Emotions Matter’s BPD Peer Online Support Group Program
Emotions Matter offers peer support groups for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The curriculum, developed by people with lived experience, emphasizes:
Peer experience as a reference point for recovery
Socialization in a safe judgment-free space with community support
Solution-focused strategies, empowerment and problem-solving
Four Recovery Principles Act as Topics for the Sessions
Managing Relationships and BPD
Identifying Obstacles on the Road to Recovery: Hope and Cope Together
Identifying Purposeful Life Activities: Embracing Strengths and Moving Beyond BPD Labels
Believing in Oneself and One’s Ability to Recover from BPD
Group Structure & Format
Sessions are 75 minutes long, and divided into the following general sections. Please note that times are approximate and vary for each group.
Pre-Group Survey (5 minutes)
Welcome and Introductions (10 minutes)
Disclaimers, Definitions, Community & Safety Guidelines (5 minutes)
Introduction of Recovery Principle & Peer Narrative about Principle (10 minutes)
Open Conversation and Discussion (40 minutes)
Closing Statements, Resources & Post-Group Survey (5 minutes)
Volunteer Peer Group Facilitators
Each group is co-facilitated by two volunteers with lived experience of borderline personality disorder. For more information about volunteering, https://emotionsmatterbpd.org/peer-facilitators
Our volunteers lead as peers from the lens of lived experience. They are not licensed heath care professionals and do not diagnose, counsel or give advice. Groups are not a substitute for group therapy or professional consultation.
Safety, Hospitality and Community Guidelines
Emotions Matter’s BPD Peer Support Groups intend to create a safe, welcoming space and support community for people impacted by BPD. We do this in the following ways:
· Waivers – Participants sign a waiver when registering for a group, acknowledging that they understand our groups are run by volunteers and are intended for peer support, not therapy.
· Welcome & Hospitality – We send a welcome email upon group registration and practice intentional welcome during our meeting introductions, in which every person is invited to introduce themselves and where they are from, and share their preferred pronouns.
· Community Guidelines – Group guidelines are ready at every meeting along with disclaimers to emphasize safety and inclusivity. https://emotionsmatterbpd.org/em-meeting-guidelines
Our Meeting Disclaimers:
· BPD is a spectrum disorder. Wherever you are on the journey, you are welcome.
· Emotions Matter uses recovery language. Each person can define recovery in their own way.
· We are here as peers with lived experience, not as medical experts or professionals.
The groups are a safe space to connect and learn from each other, encouraging positive models of recovery.
Testimonials:
What did you take away after attending our BPD Support Group?
“I am not alone in this fight.”
“I am proud of myself.”
“I feel supported.”
“Recovery is possible.”
“I am inspired.”
“I learned new skills.”
“I am hopeful that people can get better.”
“It was uplifting and informative.
It reminds me to practice skills.
I am hopeful that things can get better.
I feel heard and understood.
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