Sunday, September 7th, 2025 10:00 AM EDT -1:00 PM EDT Simcha Feuerman
Yahoo!
Webinar Description
This presentation begins by defining personality disorders (PDs) as enduring, maladaptive patterns of behavior and inner experience that impair relationships, with a focus on Cluster B disorders like Narcissistic (NPD) and Borderline (BPD) Personality Disorders due to their prevalence in couples counseling. We’ll explore how PDs manifest as an "Emotional Ponzi Scheme House of Cards," where fragile defenses (e.g., grandiosity in NPD, splitting in BPD) create volatile dynamics—such as idealization-devaluation cycles or boundary violations—that destabilize partnerships. Drawing from sources like Landucci & Foley (2014), we’ll highlight common pairings (e.g., NPD+BPD, NPD+OCPD) and their unique challenges, including emotional volatility, poor insight, and countertransference risks for therapists. The introduction will emphasize the importance of recognizing these patterns early to tailor interventions effectively.
The second part outlines evidence-based interventions for couples with PDs, integrating eclectic strategies from Livesley’s (2005) phased approach—safety, containment, regulation, exploration, and integration—with specific techniques like boundary setting (Hafeez), DBT skills (Fruzzetti & Fruzzetti, 2003), and Gottman’s relational methods. We’ll discuss how therapists can serve as a “mirroring self-object” (Landucci & Foley) to validate injuries while fostering empathy and collaboration, illustrated through fictional case studies: “Laura and David” (NPD+BPD) navigating rage and abandonment fears, and “Alice and Eugene” (NPD+OCPD) balancing drama and control. The presentation concludes with practical tips—establishing a holding environment, managing countertransference, and setting common goals—supported by sources like Lachkar (1998), to equip clinicians with tools to stabilize these complex relationships.
Like this webinar? Click here to view packages that contain this webinar.
About the Presenter:
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the Core Features and Relational Dynamics of Personality Disorders in Couples
- Describe the Core Features and Relational Dynamics of Personality Disorders in Couples
- Analyze Common Couple Pairings and Their Therapeutic Challenges
- Develop Practical Strategies to Enhance Therapeutic Alliances with PD Couples
- Evaluate Treatment Outcomes and Adjust Interventions for PD Couples
Agenda:
Couples Counseling with Personality-Disordered Persons
Total Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
1. Introduction and Welcome (15 minutes)
- Focus: Set the stage by welcoming participants, outlining objectives (e.g., understanding PD dynamics in couples, learning interventions), and briefly introducing the "Emotional Ponzi Scheme House of Cards" metaphor for PD relationships.
- Activities: Brief icebreaker (e.g., "What’s one challenge you’ve faced with PD couples?") and overview of agenda.
- Time: 0:00–0:15
2. Understanding Personality Disorders in Couples: Theory and Dynamics (45 minutes)
- Focus: Define PDs (APA Dictionary, Cleveland Clinic), focusing on Cluster B (NPD, BPD) and their relational impact (e.g., volatility, boundary issues). Explore common pairings (Landucci & Foley, 2014) and defense mechanisms (Bowins, 2013) like compensation and splitting.
- Activities: Lecture with slides, 5-minute Q&A to clarify concepts.
- Time: 0:15–1:00
3. Treatment Approaches: Frameworks and Strategies (50 minutes)
- Focus: Present Livesley’s (2005) phased approach (safety to integration), integrating specific techniques—boundary setting (Hafeez), DBT (Fruzzetti & Fruzzetti, 2003), Gottman’s methods, and the therapist’s role as a mirroring self-object (Landucci & Foley). Discuss countertransference management (Gordon et al., 2020).
- Activities: Lecture with examples, 10-minute small-group discussion (“Which technique fits your practice?”).
- Time: 1:00–1:50
4. Break (15 minutes)
- Focus: Allow participants to rest, network, and process material.
- Time: 1:50–2:05
5. Case Studies and Practical Application (40 minutes)
- Focus: Present fictional cases—“Laura and David” (NPD+BPD) and “Rebecca and Michael” (NPD+OCPD)—to illustrate dynamics (rage/abandonment, drama/control) and interventions (validation, skill-building, goal-setting). Highlight holding environments (Lachkar, 1998).
- Activities: Case walkthrough, 10-minute role-play exercise (e.g., setting a boundary with a narcissist).
- Time: 2:05–2:45
6. Wrap-Up and Q&A (25 minutes)
- Focus: Summarize key takeaways (e.g., eclectic approaches, empathy, structure), offer practical tips for clinicians, and address remaining questions.
- Activities: Recap with slides, open-floor Q&A, distribute handouts (e.g., resource list).
- Time: 2:45–3:10 (ending slightly early to respect time)
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for intermediate level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a Therapy Express seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform Therapy Express ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by Therapy Express is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.