Personality disorders have typically been viewed using a categorical approach, which assumes that each personality disorder is a separate and distinct category. We will discuss an alternative approach which focuses on the traits of these complex individuals and where they lie on various dimensions. This training aims to broaden and deepen participants’ understanding of personality disorders and provide treatment strategies aligned with the current literature on the dimensional approach. The morning session of the training will provide an overview of personality disorders and how each disorder is viewed through the dimensional model, with a focus on how such traits relate to risky behaviours (e.g. self-harm, offending behaviours). Furthermore, the question of ‘Can they change?’ will be explored.

 The afternoon session will focus on treatment approaches and challenges, including discussion on interpersonal boundaries and the rupture/repair process. Considerable time will be spent exploring the impact of trauma on the development of personality disorders and the importance of processing such trauma in order to meet the goals of treatment. Options for therapeutic modalities to specifically treat an individual’s trauma will be outlined. Specific skills that participants can use with their clients will be covered, and research outlining the effectiveness of treatment on this population will be explored. The afternoon session will explore treatment techniques adapted from many therapeutic approaches including Motivational Interviewing, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Mentalisation-Based Treatment.

 The training will utilise case studies to illustrate the lived experience of individuals with personality disorders and for participants to hone their formulation and treatment planning skills with this population within the dimensional approach. Participants are encouraged to come with questions regarding their own personality disordered clients.