BPD Space sessions are split into 3 parts: A Mindfulness Exercise, Theme Processing, and and Check-Ins.
Mindfulness allows us to start every group on solid ground, attempting to bring members to baseline to facilitate introspective conversation.
Theme Processing is the bulk of group! All the talking goes here. Processing time is an open floor for members to bring their concerns and experiences from their day-to-day lives to group.
Check-Ins are a large part of BPD Space. We have a minimum of two check-ins, one at the beginning of group and one at the end. As and when group covers a more sensitive topic, we may host another check-in to take the temperature of our members.
First and foremost, participants are required to submit a signed certificate from their psychiatrist attesting their diagnosis and their fitness to participate in group. Members must have a psychiatrist’s referral in order to join. In the case of professional help being needed, members are urged to reach back to their psychiatrists for support. In the event that a member is not willing or able to reach out during a period of significant emotional dysregulation, the peer facilitator may reach out to the listed psychiatrist as required.
We designed our “grounding guide” to act as a first line of defense against crisis. Members who feel overwhelmed are welcome, and encouraged, to access the techniques and exercises outlined in the guide to self-soothe. In the case of emergency, we have the contacts of mental health professionals who are equipped to better ease you through a state of heightened distress.
We understand that BPD is a tough subject to discuss. Without talking about self-injurious behavior or suicidality - it is difficult to fully understand the BPD experiences of many. We encourage members to exercise discretion in discuss triggering topics such as self-harm, suicide, sexual assault, disordered eating, or substance abuse. Keep your fellow members in mind. Peer Leaders will check in every time a triggering topic is brought to group, and in the event of even one member being overwhelmed, group will shift to breakout mode. Breakout mode will rely on the skills in the Grounding Guide, as well as open communication about the emotions on the table.
Understand that this is NOT a clinical space or a crisis response center, we are your peers and are here to celebrate and empower you.
Civility: Treat others with respect. This is not a debate, its is a community
Punctuality: Nothing better than starting on time! We have a 10 minute grace period for members to join group - this allows for maximum accessibility
Accessibility: Mental Health for All. If you have any factors preventing your participation in group, let us know - we’re happy to make accommodations. (Ex: You may like to turn off your camera if you can’t hold a device for a long period of time)
Inclusivity: Everyone in group is here for the same reason. Hate speech of any kind is grounds for removal from group
Cameras On: Cameras must stay on during group unless specifically requested ahead of time. This allows for members to get to know each other and participate more actively!
Participation: You get what you give, the more you say in group, the more you engage with fellow members - the more you stand to gain from group!
Boundaries and Intervention: Keep in mind this is not a clinical setting, nor does it aim to be. Group runs at the discretion of its members - share what you want, when you want to share it. Personal comfort is paramount to us, if you feel overwhelmed or hurt - actions will be taken to remedy.
No Hate Policy: Peer Moderators have the final say over who can stay in group. Any actions that violate our NHP will result in removal from group and/or barring from further participation in groups
BPD Space is NOT a substitute for therapeutic intervention nor does it aim to be. Group is not a clinical space.
I hope that you leave group with a renewed sense of hope. You are not alone in your journey and BPD Space is here to prove it! When members join our group, they are a part of our community. I hope that you take with you new information about yourselves and plenty of food for thought with every session. The goal of group will always be to have you feeling safe, seen, heard, and understood!
Additionally, it’s close to my heart that you leave group feeling comfortable enough to share your feedback and concerns with me. Constructive criticism is key to self-improvement!
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