Understanding Personality Disorder

This course is designed to provide staff with an overarching understanding of personality disorders, including emotionally unstable personality disorder, the causes and Neurological differences.

In addition to this the training explores the range of support and treatment options available, whilst providing professional and effective ways of responding to the behaviours that people with personality disorders may present.

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Duration: 3-4 Hours

Maximum Capacity: 8-16

Session Format: Classroom Bases Learning

Course Overview

The Understanding Personality Disorder course provides learners with a clear, accessible, and evidence-informed understanding of personality, personality development, and personality disorders. The course explores how personality disorders are defined, assessed, and experienced, while challenging common misconceptions and stigma.

Through a trauma-informed and person-centred approach, learners will gain insight into how personality disorders may present, what is happening neurologically and physiologically, and how experiences such as triggers and episodes can impact behaviour.

The course also explores co-occurring conditions, including learning disabilities and autism, and highlights the risks of diagnostic overshadowing. This training supports professionals to respond with greater empathy, confidence, and effectiveness in practice.

What's Involved?

Duration: Typically delivered as a one-day course (timings can be adapted)
Delivery: Classroom-based or in-house delivery
Learning Methods: Tutor-led input, discussion, reflective exercises, and real-life scenarios

The course balances theory with practical understanding, helping learners apply knowledge directly to their professional roles when supporting individuals with personality disorders.

Learning Outcomes

Describe what is meant by the term ‘personality’

Explain the four different temperament types

Define the meaning of the term ‘personality disorder’

Identify common misconceptions and stigma surrounding personality disorders

List the different types and clusters of personality disorders

Explore the diagnostic criteria for personality disorder and understand its limitations

Identify tools used within the assessment and diagnostic process

Explore potential causes of personality disorders

Understand what may be happening in the brain of a person with a personality disorder

Recognise common signs and symptoms

Understand the difference between triggers and episodes

Describe the physiological response when a person is triggered

Identify how personality disorders may present differently when co-occurring with learning disabilities and/or autism

Define diagnostic overshadowing and explore real-life scenarios

Benefits of Completing this Course

Improved Knowledge and Understanding

Develop a clear, structured understanding of personality disorders and how they develop.

Reduced Stigma and Misconceptions

Challenge myths and promote more compassionate, informed responses.

Enhanced Professional Confidence

Feel more confident supporting individuals with complex emotional and behavioural needs.

Trauma-Informed Practice

Gain insight into triggers, physiological responses, and emotional regulation.

Better Recognition of Co-occurring Needs

Understand how personality disorders may present alongside autism or learning disabilities.

More Effective Support and Outcomes

Apply learning to improve engagement, reduce escalation, and enhance person-centred care.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for staff or professionals working directly with vulnerable adults or children who have been diagnosed with a personality disorder and are interested in deepening your knowledge and skills around personality disorders the this course may be suitable for you.

It's suitable for anyone who wishes to gain an understanding of personality disorders and want to learn how best to support people who live with them. The course may be particularly useful for social care workers and care providers, and mental health practitioners.

Navigating mental health matters requires sensitivity and empathy in a way that ensures individuals feel listened to and cared for.

Why choose Empeiria Training?

Empeiria Training is all about offering training that is unique and bespoke to your organisation and its needs.
It's our mission to deliver a range of bespoke training solutions, underpinned by a diverse breadth of knowledge and experience. We offer a safe environment for face-to-face learning, with our specialism being working with people with learning disabilities.

Ready to get started on your course? Speak to one of our team members to find the right course for you today!

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