Understanding and Supporting Clients with Personality Disorders

Serious mental illness scares many clinicians. A great deal of stigma exists about personality disorders; many believe that they cannot be treated - adding to the cloud of misunderstanding. Personality disorders are typically a long-standing impairment of mental health, identified by maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that arise during adolescence or early adulthood. These emotional disturbances can cause significant and pervasive distress to the whole person if left untreated. This presentation will develop an understanding of personality disorders and the latest evidence-based, science-driven treatments.

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain how personality disorders are categorized in the DSM-5, including the three clusters.
• Discuss how personality disorders develop.
• Explore the stigma associated with personality disorders.
• Describe evidence-based, research-driven treatments available to providers.

Presenter: Dr. Mita Johnson

Dr. Johnson has degrees in biology, counseling and counselor education and supervision. She has been a counselor for 30 years, consultant for 20 years, clinical supervisor for 15 years and higher learning educator for 10 years. She holds several credentials including licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed addiction counselor, master addiction counselor, and certified telemental health professional. Dr. Johnson is a core faculty member at Walden University’s School of Counseling MS program. She teaches, trains, and speaks nationally and internationally on numerous topics including ethics, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and substance use disorders. Dr. Johnson is the President-Elect and Ethics Chair of NAADAC. She is passionate about understanding how psychopharmaceuticals and illicit substances influence the body systemically.

Eligible for 2 hours Certificate of Completion