When Empathy Is Lacking - Understanding Cluster B Personality Disorders and How to Treat Them.

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Empathy is required for healthy functioning. However, threatening environments damage empathic development leading to personality disorders, This presentation will discuss the development of Cluster B disorders and how to treat Cluster B issues by fostering empathy through cognitive exercises, emotional connections with the therapist, and therapeutic social challenges.

As a result of this presentation, participants will be able to: 

• Discuss the degree of empathy present in their clients, how empathy was fostered or impaired due to developmental factors, and the impact these factors had on their personality.
• Apply diagnostic strategies with clients expressing Cluster B features and combinations of those features to develop effective treatment plans.
• Identify at least two (2) strategies to increase empathy as a treatment tool for clients with Cluster B features.