A Compassionate Approach to Understanding and Treating BPD

Maintaining a therapeutic alliance requires clinicians to cultivate self-awareness, engage in supervision, and reflect on their attitudes toward BPD.
  • Teacher
    Catherine Sims
  • CE Hours
    3.25
  • Study time
    4 hours
  • Certification
    Yes
  • Cost
    $35.99
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Requirements
Instructor

About This Course

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition that requires a nuanced, evidence-based approach to treatment. This on-demand course, provides mental health professionals with the tools they need to effectively support individuals with BPD. 

This course covers diagnostic criteria, evidence-based treatments, clinician biases, and cultural considerations, equipping participants with the skills to foster trust and stability in therapeutic relationships. Whether you're a seasoned clinician or new to working with BPD, this training will deepen your understanding and enhance your ability to provide effective, stigma-free care.

Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6912. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Key Learning Objectives

  • Identify the core features and diagnostic criteria of BPD, including emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal instability as outlined in the DSM-5.
  • Recognize the role of stigma and clinician bias in treating individuals with BPD and understand how these factors impact treatment effectiveness.
  • Implement evidence-based treatment approaches, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to improve emotional regulation and client outcomes.
  • Develop culturally sensitive strategies to understand and address how cultural factors influence BPD expression, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Enhance therapeutic engagement by building strong, trust-based clinician-patient relationships that support long-term stability and symptom reduction.

Requirements

Minimum of a Master's Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. 

In Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.

Instructor

Catherine Sims
LPC- Clinical Director
I believe that identification of how one’s environment, thoughts, behaviors, and feelings influence each other and understanding the role that they play in our lives is key to making changes and adopting a healthy perspective. I provide tailored and objective support to help navigate through life events and circumstances that have created conflict or caused unrest.

In 2006, I pursued a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA. It was in this setting that my interest in trauma work was nurtured and encouraged. I began my career in social services; gaining experience through the shelter and justice systems, as well as Community Mental Health. During this time, I joined the American Red Cross as an active member of the local Disaster Action & Response team. My connection with the Red Cross has lasted more than a decade and stretched across the country. In 2010, I accepted an international position (Saudi Arabia) as a Psychology Instructor. After returning to the United States, in 2015, I set up a private practice in Washington, DC. In addition to my clinical work, since 2016 I have worked as a Regional Site Supervisor, an adjunct faculty member, and a masters-level supervisor to students enrolled at The Family Institute @ Northwestern University. Currently, I am a multi-stated Licensed Professional Counselor (OR, NY, DC) and maintain a board certification in Telemental Health (BC-TMH, 2018).

My 15+ year career has afforded me the opportunity to develop integral clinical and administrative skills, a clear ethical code, strong cultural competency and humility, and a supervisory style that is supportive, collaborative, and strength-based.

FAQs

Can I get a refund?

Please reach out with any issues or concerns you're having with the platform or course. We'll do our best to resolve the issue, but always consider refund requests on a case-by-base basis. 

Will my state board accept these CEs?

Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6912. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.

Can I interact with the instructor? 

CE courses are designed to be asynchronous, which means they're self-guided without live instruction. Our help team is available to answer any course-related questions you may have. 

How long do I have to complete the course?

You can complete the course at your own speed. If you need to take a break, you can simply log out and our platform will save your place. 

Do I get a certificate immediately?

You're able to download a certificate upon completion of the course, which includes a quiz and feedback survey. 

Are online courses HIPAA-compliant?

Any case studies included in our courses have been appropriately anonymized to be HIPAA-compliant. 

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