Dr. Andrea Gold: DBT is an evidence-based treatment for people with BPD, which focuses on skills for emotion regulation and the overarching goal to build a life worth living. In this meeting, Dr. Gold will outline the DBT model and also address issues that come up with engaging in DBT and ways to generalize skills across contexts. She will discuss access to DBT therapy, ways for family and loved ones to learn and practice DBT skills, and ways to keep up with the skills that are taught.

ISteve Seiner, Director of McLean Hospital’s Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics Program and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, will share his expertise on Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and ketamine infusions for treatment resistant depression. These relatively new therapies can help with the depression that often co-exists with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD).  Dr. Seiner will present and answer questions.tem description

Many people with personality disorders and their loved ones struggle to find ways to access  information, programs and support on the journey to recovery. Emotions Matter Inc. addresses all that and more! Join us to hear about both the many basic and new peer support groups, education programs, recovery resources and community outreach available.

Paula Tusiani-Eng is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Emotions Matter Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to educate, support, and advocate for those impacted by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She has personal experience having had  a loved one with BPD and has co-authored the book, “Remnants of a Life on Paper, A Mother and Daughter’s Struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)”.

Andrea Gold, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Brown University School of Medicine, and a Staff Psychologist at the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center (PARC), speaks about her work  developing an adaptation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Mental Illness and the Law with Attorney Gary Zelkin. Answers to legal issues that sometimes come up regarding loved ones with personality disorders, including how to negotiate sectioning for forced treatment for the best outcome for our loved ones.  

Brandon Unruh, MD,  Director of the Gunderson Institute at McLean Hospital,  presents  his latest research. By bringing spirituality and religiosity into aspects of meaning-making,  a unique perspective emerges on what can be helpful in treatment and recovery for those with a personality disorder.

The Transactional Model for Emotional Dysregulation. Doreen Dawson clearly explains why communication gets off track with our loved ones who have personality disorders  and offers sound alternatives for keeping interactions moving forward.    

Essential Information and Updates on Borderline Personality Disorder. Dr. David Greenleaf, Psychologist. Home Meeting included a previously taped interview of one of McLean Hospital’s experts on BPD, Karen Jacob, and a live follow-up question and answer discussion. Monday, January 22, 2024

Mindfulness, A Gift to Self and Others. Dr. Norm Christiansen. Information and guided opportunities for simple, short techniques that can be practiced almost anytime and any place. Monday, November 27, 2023

GPM - Generalized Psychiatric Management: Newly Available Therapy for BPD from General Therapists. Dr. Carl Fleisher, Psychiatrist. Exciting news about the growing availability of qualified therapists for BPD. Monday, October 23, 2023

Family Guidelines: Basics and Beyond. Dr. Edward Patzelt, Psychologist. Ways to enter dialog, communicate with and support your loved one while holding on to your own integrity. September 25, 2023