Personality Disorders Bundle (17 CE)

Course Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Courses Developed By: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW

Bio: Jennifer Kolb, LCSW; Social Work Consultant, reviewed and determined the course meets requirements for continuing education in the field of social work. This course is appropriate for masters and clinical level social workers. Jennifer graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. She specializes in school-based psychotherapy with children and adolescents, as well as licensing exam coaching and preparation.

1. Narcissistic Personality Disorder: This course is designed to provide a multifaceted exploration of assessment, developmental, relational and treatment dynamics with regard to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Self-defeating and destructive narcissistic attitudes and patterns will be reviewed, including the roles of grandiose fantasies, narcissistic wounds, shame, envy and rage. Dual diagnoses and other pertinent co-occurring disorders will be discussed in relation to NPD. Treatment dynamics and therapeutic implications will be presented to address narcissistic issues more effectively. Prevailing sociological issues will be discussed including narcissism and gender, fame, and the workplace. Illustrative case examples enliven the learning process and enhance the acquisition of therapeutic skills.

Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish between healthy and pathological narcissism, and assess for and identify Narcissistic Personality Disorder, including various typologies of narcissism.
2. Assist clients coping with the self-defeating and destructive patterns of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
3. Examine the dynamics of dual diagnoses and other pertinent co-morbid disorders in relation to NPD.
4. Communicate more effectively with clients exhibiting narcissistic behaviors.
5. Explore the impact of prevailing sociological issues such as gender roles, fame and workplace dynamics.

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2. Borderline Personality Disorder: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most prevalent and most widely researched of all the personality disorders, yet it remains the most controversial with regard to diagnosing, treating, dealing with liability issues and high risk behaviors, and countertransference. In this workshop, participants will gain a more comprehensive and realistic understanding of the etiology and dynamics of Borderline personality, including childhood attachment issues. Assessment information will be presented, in addition to differential diagnoses, dual diagnoses and common co-morbid disorders. Treatment models will include a range of approaches, with a special emphasis on problem-solving techniques, social skills training, core mindfulness, and case management strategies using DBT.

Learning Objectives:

1. Assess for Borderline Personality Disorder using appropriate clinical criteria and distinguish it from Borderline characteristics.
2. Identify the various etiologies and early familial dynamics of BPD.
3. Examine the dynamics of differential diagnoses, co-occurring diagnoses, and co-morbid disorders as related to BPD.
4. Work more effectively with BPD by using a variety of clinically-based therapeutic interventions, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
5. Explore assessment and treatment issues for Borderline Personality Disorder with suicidal ideation and self-injurious behavior.

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3. Antisocial Personality Disorder: Of all the personality disorders, individuals diagnosed with Antisocial PD are often the most exciting, seductive, charming and dangerously powerful of all clients. While most therapists are familiar with the classic descriptions of this disorder, many clinicians may not recognize the myriad of clinical presentations and subtypes of ASPD. This presentation will focus on refining and enriching the diagnosis of ASPD such that a range of clinical presentations, childhood and genetic antecedents, and the role of conscience can be assessed and treated if possible. It is important the therapists are familiar with differential diagnoses, as several might be mistaken for ASPD or mask ASPD, such as other personality disorders, substance abuse, conduct disorder, or socioeconomic circumstances which impair empathy and exacerbate aggression. Also contained in this presentation are guidelines for therapists who treat these clients, such as managing countertransference, setting clear boundaries and enhancing motivation in clients.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and assess for a range of symptoms for Antisocial Personality Disorder, traits and characteristics, including a Dimensional Perspective five-factor model of ASPD.
2. Make differential diagnoses among common co-morbid disorders.
3. Discuss various etiologies of ASPD and childhood antecedents of trauma and attachment issues.
4. Utilize treatment approaches from various theoretical orientations (including psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, and cognitive-behavioral) for ASPD clients and their families.
5. Identify and manage a therapist's countertransferential reactions.

Approvals: