Empowering Families Through Understanding
Join our 12-week course to learn about emotional dysregulation and develop effective coping strategies.
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Research-Backed Tools for Real-Life Challenges
Developed by experts, our programme combines psychoeducation and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills.
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Connect with Others Who Understand
Share experiences and build lasting support networks with fellow whānau members.
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Supporting Whānau Through Emotional Challenges

Learn, cope, and connect with Family Connections®

What is Family Connections?

Family Connections® is a free evidence-based 12-week program that meets weekly for two hours to provide education, skills training, and support for individuals who are in a relationship with someone who experiences difficulties regulating emotions and/or may be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

This can look like intense, changeable emotions, impulsive behaviours such as alcohol and drug use, binge eating, purging, gambling, violence, shoplifting, intense or unstable relationships and fears of being abandoned by others, feelings of emptiness and an unstable sense of self, suicide attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, fears of abandonment.

Focusing on issues that are specific to this, the manualised program is hosted in a community setting and led by trained group leaders who are usually family members of people with severe emotional dysregulation and Mental Health professionals.

“I don’t try to fix everything anymore so I am not escalating things with her. Also she sees I am trying to understand and be supportive in an effective way” – Whānau member, 2021 Family Connections group
“I now understand the emotional dysregulation she is experiencing and how she just needs to have the space for her emotions to calm down and the validation from others of her emotions” – Whānau member, 2021 Family Connections group
“Hearing the personal stories from the parent Family Connections Leader – gave me hope” – Whānau member, 2018 Family Connections group
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About Family Connections®

Family Connections® is a free 12-week course designed to educate and support whānau who have a loved one struggling to manage intense emotions or impulsive behaviours.

What will participants gain?

Family Connections provides:

  1. Current information and research on emotional dysregulation;
  2. Relationship skills based on Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT) to help family members support the person with compassion and empathy;
  3. Suggestions for how family members can take care of themselves, and manage stress and create a more effective and supporting home environment;
  4. Effective communication techniques to promote collaboration and discussion around problem solving;
  5. Group support that builds a broader support network for family members.
Family Connections is coordinated internationally by the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEA.BPD) and is based on research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health In the USA. It was developed in 2002 by Clinicians and Researchers Dr Alan Fruzzetti and Dr Perry Hoffman in conjunction with family members. It operates in over 20 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, South America and New Zealand. Check out the USA web site for more background to Family Connections.
https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org
Family Connections

How effective is the Family Connections program?

Family Connections reflects a decade of family groups that are community based and delivered across the world with several published studies endorsing the efficacy of the program. Survey data from previous courses shows that after completing the course, family members generally experience decreased feelings of depression, burden, and grief, and more feelings of hope and empowerment.

The following feedback from participants provides insights into the way family members are supported, uplifted and empowered to assist their loved ones:

https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org
“Hearing the personal stories from the parent Family Connections Leader – gave me hope”
“I now understand the emotional dysregulation she is experiencing and how she just needs to have the space for her emotions to calm down and the validation from others of her emotions”.
“I don’t try to fix everything anymore, so I am not escalating things with her. Also, she sees I am trying to understand and be supportive in an effective way”.
“I no longer judge her. I am much calmer, more loving and validating of her emotions and experiences”.
“I have done many courses in my lifetime. This is very comprehensive, well-designed and facilitated. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to complete Family Connections. Lifechanging. Thank you”
“Yes, absolutely. The environment is a much more validating family environment, judgements have been minimized, mindfulness is being practiced and I feel much more skillful”.
“Absolutely now I can feel like I can help them as opposed to feeling helpless””