Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness that centers on the inability to manage emotions effectively. Loving someone with BPD can be confusing, intense, and even painful. The Family and Friends Class, offered virtually through the Pine Rest Northwest Clinic 616.222.3720 is a 4-session educational series is designed to increase understanding of the illness and equip family and friends with tools for coping effectively.
Participants will learn about the symptoms and causes of BPD as well as coping tools. Weekly sessions will be a combination of education and discussion.
Who should attend
This class is designed for family members, friends, or anyone who has a loved one diagnosed with BPD. Adolescents are allowed but
must be 16 years of age or older.
The Family and Friends class is not recommended for those with a family member in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) treatment unless they are also diagnosed with BPD. This class is specific to the BPD diagnosis and not DBT.
What you will learn
Session 1: Understanding BPD and the causes of BPD (participants must attend from the first session)
Session 2: Mindfulness in relationships
Session 3: Communication skills
Session 4: Validation skills
Payment
*Full payment due at first session, or it may be divided into two payments with half payable then and the balance at the third session. Cash, check or credit card accepted. In the case of multiple family members attending, the cost is $125 for the first family member and $75 for each additional family member. Late or partial enrollment is not allowed as each session builds on the previous one.
Registration
Please call the clinic to register, 616.222.3720.
Deadline to register for our virtual March sessions is February 23, 2026.
Questions?
Please call the class facilitator, John Buell, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist, at 616.222.3720