Educational Workshop: Demystifying Borderline Personality Disorder January 20

Emotions Matter Educational Workshop

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 via Zoom

7pm EST, 6pm CST, 5pm MST, 4 pm PST

Demystifying Borderline Personality Disorder: A Workshop to Inspire Hope, Education and Healing

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health diagnosis that impacts up to 1.6% of the population.  Yet, most people don't know about it.  Information about BPD on the internet is often unreliable, due to stigma or misinformation.  It is also hard to find trained health care providers to treat BPD.

This can create despair among people and family members who are newly diagnosed. It can be challenging to know where to turn and what to do when one suspects they may have BPD.

Join Emotions Matter's Educational Workshop, "Demystifying Borderline Personality Disorder," to

• Improve understanding of borderline personality disorder 

• Correct misperceptions or stigma

• Hear from people with lived experience of BPD

• Illuminate pathways to recovery 

• Meet the Emotions Matter Community 

• Learn practical peer tips and share recovery resources

Presenter Bios

Alexander H. Sheppe, M.D. is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City, and an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Sheppe is passionate about and is a nationally recognized expert in the assessment and treatment of personality disorders in adolescents and young adults. Dr. Sheppe has experience with all major psychotherapeutic treatments for personality disorders including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mentalization-based treatment (MBT), and especially transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) where he adapts the treatment to adolescents (TFP-A). He teaches postgraduate courses at Columbia University on the assessment and treatment of youth with personality disorders, supervises postgraduate trainees in psychodynamic psychotherapy, engages in clinical research and publishes on TFP-A, and lectures at international conferences.  Dr. Sheppe is a member of Emotions Matter's Board of Directors. 

Sara Winters is a 49 yr old project management professional who works in the aerospace industry. She has also spent several years in hospitality and event management. She holds a PMP and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management. Sara also brings valuable lived experience with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and is passionate about mental health education and advocacy. Her journey began less than two years ago when she was diagnosed at the age of 47. It has inspired her to learn more and help others better understand BPD, reduce stigma, and promote empathy in conversations about emotional and psychological well-being. 

Haley Amering 

Haley Amering, the Programs Director at Emotions Matter, is a passionate mental health advocate with a deep commitment to peer support, and empowering individuals affected by Borderline Personality Disorder. With lived experience at the core of her work, Haley brings both empathy and expertise to her role, where she focuses on expanding the reach and impact of programming and administrative operations. Haley believes deeply in the power of human connection, storytelling, and creating inclusive spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. She often shares that the emotions which once felt like her greatest burden have become her greatest gift - allowing her to walk alongside others with authenticity, compassion, and hope.

Session will last 75 minutes.  Discussion will focus on education and support with an emphasis on sharing lived experiences in a judgement free, compassionate environment. 

Space is limited to 30 participants.  Registraton required, and the fee is $35 per workshop.  

Registration will be emailed the Zoom meeting link with instructions on the registration receipt, and will receive a reminder email prior to the meeting.

This discussion does not take the place of medical advice or treatment.  There will be resources available for those seeking more information about BPD.  Participants will receive handouts with resources as part of registration fee.

Questions?  Email info@emotionsmatterbpd.org.