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Information for health professions working with people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) +/- complex trauma
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Information
Information for families and friends (carers)
Information and resources for families, friends, supporters and kin who are supporting a person living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or emotional dysregulation.
family, friend, carer
looking for treatment
Research
Breaking research
Discover the latest publications from the Centre for Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma Research.
looking for research and evidence
Treatments
Treatments and services
Spectrum provide a range of treatments and services
looking for treatment
Information
For people with lived and living experience (consumers)
Written from a lived and living experience perspective.
looking for treatment
here for myself
Information
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a centre of clinical excellence providing leadership in treatment, consultation, support, training and research related to personality disorder and/or complex trauma.
Training
National BPD Training Strategy
BPD core competency workshops and train the trainer program
a professional
Training
Education for people living with a personality disorder
Spectrum provides information sessions and workshops for people with lived and living experience of personality disorder and/or complex trauma.
Information
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a centre of clinical excellence providing leadership in treatment, consultation, support, training and research related to personality disorder and/or complex trauma.
Information
What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
Learn more about borderline personality disorder (BPD).
a professional
family, friend, carer
looking for treatment
here for myself
Research
About the Research Centre
Learn more about the centre for Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma Research
looking for research and evidence
Information
'Strike whilst the iron is cool'
Planning, whilst everyone is calm
family, friend, carer
Information
Carer 101
What can families/friends/supporters/carers do to help
family, friend, carer
Research
Journal articles
The latest journal articles from the Centre for Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma Research.
looking for research and evidence
Research
Books & book chapters
The latest books & book chapters from the Centre for Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma Research.
looking for research and evidence
Information
Acceptance
Often referred to as ‘radical acceptance’ or unconditional acceptance. It is an extremely valuable skill for people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and those who support them.
family, friend, carer
Research
Current Spectrum research studies
The Centre for Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma Research current research
looking for research and evidence
Research
High impact global research
A collection of globally recognised research
looking for research and evidence
Information
Communication skills
Strategies to improve your listening and communication skills
family, friend, carer
Information
Validation
Validation is an important skill for families and friends (carers) to learn to improve your ways of responding to a person living with emotional distress.
family, friend, carer
Information
Boundaries
Learn why boundaries are so important when supporting a person living with BPD.
family, friend, carer
Information
Assertiveness
Learn how to be assertive using several techniques.
family, friend, carer
Information
Carer resources and programs external to Spectrum
A list of helpful external resources and programs for families and friends (carers).
family, friend, carer
Information
Navigating the mental health system for carers in Victoria
A list of key pathways for carers to help you navigate the mental health system in Victoria.
family, friend, carer
Training
Personality disorder and complex trauma ECHO sessions
Come join our Project ECHO sessions. Held monthly on Wednesdays, 12pm to 1pm (AEST/AEDT).
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Training
Education and Support for carers
Workshop and information sessions for families, friends, supporters and kin (carers) to learn more about BPD.
family, friend, carer
Information
Taking care of yourself as a 'carer'
Taking care of your own needs is essential
family, friend, carer
Information
What is a personality disorder?
Written from a lived and living experience perspective.
here for myself
Information
Contact us
Our Spectrum reception is open between 8.30 am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
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family, friend, carer
looking for research and evidence
looking for treatment
here for myself
Information
Information and resources
Training
Education and training
Spectrum strives to provide the knowledge, skills and support needed to deliver best-practice treatment and care.
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Information
Compliments and Complaints
Feedback is a vital component. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement, enhances employee engagement, and drives innovation.
Information
How is borderline personality disorder treated?
Written from a lived and living experience perspective.
here for myself
Information
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Written from a lived and living experience perspective.
here for myself
Information
Accessing psychological treatment
Written from a lived and living experience perspective.
here for myself
Information
Do people recover from personality disorder?
Written from a lived and living experience perspective.
here for myself
Information
Self-care strategies
Written from a lived and living experience perspective.
here for myself
Treatments
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Learn about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a treatment option for borderline personality disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
looking for treatment
Treatments
Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT)
Learn about Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) an internationally recognised and evidence-based treatment for people living with borderline personality disorder.
looking for treatment
Treatments
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Learn about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, a well-established psychological treatment for people with borderline personality disorder.
looking for treatment
Treatments
Complex Care Service (CCS)
Explore the Complex Care Service for comprehensive support for personality disorders.
looking for treatment
Treatments
How to access treatment?
Spectrum is a specialised health service funded to support public area mental health and wellbeing services throughout Victoria.
a professional
family, friend, carer
looking for treatment
here for myself
Treatments
Personality Disorder Initiative (PDI)
Learn about Personality Disorder Initiative (PDI), improving access to effective treatments for Victorians living with a personality disorder.
a professional
Information
What is personality disorder?
Personality disorder is a mental health condition that can make it difficult to relate to other people, regulate emotions and impulses, and feel comfortable in themselves.
a professional
family, friend, carer
looking for treatment
here for myself
Information
Getting help and support
We know all too well how challenging it can be getting help and support for our mental health and wellbeing.
family, friend, carer
looking for treatment
here for myself
Research
Centre for Personality Disorder & Complex Trauma Research
looking for research and evidence
Training
Spectrum conferences
Spectrum hosts a yearly conference covering diverse themes, aiming to unite health professionals, researchers, distinguished experts, and individuals with lived or living experience of personality disorder and/or complex trauma.
a professional
looking for research and evidence
Training
Online research forums
Spectrum provides an annual online research forum that showcases Spectrum’s innovative and translational research and evaluation program and featuring international keynote speakers.
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looking for research and evidence
Training
Other training
External training options
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Training
Training for professionals
Spectrum offer a range of professional development programs including workshops, Project ECHO sessions, conferences and forums.
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Training
Psychoeducation sessions
Spectrum offer monthly online psychoeducation sessions for people with a living experience of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and/or complex trauma.
here for myself
Training
Training for services
Spectrum may be able to offer workshops and capacity building programs tailored to meet the specific training needs of your service.
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Training
Education and training team
Meet Spectrum's education and training team.
Information
Training request form
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Information
Submission Received
Treatments
Services outside of Spectrum
looking for treatment
Treatments
Spectrum treatment services
Spectrum offer various forms of treatment and care.
Information
What is complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)?
Learn more about what complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).
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family, friend, carer
looking for treatment
here for myself
Information
Australian MBT Institute
Spectrum is as an internationally accredited Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) centre
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Information
Our Journey
In 2024, Spectrum celebrated its 25 year milestone, launching in 1999 to help people with borderline personality disorder, complex trauma and suicidality due to mental health.
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Information
Our Leaders
Meet the Spectrum Leadership team
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Information
Publications
Spectrum develops a wide variety of publications designed to inform, engage, and inspire. From insightful articles to in-depth reports, our curated content covers various topics to meet your interests.
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Information
Partnerships
We collaborate with a diverse array of key stakeholders, including mental health professionals, researchers, advocacy groups, and individuals with lived experience to reduce stigma, break down barriers, significantly reduce suicide rates and empower clients through tailored treatment plans.
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Information
Mission and Vision
Why we are here
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Information
Future Direction Plan
We invite you to explore this document and join us in our commitment to improving lives and fostering hope.
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Training
Associate Professor Josephine Beatson, OAM, lecture series
The Jo Beatson Lecture is held annually in honour of Associate Professor Josephine Beatson’s significant contributions to the field of psychotherapy in Victoria and more broadly across Australia.
a professional
looking for research and evidence
Research
Research Forum
An outstanding opportunity to hear leading researchers
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Information
Language services
Interpreting and translation services are free of charge.
Research
Research team
Meet Spectrum's Research team.
looking for research and evidence
Information
For Doctors
Information for General Practitioners
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Information
Our Advocacy
Spectrum champions equitable access to psychological care and support.
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Information
Carers Support Group
Spectrum is pleased to offer a free Carers Support Group every first Wednesday of the month.
family, friend, carer
Information
Our Newsletters
Spectrum produces a number of online newsletters suited to different audiences. Interested in subscribing? Read details below.
a professional
family, friend, carer
looking for research and evidence
looking for treatment
here for myself
Information
Spectrum Spotlight newsletter
This is a monthly newsletter targeting Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
Information
Workforce Development Newsletter
Keep up to date with information on Spectrum workshops, training, seminars and conferences.
Information
Carer Newsletter
Information and resources for families and friends who are supporting someone living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or emotional dysregulation.
Information
Australian MBT Institute newsletter
The Australian MBT Institute newsletter engages with a wide audience of MBT professionals, sharing vision and stimulate meaningful dialogue.
Information
Project ECHO newsletter
Are you part of the Personality disorder and complex trauma ECHO sessions? If so, you will receive various resource links via the Project ECHO newsletter portal.
Information
Major Projects
Spectrum is committed to enhance our service delivery. Take a look at some of the major projects we are working on this calendar year.
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Information
Personality Disorder and Autism Assessment Clinic
New Spectrum service offering - Personality Disorder and Autism Assessment Clinic
Information
Mildura Capacity Building project
Spectrum is building capacity in the regional area of Mildura
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looking for research and evidence
Research
Participate in Research
Interested in participating in research, your voice matters!
a professional
family, friend, carer
looking for research and evidence
here for myself
Training
One day Carer workshop
This in-person training is designed specifically for families, friends and supporters who care and support in a voluntary capacity to someone experiencing borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Training
Carer Support Group
The Spectrum Carer Support group meets online on the first Wednesday of each month (excluding January), from 6:30pm to 8:00pm (AEST)
family, friend, carer
Treatments
Steps once a referral has been received
What is next I hear you ask once a referral has been received at Spectrum?
Treatments
Access to Spectrum with AMHS involvement
A referral is needed from a Victorian Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (AMHS) clinician before an assessment can be considered at Spectrum.
looking for treatment
Treatments
Access to Spectrum without AMHS involvement
Spectrum are only able to receive referrals from Hospital Based Area Mental Health Services and as such only clients with an open episode of care (this is usually case management) are able to be referred.
looking for treatment
Training
Short online Carer workshop
Our 2 ½ hour online workshop offers a condensed version of our one day in person carer workshop. Great for those who can't attend and commit to a full day.
family, friend, carer