Reframing counselor education: Reducing stigma toward borderline personality disorder through attachment-based training

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most stigmatized mental health diagnoses, even among mental health professionals. Negative perceptions can impact the therapeutic alliance and hinder effective care. While existing literature addresses stigma among seasoned clinicians, limited research explores the attitudes of graduate counseling students or how counselor education might better prepare them to support individuals with BPD.

This presentation introduces a conceptual training model designed to reduce stigma and improve clinical readiness among counseling students by integrating attachment theory into education on BPD. Drawing on current research surrounding emotional dysregulation, attachment trauma, and therapeutic alliance challenges in BPD treatment, the proposed model aims to enhance empathy, clinical understanding, and student self-efficacy.

The presentation will (1) review the stigma and misconceptions associated with BPD, (2) highlight current gaps in counselor education, and (3) outline a newly developed attachment-informed psychoeducational program. The program is a structured 3-hour training designed to increase knowledge, shift attitudes, and improve perceived self-efficacy. It focuses on attachment theory and clinical strategies for working with emotionally dysregulated clients.

Although the full study is ongoing, the presentation will share the research design, including planned quantitative methods to assess student attitudes, knowledge, and self-efficacy before and after the training. The research will examine whether the attachment-based approach leads to significant improvements in these areas, addressing a critical gap in counselor education literature.

By encouraging a shift in counselor training, this presentation contributes to broader conversations around stigma reduction, therapist development, and evidence-informed pedagogy in mental health care. It is especially relevant for educators, clinical supervisors, and training directors seeking to improve preparation for working with clients diagnosed with personality disorders, particularly BPD.

Amy Weber is a PhD candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision and a licensed mental health counselor in the USA. Her clinical work and research focus on personality disorders, attachment, and counselor development. With experience in both academic and clinical training settings, Amy is committed to improving how future counselors are prepared to work with complex clinical populations. Her dissertation explores the impact of attachment-based training on counseling students’ attitudes, knowledge, and self-efficacy in working with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.