This conference seeks to illuminate for practitioners the phenomenon of personality disorder recognition and response by breaking down the highly nuanced, vital elements involved in the effective treatment of individuals with personality disorders: identification of traits, diagnosis, understanding the differentials, development of case formulations, exploration of practitioner bias/blind spots/countertransference, "out of the box" treatment planning, and building of provider agility and resilience around challenging elements in the treatment room.
Using dynamic case examples, interactive clinical formulation exercises, and a consultative discussion format, the curriculum will be linear and cohesive, yet built to energize and inspire.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Obtain a robust and sophisticated knowledge base on the etiology, features, treatment implications, and necessary conditions for responding appropriately and effectively to persons diagnosed with a personality disorder diagnosis.
• Learn the fundamental framework and key elements involved in engaging in any type of relationship with an individual who is living with a personality disorder diagnosis.
• Accurately and thoroughly examine the differential diagnoses within the broader cohort of personality disorder diagnoses.
• Accurately and thoroughly examine differential diagnoses outside of the realm of personality disorders, factoring in concepts of PTSD, Complex Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, other mood disorders and anxiety related disorders; pursuant to DSM-5 guidance/modern day philosophical framework for conceptualizing personality disorders.
• Myth busting: "The Impossible Patient Paradigm"
• Developing the skills for case conceptualization and gaining confidence and mastery for employing strategies and tactics for increasing efficacy of treatment and response for persons diagnosed with a personality disorder.
• Examining societal and practitioner bias, preconceived notions, counter transference, and fear, as potential obstructions to effective and meaningful clinical work.
• Learning how to determine viability of candidate for effective psychotherapy vs. poor provider/client match, or inappropriate clinical profile for psychotherapy, with clinical rationale.
• Increase providers’ attunement and connection to the individual by: increasing knowledge fund as it relates to foundational theory, increasing insight and orientation to individuals' motivations and adaptive reasoning at the root of their disruptive behaviors, and the limiting, painful, and often debilitating associated outcomes.