Small STEPPS: the provision of, and changes to, an emotional regulation group for women in a community mental health setting in the UK

STEPPS (Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving) is a manualised group programme aimed at supporting adults who experience difficulties with emotional regulation and who may meet the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (called Emotional Intensity Disorder within the course). It has been adapted for use in primary care and young people’s services, but its provision is relatively new in the UK and less widespread than that of DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) groups. Alongside a mental health nurse colleague, we facilitated a twenty week closed group based on the STEPPS programme, for 7 women, all of whom were on a Community Recovery Team caseload within secondary mental health services. We made significant practice changes to the model however, arising from our own ideological positions in relation to BPD as a diagnosis and to some of the course material, practical constraints and our experiences with the group week by week and their specific needs. Here we provide an account of our experiences and those of group members, with a view to supporting the provision of similar groups within mental health teams, particularly women’s groups.