Considerations when working with participants diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder - Presented by Rachel Hardcastle

This one-hour presentation is designed for NDIS behaviour support practitioners and allied health professionals, focusing on key considerations when working with participants diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The session will explore the complex clinical features of BPD, including emotional dysregulation, interpersonal sensitivity, and identity disturbance, and how these may intersect with disability and support needs. Emphasis will be placed on trauma-informed, person-centred approaches that foster trust, consistency, and collaboration, while avoiding re-traumatisation and service disengagement. Participants will be guided through practical strategies for building therapeutic rapport, managing professional boundaries, and developing effective, flexible behaviour support plans that respect participant autonomy. The session will also address the importance of reflective practice and practitioner self-care when supporting individuals with BPD.