therapy supervisor in the public mental health system for 23 years. She is currently a
Clinical Assistant Professor at the UNC -Chapel Hill School of Social Work. Marilyn also presents AHEC workshops on group work, diagnosing using DSM-5, clinical supervision and working with SPMI clients.