Healing resources

Below you’ll find helpful information about borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and trauma. I add to this page as I find resources, primarily local, that make it possible for people managing their distress to heal, learn, and grow, so check in regularly. If you know of a great local resource, please pass it along (it will be considered for the list after review).

Crisis

If you’re currently in distress, the following resources are immediately available to you.

Crisis Text Line (741741). It can be used anywhere in the U.S.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Crisis Chat is also available.

Borderline Personality Disorder

If you’re questioning yourself as a parent consider watching this brief video featuring BPD expert Dr. John Gunderson

Willows in the Wind Family Support Group

Willows offers safe, confidential support groups and workshops for parents who have placed teens and young adults in a therapeutic program, or who are considering placement. Monthly meetings in Oakland, Los Altos (sometimes San Mateo) and San Rafael provide parents with an opportunity to learn about treatment options, professional resources, and funding choices in order to make informed decisions regarding their child’s care.

Karen Fessel, Insurance Advocate

Karen helps clients understand how to navigate the insurance reimbursement process. Although the website looks to be autism-oriented, she also works with parents who have children managing emotion dysregulation.

http://autismhealthinsurance.org

McClean Hospital

offers free webinars that are focused on providing information and demonstrating skills to help people with borderline personality disorder, and their loved ones. Keep in mind that these skills are also taught to support people with emotion dysregulation and so can be helpful if you’re managing anxiety or depression. Previously shown webinars are archived and available for you to watch.

The National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEA BPD)

has a wealth of information for people with BPD and their loved ones. There’s a library of helpful videos about various topics; some are geared toward the public and some are from professional conferences. You can also sign up for a

Family Connections training.

For people trying to manage BPD.

http://www.bpdworld.org

Behavioral Tech

is a DBT research and training organization founded by the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Marsha Linehan. There’s a great research section that contains information about the effectiveness of DBT.

OCD

Sally Huskisson’s Teen Hangouts

If you’re in the Bay Area, Sally Huskisson organizes a fun get together for teens with OCD. These meetings provide an opportunity to get peer support while releasing stress. Email her at sallyhusk@yahoo.com for more information.

The International OCD Foundation

hosts one of the most healing and innovative conferences created. The annual conference has adult, adolescent, and child “tracks” for people managing OCD which offers numerous opportunities to learn how to manage OCD and connect with people who have similar experiences. If you’re trying to manage OCD and looking for people who understand you I strongly encourage you to make time for this.

Trauma

The PTSD Coach, developed by the VA, offers handy online tools to help you manage symptoms of PTSD. There’s also an app you can download for help on the go.

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies has great resources for people trying to manage trauma. Consider listening to these survivors of trauma tell their stories.