Introduction to Personality Disorder (Fully Accredited)

Ongoing Professional Development: This course provides the knowledge and skills to improve performance in this area, offering 10 hours of valuable learning and professional development, as evidenced on the certificate issued upon completion.

Live Streamed Availability: This course and a range of other related courses can be delivered to groups of between 6 and 25 people via Live Streaming with Zoom. Contact Kevin O’Doherty for more details on pricing and availability etc.

This IAOTH (International Association of Therapists) accredited course, developed by Kevin O'Doherty—author, psychologist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and expert witness—provides an in-depth exploration of personality disorders. The course is suitable for anyone with a personal or professional interest in understanding personality disorders, whether you're an aspiring mental health professional, a current practitioner, or someone looking to understand these conditions more thoroughly.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Origins of Personality Disorders: Discover the development of “normal” personality and how deviations from typical personality development can lead to the formation of personality disorders. The course explores how environmental, genetic, and psychological factors contribute to personality traits and their potential path to disorder.

• Causes of Personality Disorders: Explore the various causes and risk factors that contribute to the development of personality disorders, including early childhood experiences, trauma, and potential genetic influences. Understand the role of nature vs. nurture in the development of maladaptive patterns of behavior and thought.

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Learn how mental health professionals assess and diagnose personality disorders, including the use of diagnostic tools, interviews, and behavioral assessments. Understand the criteria for diagnosing personality disorders and how to differentiate between various types, such as borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, and avoidant personality disorders.

• Treatments and Interventions: Delve into evidence-based treatments and therapeutic interventions commonly used to address personality disorders, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy. The course also covers pharmacological treatments where applicable and explores how therapy is tailored to different types of personality disorders.

• Professional Standards and Practices: Understand the standards of practice required for professionals working with individuals who have personality disorders. This includes maintaining appropriate boundaries, ensuring safety, and managing potentially challenging behaviors that can arise during therapy or other interventions.

• Staff Boundaries and Personal Safety: Gain insight into best practices for maintaining personal safety and professional boundaries when working with individuals with personality disorders. Learn how to protect your well-being while offering effective and compassionate support to clients.

Course Features:

• High-Quality Video Presentations: The course includes engaging video lectures delivered by Kevin O'Doherty, featuring expert insights into personality disorders.

• Audio Files, PowerPoint Slides, and Handouts: Access additional resources, including audio files, PowerPoint presentations, and handouts that reinforce key concepts, making the learning experience more dynamic and comprehensive.

• Case Studies, Tasks, and Exercises: Engage with real-world case studies and participate in interactive exercises designed to deepen your understanding and provide practical applications of the material. These tasks will help you apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios.

Teaching Style:

The course adopts a relaxed, informal, and professional teaching style, ensuring the content is accessible without sacrificing depth or complexity. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to reflect on the material, discuss concepts with others, and ask questions to clarify any points of confusion. Kevin O'Doherty is always available to address any queries and invites feedback from students on how to improve the course content.

Ideal for:

This course is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone with a genuine interest in personality disorders. It is especially valuable for mental health professionals, counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Additionally, individuals who want to understand personality disorders from a personal perspective will find this course both insightful and helpful.

Instructor:

Kevin O'Doherty has over 20 years of experience working in mental health and has developed a vast knowledge base in the field. He is a qualified Forensic Mental Health Expert Witness and CBT Therapist, with firsthand experience in diagnosing and treating personality disorders. Kevin is passionate about providing high-quality education and is available to engage with students throughout the course.

Additional Learning Options:

The course is available via live streaming and face-to-face sessions upon request, offering flexibility to meet the needs of individuals and organizations. Get in touch with Kevin for personalized learning experiences or to explore other courses that may complement this one.

Conclusion:

If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of personality disorders, the causes and treatment methods, or you're seeking practical tools to help individuals struggling with these conditions, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this complex subject. Whether you're studying for personal enrichment or to enhance your professional practice, this course is an excellent resource.

Contact Kevin O'Doherty to learn more, ask questions, or request a face-to-face session.