Diagnosing

Personality Disorders

In this presentation, we will explore the complexities of personality disorders and their impact on therapeutic practice. We’ll discuss common personality disorders, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Attendees will learn about evidence-based interventions, as well as strategies for building a strong therapeutic alliance. The focus will also be on improving competency in handling challenging clients, with an emphasis on empathy, boundaries, and maintaining a nonjudgmental stance. In addition, we will address self-management techniques for therapists, highlighting the importance of self-regulation, avoiding burnout, and seeking supervision when needed. By the end of the session, therapists will be equipped with tools to navigate difficult client dynamics and provide effective treatment while maintaining their own well-being.

Dr. Shannon Hendrickson graduated from the Arizona School of Professional Psychology in Phoenix, Arizona in 2016 and has been independently licensed since 2016. She has been a registered clinical supervisor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners since 2017, and became a member of PSYPact in 2024. Her clinical rotations included home-based bereavement therapy in hospice, individual and group therapy in residential groups for adults, interventions in community mental health, and completion of forensic evaluations within the Maricopa County justice system. She worked as the Lead Psychologist for the Indiana Department of Correction and the Arizona Department of Corrections from 2014-2017. She served as Clinical Director for the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections from 2017-2020. She has worked in private practice since 2020, and is the current owner, practitioner, and clinical supervisor for Juniper Path Psychology.