Working with Complex
Personality Traits




Complex personality traits can present a complex set of challenges to engaging and staying connected to care, significantly impacting people’s ability to get the most out of treatment. In this workshop, we will explore the essential elements of what works with people with complex personality traits. You will walk away with a helpful model for thinking about personality and how best to respond within the context of your role.

Learn about the essential elements of working with people with complex personality traits so you can engage in effective alcohol and other drug treatment. Learn how to include personality traits in your formulation effectively and increase your skills in implementing strategies.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand complex personality traits and their impact on clients including their cognitive processes
  • Understand how to include consideration of complex personality traits into treatment formulation
  • Identify effective engagement strategies
  • Improve skills in responding to complex personality traits
  • Learn essential strategies to maximise client engagement and retention and improve outcomes

Note: This workshop will equip you with skills to work with people with complex personality traits and is not a DBT specialist workshop.

Richard is always an amazing facilitator and is always engaging. Love his real life experience that he brings to training.

– Workshop participant, 2026