Course Overview

This presentation is divided into 3 parts: an overview; description and understanding of specific personality disorders; and clinical focus where specific clinical examples are discussed. There is a focus on how to apply the theoretical understanding about personality disorders and the experience of individuals who struggle with them, in clinical settings.

Course Objectives

• Know what a personality disorder and which types of personality disorders are most likely to be seen in an acupuncture practice
• Know the characteristics, similarities and differences of types of personality disorders are most likely to be seen in an acupuncture practice
• Know the subjective experiences of individuals struggling with these conditions. In other words, what is it like for an individual who is dealing with a specific personality disorder and common interpersonal styles/behaviors commonly seen with each
• Be able to apply the understanding of these conditions to interactions with patients with these conditions and how that impacts what and how the acupuncturist interacts with the patient.
• Participants will become more aware of one's own reactions to individuals with these conditions so that the clinician can make more informed conscious choices about how and why one chooses to interact with these patients

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minOverview of presentation. This section will provide the framework within which material will be presented and how followingt material will be integrated into participants' understanding and ability to use the knowledge clinically.

30 min - 45 minOverview of Personality Disorders (PD). This section will explain what PD's are and how they are categorized. Will point out that an individual can have traits of more than one PD, and simultaneously have other conditions such as mood or anxiety d/o

45 min - 1.25 hrsTypes/Characteristics of Personality Disorders: This section will go into detail about the nature and presentation of various PD's. We will review how they are organized and how awareness of this impacts interactions with the patient in the clinical setting.

1.25 hrs - 1.5 hrsFocus on Cluster B

1.5 hrs - 2.25 hrsWill introduce and discuss concepts (such as projection, projective identification, splitting and differences between sympathy/empathy). Participants will be able to apply them to understand and work more efficiently and productively.

2.25 hrs - 3 hrsDiscuss clinical cases from the presenter's practice as. Will discuss case examples from participants' practices as they relate to working with individuals with PD's