Working with complex presentations of BPD & coexisting conditions using GPM

This workshop offers training in an empirically validated treatment approach to borderline personality disorder (BPD) known as Good or General Psychiatric Management (GPM) with a specific focus on complex presentations involving co-occurring disorders. GPM is “good enough” for most clinicians and most patients, and provides mental health professionals guidelines they need to become skilled providers who can derive satisfaction from treating patients with BPD. This workshop will provide instruction in how to adapt GPM to meet the needs of patients with significant co-occurring disorders along with BPD. Depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorder, eating disorders, other personality disorders, and many other disorders frequently co-occur with BPD and can significantly complicate treatment.

Many providers believe that co-occurring disorders must be treated before BPD can be addressed, or that BPD must be addressed before meaningful change can occur in co-occurring disorders. This workshop will equip attendees to consider patients with complex cases as whole people and use GPM to most effectively help them. It will review the common co-occurring disorders, the way they interact with BPD, and strategies for combined treatment.

Learning Objectives:

On completion of this workshop participants will be able to:

Identify strategies to combine treatment for BPD and its common co-occurring disorders such as alcohol use and other personality, trauma, and autism spectrum disorders.

Prerequisite: Previous knowledge & training in GPM or BPD Core Competency workshop.

Facilitators:

Cathryn Pilcher, Associate Clinical Director, Spectrum

Cathryn Pilcher is an accomplished Occupational Therapist and is the Associate Director of Spectrum in Australia, with extensive expertise in personality disorders and complex trauma. With years of experience at the forefront of mental health, Cathryn has built a reputation for her leadership and seniority in the field. She also holds an adjunct senior lecturer position at Monash University and more recently was the co-author on a book titled, Borderline Personality Disorder; A Practical Guide for Victorian Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.

Dr Mithira Nithianandan, Acting Executive Clinical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist, Spectrum

Dr Mithira Nithianandan is a consultant psychiatrist and Acting Executive Clinical Director at Spectrum Personality Disorder Service. She has had training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Metallization Based Treatment. Dr Nithianandan believes that training and support for the mental health workforce are crucial for addressing the needs of people with personality disorder. She has a particular interest in supporting primary care providers in working therapeutically with clients living with BPD.

Who should register?

Clinicians who work with patients with BPD and have received some prior training in GPM.