Character Disturbances and Disorders

About this course

In classical psychology, emotional and psychological distress is caused by internal, unconscious conflict. This conflict is eventually manifested in psychoneurotic symptoms. But according to Dr. George Simon, this traditional conceptualization does not explain what is happening in people with character disturbances and disorders. In this course, Dr. Simon explains the differences between classical neurosis and character disorder.

Helping professionals find themselves increasingly dealing with individuals with significant personality/character disturbances and disorders. Many have found their traditional insight-oriented approaches to be ineffective in such cases. While some simply dismiss personality-related problems as unmodifiable or untreatable, Dr. Simon shares a unique perspective that provides new understanding of the nature of character disturbance and a framework for effecting change even in the most challenging clients.

Highlights of Part 1

• The classical definition of “neurosis” — and why it doesn’t explain character disorder
• Why traditional insight-oriented therapy fails with character disorders
• Why character disturbance is a spectrum phenomenon
• Direct comparison between the traits traditionally considered neurotic and the traits of character disorder
• The difference between the defense mechanisms and manipulation tactics

Highlights of Part 2

• Erroneous thinking patterns of character-disordered individuals
• Common manipulation tactics employed by character-disordered individuals
• How distorted thinking, problematic attitudes and manipulative behavior feed each other
• How the goals and objectives of character constructive therapy differ from traditional therapy
• The Ten Commandments of character development

 About the instructor

George Simon, PhD, has specialized in disturbances of personality and character for over 30 years, and is widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on manipulative personalities and other problem characters. He received his PhD in clinical psychology from Texas Tech University, and until just a few years ago maintained an active private practice in which he served both individuals with serious character disturbances and their relationship partners. Dr. Simon has also served as the supervising psychologist for Arkansas’ Sex Offender Risk Assessment program and their only inpatient treatment program for offenders.

His book, In Sheep’s Clothing, is a 5-star review rated international bestseller, published in 10 foreign languages. His other books, Character Disturbance — The Phenomenon of Our Age and The Judas Syndrome, are also bestsellers.  Dr. Simon has appeared on CNN, Fox News Network, and has conducted over 200 instructional seminars and workshops nationwide. He is a full clinical member of ATSA and a Diplomate of the American College Forensic Examiners.

Cost and credits

The cost for this course is $150 for four hours of instruction. Once you purchase the course, you can view it as often as you want. There is no expiration date.

This course meets the education standards of psychology and counseling professional associations. Contact your professional association to claim credits.

No commercial support was provided to Lovefraud Continuing Education or the instructor for this program.

Part 1: Key differences between neurosis and character disturbance

Learning objectives – this workshop will enable mental health professionals to:

1. Describe a framework for understanding and dealing with character-related problems
2. Explain the key differences between “neurotic” and character-impaired personalities
3. Discuss the neurosis — character disturbance continuum and the character disturbance vs. disorder spectrum
4. Analyze the level of character disturbance
5. Explain the differences between traditional and character-constructive therapy approaches

Part 1 Program Agenda

 Instruction — 55 minutes

• Classical definition of neurosis
  • Role of anxiety
  • Role of unconscious defense mechanisms
• Classical definition of personality
• Multidimensional perspective on personality
• Personality vs. character

5 minutes break

50 minutes of instruction

• The character disturbance continuum
• Traits of neurosis vs. character disturbance
  • Overactive vs. absent conscience
  • Unconscious vs. conscious motives
  • Conflicted emotions vs. erroneous thinking
  • Motivation to change vs. resistance
• Common characteristics of disturbed/disordered characters
• Cognitive-behavioral triad
• Defense mechanisms vs. responsibility resistance and power tactics
• Traditional vs. character-constructive therapy

10 minutes questions and answers

Part 2: Effective intervention strategies for character disordered individuals

Learning objectives: this workshop will enable mental health professionals to:

1. Discuss key learning failures during moral development
2. Recognize and respond appropriately to thinking errors and responsibility-obstructive behavioral tactics
3. Apply the principles of benign confrontation
4. Employ practical strategies and tools for promoting change
5. Use therapeutic leverage in treating character disturbed individuals

Part 2 Program Agenda

Instruction — 55 minutes

• Neurosis vs. character disturbance
• Damaged self-esteem vs. inflated self-appraisal
• Key failures in learning during moral development
• The Ten Commandments of sound character development
• Erroneous thinking patterns of character disordered individuals, such as:
  • Egocentric thinking
  • Egomaniacal thinking
  • Opportunistic thinking
  • End-game thinking
  • All-or-none thinking
• Responsibility avoidance and manipulation tactics, such as:
  • Excuse-making
  • Blaming
  • Overt and covert intimidation
  • Diversion and deflection
  • Lying by omission and distortion
  • Minimization
  • Denial

5 minutes break

50 minutes of instruction

• Personal empowerment and therapeutic leverage
• Benign Confrontation
• Putting the “B” back in CBT
• Encouraging here-and-now change
• Covert self-monitoring and self-reinforcement
• Case studies

10 minutes questions and answers

Risks and Limitations

• The accuracy and utility of the statements included in this presentation are based on referenced materials from reliable sources that are accessible and obtainable by all.
• The limitation of the content presented herein is that the results of execution have not been measured, therefore, expectation of outcome is not predictable.
• It is presumed that professionals executing the guidelines presented herein will apply such holding to the precise standards of their professional code of ethics, to reduce risk of ethical violations. As in all therapeutic interventions that may provoke emotional triggering, the professional may be required to perform risk assessment for suicidality, homicidality or other incident requiring emergency psychiatric services.

Here’s a sample of this program:

If you have clients with character disturbances and disorders, what do you do? Traditional insight-oriented approaches don’t work. It’s time to use therapeutic leverage, address erroneous thinking patterns and encourage here-and-now change, which is what you will learn in this course.

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Character Disturbances and Disorders – $150