Training for New Leaders
Family Connections Leaders Training
Family Connections is an evidence-based 12 x 2 hr/week group for family of people with borderline personality disorder. From time to time we will provide training for Family Connections
group leaders. This training is specifically for those who intend to run a Family Connections programme.
The next Leader Training course is scheduled for Thursday 28th and Friday 29th September 2023. The course venue will be the Greenlane Clinical Centre in Auckland. See the links below to view the course flyer and registration forms.
Family Connections leader training 2023 flyer
Family Connections leader training 2023 registration form
Who can attend Family Connections Leaders training?
- Staff who are committed to co-facilitating a 12 week FC group for whānau in their local area and have the support and approval of their service manager to do so. It is recommended they attend with at least one other colleague from the service. Prior knowledge of DBT skills is an advantage though not a prerequisite.
- Whānau members who have completed a 12 week Family Connections group in last 2 years and have endorsement from their FC group facilitator to co-facilitate future FC groups.
What is Family Connections?
- Family Connections (FC) is an evidence-based, manualised free programme for whānau members of people who experience very strong, hard to control emotions and/or have been diagnosed with (Borderline Personality Disorder) BPD. People who experience this are at higher risk of suicide.
- This 12 week course, developed by Dr Alan Fruzzetti and Dr Perry Hoffman provides education on the experience of BPD, skills training based on Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and gives whānau an opportunity to share experiences and develop a support network.
- It is co-ordinated by NEA BPD (National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder) https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/ and free programmes are currently delivered in NZ by trained Family Connections Leaders (see NZ FC website http://familyconnections.org.nz/)
Why does your area/service need to provide a Family Connections programme?
- The Mental Health and Addictions Inquiry report identified the importance of whānau having access to support and education. ‘Every Life Matters’ the NZ Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2019-2024 promotes programmes that support whānau and community to respond to those who self-harm with compassion and understanding.
Who can attend Family Connections Leaders training?
- Staff who are committed to co-facilitating a 12 week FC group for whānau in their local area and have the support and approval of their service manager to do so. It is recommended they attend with at least one other colleague from the service. Prior knowledge of DBT skills is an advantage though not a prerequisite.
- Whānau members who have completed a 12 week Family Connections group in last 2 years and have endorsement from their FC group facilitator to co-facilitate future FC groups.
What will you get from attending the Family Connection Leaders training?
- A certificate that will enable you to deliver FC groups alongside an experienced FC group leader.
- Access to resources on the international NEABPD website as a FC Leader.
- As a FC group leader you will be involved in facilitating positive change for whānau with flow-on positive effects for the person who experiences hard to control emotions and their relationships.