BPDFamily.com

Family Guidelines: Multiple Family Group Program at McLean Hospital

"This review of the handicaps of people with BPD is a reminder that they have a significantly impaired ability to tolerate stress. Therefore, the family members can help them achieve stability by creating a cool, calm home environment. This means slowing down and taking a deep breath when crises arise rather than reacting with great emotion. It means setting smaller goals for the person with BPD so as to diminish the pressure she is experiencing. It means communicating when you are calm and in a manner that is calm. It does not mean sweeping disappointments and disagreements under the rug by avoiding discussion of them. It does mean that conflict needs to be addressed in a cool but direct manner without use of put-downs."

This excellent Family Guide takes you step by step through the skills needed to maintain emotional health in a family dealing with BPD. Topics include Goals, Family Environment, Managing Crises, Addressing Problems, and Limit Setting. Useful for any loved one of someone with BPD; parents of children/adult children with BPD may find it particularly relevant. Chock full of great advice and helpful examples.