Reframing the narrative: A fresh look at personality disorders (PDs) in practice

Build confidence in assessing and conceptualizing personality disorders through practical tools, clearer frameworks, and compassionate approaches rooted in real-world clinical complexity.

This training is suitable for:

• Mental Health Professionals: psychotherapists, counsellors, psychologists, social workers
• Medical Professionals: nurses, psychiatrists, pediatricians, family doctors
• Direct Service Workers: drop-in workers, shelter and hostel workers, child and youth workers, youth justice workers
• Educators: teachers, ECE, school administration, support staff

Client category: Professionals working with adult (18+) clients.

Level of training: Introductory/Intermediate

CE hours: 6

Reframing the narrative overview:

Personality disorders (PDs) are complex and often misunderstood conditions marked by long-standing patterns in thinking, emotion regulation, and interpersonal behavior. While the DSM-5 categorizes ten PDs across three clusters—A (eccentric), B (emotional/erratic), and C (anxious/fearful)—real-world presentations are rarely so clear-cut. Misconceptions and stigma continue to persist, even among helping professionals.

This interactive training is designed for professionals who want to improve their ability to assess, conceptualize, and compassionately respond to clients with personality disorders. We will explore how PDs intersect with trauma, eating disorders, substance use, and emotional dysregulation—and what to do when standard approaches fall short.

Drawing from current literature, neuroscience, and clinical case examples, this workshop provides practical tools to build confidence in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and client conversations. Participants will leave with a clearer framework for understanding and supporting adults with personality disorders—without pathologizing or losing hope.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the DSM-5 framework for personality disorders, including common myths and misconceptions.
• Identify similarities and distinctions among the three PD clusters (A, B, and C).
• Describe how neurobiological factors shape emotional and interpersonal patterns in PDs with specific focus on borderline and narcissistic personality disorders.
• Apply structured assessment tools and screening measures in your practice.
• Strengthen communication skills when discussing PD diagnoses and conceptualizations with clients and teams.
• Design more targeted, empathetic, and evidence-informed treatment plans for individuals with PDs.
• Describe options for helping family members.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your clinical approach to personality disorders (PDs). Register today to build confidence in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment—while fostering hope and reducing stigma for your clients.

Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email that includes access information to our on-demand training platform, SickKids Academy Online. Participants will have access for 90 days from the date they begin the course on SickKids Academy Online. Following the training, participants are required to complete a quiz to receive the Certificate of Participation.

This program was originally recorded on January 29 and 30, 2026.

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Updated April 15, 2026