Diagnosis and Treatment of the Personality Disorders Clients with diagnoses of personality disorders can be the most interesting of the DSM IV diagnostic categories. It is impossible to work with these clients without having countertransference issues elicited. The presenting issue, which is often presented in a personable and seemingly-treatable manner, is almost never the real issue. Therapists are usually interested in bringing about characterological change. These clients, however, do not desire basic change and often want the therapist to minimize the clients' responsibilities for their self-defeating behaviors. This two-day intermediate-advanced workshop focuses on identifying the client's belief system, the unique impairment in each disorder's reality-testing, the false-self of each disorder, and treatment plan strategies matched to the client's stage-of-readiness for change. Treatment goals for brief versus longer-term interventions are identified. Reasons to Attend This Workshop As a result of this workshop, participants will: Know the five dimensions that help differentiate between the personality disorders Be familiar with the most common Axis I dual-disorders found in these clients Find out why the presenting issue is never the real issue Figure out the difference between the clients' spoken, explicit treatment plan goals versus the unspoken, implicit expectation of the treatment and of the therapist Know why focusing on the explicit agenda will lead to treatment plan failures which you cannot afford in this day of limited sessions Identify at least one therapist countertransference vulnerability for each DSM personality disorder Identify appropriate treatment goals for a brief intervention and longer-term interventions, and the difference in treatment orientation given difference time frames Avoid treatment plan failures by identifying the six stages of readiness-for-change Learn to match the treatment plan to the client's stage of readiness Predict the most likely relapse vulnerability for each personality disorder Avoid burn-out with these clients by using their energy for change, not yours Please join us for stimulating and informative classes. Training Schedule On-line Registration Form Home | Course Descriptions | Training Schedule On-Site Training | Consultation Services About the Instructor | Travel Contact Sage Institute