The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is holding its annual convention this week in Seattle. If you are attending as a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) treatment provider, consumer, or family member and want to find out more information about BPD, here are the sessions you should be sure not to miss:
BPD Research Update
Friday, June 29, 2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Presented by:
- Perry Hoffman, Ph.D., president, NEABPD, Rye, N.Y.
- Kelly Koerner, Ph.D., creative director, Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle
- Melanie S. Harned, Ph.D., director of research & director of the PTSD Clinic, Behavioral Research & Therapy Clinics, University of Washington, Seattle
- Moderator: Jim Payne, J.D., member, NAMI Board of Directors, Falls Church, Va.
All three presenters will share recent research and findings on Borderline Personality Disorder and BPD treatment.
Borderline Personality Disorder Special Interest Session
Friday, June 29, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
An interactive discussion and demonstration of the principles and practice of validation for improving communication between family members and people living with Borderline Personality Disorder. Presented by Kevin Dawkins, producer of the five-part video series, “If Only We Had Known.”
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Saturday, June 30, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Presented by:
- Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., professor, University of Washington, Seattle
- Moderator: Jim Payne, J.D., member, NAMI Board of Directors, Falls Church, Va.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment approach that has revolutionized treatment for chronically suicidal individuals and for people with Borderline Personality Disorder. It is an integration of two traditions – the behavior and cognitive-behavioral therapy tradition and the mindfulness tradition that comes out of various spiritual practices. Studies have shown that clients receiving DBT have been less likely to be hospitalized, had fewer days in the hospital, and had higher scores on global and social adjustment. Join Dr. Marsha Linehan, the developer of DBT therapy, in learning more about this important treatment.
Brandon Marshall Presents Project Borderline
Saturday, June 30, 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Brandon Marshall, wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) and the MVP of the 2012 Pro Bowl, was recently diagnosed with and is pursuing treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder. Nicknamed “The Beast” during his NFL career, his private life was in stark contrast with arrests and legal battles. He will share his story, his work on a documentary about the disorder and his focus on recovery for others through his foundation, Project Borderline.
For more on NAMI’s Annual Convention and a full schedule of workshops, visit www.nami.org.