Personality Disorders: Theoretical framework and formulation

New Zealand · CPD points & talks · Psychologists

This talk offers clinicians a comprehensive theoretical grounding for working effectively with clients who present with disturbances of personality. Drawing from key psychoanalytic perspectives, this session introduces foundational concepts for understanding, formulating, and treating personality disorders.

Using the work of renowned theorists such as Otto Kernberg, Nancy McWilliams, and Peter Fonagy, the presentation explores the structural and developmental components of personality, including what differentiates well-ordered from disordered self-organisation. Participants will gain insight into diagnostic considerations, levels of personality organisation, and the defensive strategies commonly observed in clinical presentations.

This lecture is ideal for psychologists seeking to strengthen their conceptual frameworks and enhance therapeutic formulation skills when working with complex personality dynamics

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the talk the participant will be able to:

• Understand personality disorders within a psychoanalytic and developmental framework.

• Differentiate between well-integrated and disordered personality structures.

• Identify key theoretical models used to conceptualise personality pathology.

• Recognise common defensive strategies and patterns of relating associated with personality disorders.

• Apply theoretical knowledge to support clinical formulation and treatment planning.

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