PROGRAMS

Family Connections™

For loved ones supporting someone with BPD traits or chronic emotion dysregulation

Family Connections™ is a free, evidence-based program developed by BPD Alliance for family members and loved ones supporting someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits or chronic emotion dysregulation. The program is grounded in research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Family Connections™ blends education, practical skills, and peer support to help participants better understand what their loved one is experiencing—and to respond with greater confidence, clarity, and compassion.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered

Many participants report feeling:

Less alone and overwhelmed
More confident in how they respond during difficult moments
Better able to cope with ongoing challenges

People also commonly experience reduced stress, grief, and emotional exhaustion, along with increased hope, empowerment, and resilience.

Program Details

Classes are primarily offered online via Zoom, with a limited number of in-person sessions available in select locations.

Available in various formats to support busy families:

12 weeks of 2-hour class meetings
Asynchronous learning followed by 8 weeks of 2-hour class meetings
Asynchronous learning followed by two 6-hour days of class meetings

Specific dates and times vary.

The program is completely free. Donations are appreciated as BPD Alliance is a small non-profit supported by generosity of donors and volunteers.

What the Program Covers

Clear, accessible education about BPD, chronic emotion dysregulation, and current treatment approaches
Communication and relationship skills based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Tools for validation, observing limits, and navigating emotionally intense situations
Practical strategies for problem-solving and collaboration
Support from trained leaders and peers with shared lived experience
Skills for managing stress, burnout, and self-care

Requirements for Participation

Family Connections™ is for family members and loved ones, not for the person experiencing BPD or chronic emotion dysregulation
Participants must be 18 or older
Your loved one with BPD or chronic emotion dysregulation must be 13 or older
A formal BPD diagnosis is not required—many people experience chronic emotion dysregulation or traits of BPD without ever receiving a diagnosis
Each participant must apply separately (even family members attending together)
Please apply only once using your preferred email address

When you submit your application, you’ll be added to our class notification list. While you wait for an upcoming class, we’ll send supportive skills and resources, and you’ll be notified by email when it’s your turn to enroll.

Enroll in Family Connections

Feeling Unsure?

If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or uncertain, you’re not alone. Many people come to Family Connections™ during difficult moments. You don’t need to have everything figured out—the program is designed to support you step by step, alongside others who truly understand.

If you feel this program may be a good fit and can commit to attending most sessions, we invite you to complete the online application. All personal information is kept confidential.

Questions about the application or your status? Email Us

After completing the Family Connections course over the course of 12 weeks I feel so grateful for the new skills that I’ve added to my toolbox. I came away with new ways to think about things and also learned to respond to my loved one in better ways.

~ DM, Minnesota

After many years of feeling alone as a family member of someone with BPD, I have never felt so comforted. Meeting others in the same situation, and learning from them, has been more helpful than years of therapy. Thank you!

~ CG, Washington DC

Because of the Family Connections course, I’m now a better version of myself. I have learnt so many skills that can be used in ALL my relationships. I’m extremely grateful for the experience and would highly recommend the course!

~ DH, Florida

Being part of Family Connections was extremely comforting and supportive. It allowed for real learning and sharing and I came away with specific skills and a better understanding of how to support my loved one with chronic emotion dysregulation. It is so important — I only wish I had known about it sooner.

~ NL, Washington

Both MSTR and Family Connections are life-saving! Thank you so very much for providing help to those who are in need! BPD Alliance classes are an effective tool for those ready to make positive changes in their lives and affect positive change in the people around them.

~ AM, Texas

Both the structured learning and personal stories in this course helped me to understand what my son with BPD is living through and to understand that I’m not alone in this struggle. I think I have more compassion for him and more tools to help myself as a result. I’m so grateful for this resource.

~ BF, Massachusetts

Family Connections is a life-changing course for those who want to have a relationship with a loved one who has been diagnosed with BPD. I was fumbling around in the dark until the skills I learned in the course lit a path toward progress.

~ MJ, Vermont

Family Connections opened a door to a compassionate community that has similar struggles. It made me feel not so alone and not a horrible parent. The skills I learned helped me immediately “triage” some big issues effectively and calmly. Thank you for creating a non judgemental place to learn and grow.

~ NR, Florida

Family Connections provided us not just with skills, but with community. We shared our joys and struggles, and helped each other through profound empathy and radical acceptance. Our family is more complete and whole because of BPD Alliance.

~ LM, New York