Masterclass: Assessment and Management of Personality Disorder

This talk will consider how we might understand the problems consistent with a ‘personality disorder’ diagnosis in a way which starts to illuminate how we might approach working with people who may attract the label. Led by Dr Jo Ramsden, Consultant clinical psychologist and clinical lead for Leeds ‘personality disorder’ services, we will consider the impact of interpersonal trauma on our interactions and how the concept of ‘logical errors’ helps us to navigate a more effective way of working. The talk will draw a ‘mentalising’ frame to think about how to intervene compassionately, meaningfully and effectively in the lives of people who have suffered unimaginable injustice and suffering. The talk will draw on the contributions of authors to the 2020 book ‘working effectively with ‘personality disorder’: contemporary and critical approaches to clinical and organisational practice to highlight the importance of co-production, partnerships and ‘learning near’ those who use our services.

After attending this course delegates will be able to…
1. Articulate what the diagnosis/term (‘personality disorder’) means in a way which helps us to think about effective intervention
2. Understand why intervention with this group is so often ineffective/problematic
3. Utilise skills and techniques to intervene effectively in the lives of people who have or who could attract the diagnosis