Participant Code of Conduct

applies to all BPD Alliance Programs

Welcome

BPD Alliance programs are offered in a confidential, supportive, and educational environment designed to help individuals and families build understanding, skills, and resilience related to borderline personality disorder ("BPD"), emotion dysregulation, suicidality, and trauma.

Our programs are psychoeducational and peer-supported. They are not therapy, clinical treatment, crisis intervention, or a substitute for professional mental health care or emergency services.

To support a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment, all participants are asked to review and agree to the expectations outlined below.

Confidentiality and Privacy

BPD Alliance programs rely on trust and mutual respect.

By participating, I agree to:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all participants by not sharing personal information, stories, or identifying details outside of the program.
• Participate in sessions from a private space and ensure that only registered participants are able to hear or observe program sessions.
• Refrain from recording sessions in any format, including audio, video, screenshots, or transcripts.
• Respect that participants may share personal experiences related to themselves, their families, and loved ones.

Respectful Participation and Group Conduct

I agree to:

• Attend sessions with an open mind and an open heart.
• Respect the experiences, perspectives, and feelings of all participants, recognizing that each person's journey is unique.
• Provide an atmosphere of support, non-judgment, and mutual respect so others feel safe sharing.
• Honor shared time and allow space for others to participate.

Many BPD Alliance programs are structured sequentially, with each session building on previous material. Regular attendance supports learning, trust, and skill development.

Inclusive and Welcoming Environment

BPD Alliance is committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants, leaders, staff, and volunteers.

By participating, I agree to:

• Support a learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, or hostility.
• Respect participants' preferred names and pronouns.
• Keep my physical and virtual participation space neutral and free from political, religious, or other potentially divisive or controversial displays.
• Recognize that we are all learning and may make mistakes. If something occurs that causes discomfort or harm, I understand that I may reach out to info@bpdalliance.org so concerns can be addressed collaboratively.

Self-Care and Emotional Well-Being

I understand that:

• Program discussions may bring up strong emotions related to past or current experiences, personal stressors, or the experiences shared by others.
• I am responsible for monitoring my own emotional well-being and practicing self-care.
• If I need additional support or if my current situation requires more help than the program can provide, Program Leaders can help direct me to external resources.

I understand that Program Leaders are trained peer facilitators serving in a volunteer capacity, and not acting as therapists or crisis counselors within the program.

Use of Program Information

I understand that:

• I am encouraged to take from the program the information and skills that are most helpful to me.
• I am responsible for deciding how to apply program concepts in my own life.
• Participation does not create a therapeutic, clinical, or professional relationship with Program Leaders or BPD Alliance.

Limits and Conflicts of Interest

To maintain the integrity of BPD Alliance programs, I agree to:

• Refrain from endorsing, promoting, or soliciting individuals, groups, services, or businesses in which I have a personal or financial interest.
• Respect the limits established by Program Leaders regarding communication and participation.

Enrollment Acknowledgement

I understand that:

• Agreeing to this Participant Code of Conduct does not guarantee immediate enrollment in a program.
• Participation will be offered as space becomes available and according to BPD Alliance program procedures.

Acknowledgement and Agreement

I have read and understand the BPD Alliance Participant Code of Conduct. I agree to abide by the expectations and guidelines outlined above as a condition of participation in any BPD Alliance program.