Disorganized Attachment & Personality Disorders: A Non-Pathologizing Approach to Identification, Understanding, & Treatment

6 CEs Recorded: December, 2023

It is well known in mental health research that there are four distinct styles of attachment. This understanding of human development is quite possibly one of the greatest findings so far in the field of human psychology, as we now know attachment wounds underlie just about every mental health illness we encounter as mental health practitioners.

The four known styles of attachment can then be subdivided into organized and disorganized styles. With the use of the robust, evidence-based, and conciliatory framework of Interpersonal neurobiology–along with “mindset science” –this course will redefine your understanding and treatment of so-called “personality disorders.”

History has not been kind to those who carry this diagnostic label. Many of those who struggle with this DSM-defined disorder receive little-to-no substantive treatment, endure multiple dysfunctional (and trauma-reinforcing) relationships, and may be subtly or obviously shunned by those in the medical world. This marginalization only exacerbates an already volatile situation.

Let’s be honest, though. All too often, the acting out tendencies and the resistance demonstrated by these folks toward treatment can be both confounding and draining to those who attempt to provide therapeutic support. In the post-pandemic world, when everything is in short supply, including enough competent, neuroscience-informed mental health practitioners, we need to rethink the way we identify, conceptualize, and treat these wounded people. It is time to see personality disorders for what they are and do away with the highly stigmatized pathological view we have had since the introduction of personality disorders into the DSM.

Clinicians need a way to feel competent and confident in our approach to these clients, as well as having knowledge of a method by which we gain can client buy-in and increase their flexibility, adaptability, and insight. Yes. I said INCREASE INSIGHT. And, yes, it is possible!

Join us for this paradigm-shifting workshop and walk away with renewed vigor and a new understanding of– and approach– to your work with these inspiring, creative, and amazing individuals.

Objectives

By the end of the day, attendees will be able to:

• List and describe the four attachment styles as they apply across the generations.
• Differentiate organized & unorganized attachment styles, along with their typical origins & presentations.
• Redefine “Personality Disorders” in non-pathologizing terms to lay the groundwork for new treatment paradigms & approaches.
• Introduce “mindset science” into treatment approaches to increase flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in this population.
• Use a “domains of integration” approach to case conceptualization, assessment & treatment of “personality disorders” by use of the framework of interpersonal neurobiology.
• Apply new learning to case studies and real-time, in-class experiential activities.

EPDC CE Hours: 6

Presenter: Hannah Smith

Hannah Smith, MA, LMHC, CGP (She/Her), is the founder of Potential Finders Network and is a book author and blog writer, coach/consultant, international board-certified group leader, and nationwide trainer from the Seattle area. She has extensive study and practice in neuroscience- informed clinical treatment and is certified in Interpersonal Neurobiology by the Mindsight Institute. Her experience, both personally and professionally, in the US and abroad, has allowed her to develop multi-modal, culturally competent, cutting-edge & relevant training programs. Hannah guest lectures in academic, clinical, and corporate settings around the US and globally. She has developed an engaging presentation style, making the learning of difficult information both accessible and fun! Her passion is to educate others on practical, whole-person approaches to life with the aim of helping those she works with reach their greatest potential!