GPM for Psychiatry Registrars

This workshop provides Psychiatry Registrars with structured training in Good Psychiatric Management (GPM) for borderline personality disorder (BPD), an evidence-based, generalist approach grounded in Gunderson’s Clinical Guide and APA Practice Guidelines. Evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrates that GPM achieves outcomes comparable to more intensive therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), while remaining accessible and practical for routine clinical settings.

Designed to develop registrars’ competence and confidence in diagnosing, formulating, and managing BPD across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency contexts. Emphasis is placed on clear communication, collaborative care planning, and maintaining therapeutic boundaries, while supporting recovery-oriented practice.

Participants will gain practical skills in managing high-risk clinical scenarios, including suicidality, self-harm, and interpersonal crises, alongside evidence-informed approaches to comorbidity and psychopharmacology. The workshop also addresses how to effectively integrate GPM principles into multidisciplinary and system-based care.

Overall, this course aims to equip registrars with clinically applicable, exam-relevant knowledge and skills to manage BPD effectively and safely, while fostering professional satisfaction and resilience.

Learning Objectives:

On completion of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Describe and apply the 8 principles and 10 domains of GPM in clinical practice.
• Assess and formulate BPD presentations using a structured and collaborative GPM approach.
• Communicate effectively about BPD with consumers, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Manage crises, suicidality, self-harm, and comorbidity using evidence-informed GPM strategies.
• Deliver practical, recovery-oriented, and system-compatible care for people experiencing BPD.

Prerequisite: Nil

Presenter:

Dr Mithira Nithianandan isa consultant psychiatrist and Acting Executive Clinical Director at Spectrum Personality Disorder Service. She has had training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Metallization Based Treatment. Dr Nithianandan believes that training and support for the mental health workforce are crucial for addressing the needs of people with personality disorder. She has a particular interest in supporting primary care providers in working therapeutically with clients living with BPD.

Who should attend: Psychiatry Registrars

Cost: $250 (payable by credit card only).

Lunch: A light lunch and afternoon tea

Getting to Spectrum: Spectrum is located at 110 Church Street, on the corner of Church Street and Tweedie Place. Entrance is via the front of the building, to the right of the Skoda car dealership.

Public transport:

• Tram 78 on Church Street. Alight at Tweedie Pl/Church Street (Stop 63).
• Tram 109 on Victoria Parade (about a 5 min walk to 110 Church Street)
• Tram 75 on Bridge Rd (about a 7 min walk to 110 Church Street)

Car parking:

There is very limited 2 hour street parking available in the area. All day parking is available in:

• Richmond Traders, 271 Bridge rd, Richmond – 7 minute walk ($12/day)
• 35 Elizabeth Street, Richmond – 11 minute walk ($20 a day)
• 1 Allowah Terrace, Richmond – 12 minute walk (about $26/day)

Cancellation policy: : If your circumstances change and you no longer can attend this event, please log into your Eventbrite account and cancel your ticket and request a refund no later than one (1) week prior to the event. A refund will not be issued if notification has not been received within this time frame and you will be required to pay for the event. Please note that Eventbrite's booking fees are non-refundable and will not be covered by Spectrum should you wish to cancel your ticket.

General enquiries: Email [email protected] or phone Spectrum (03) 8413 8750.