Training
Understanding and supporting the relational harm inflicted by Persons Displaying Psychopathic Traits (PDPT’s)
Until recently, little has been understood about the Insidious Relational harm (IRA) that goes undetected in millions of relationships by Partners/Persons Displaying Psychopathic Traits (PDPT’s). Psychopathy is a contentious, ill-defined term, given that unlike other pathologies, the superficial outward appearance of normality, “the mask of sanity” (Cleckley, 2015), defies accurate clinical observation, so no common categorisation can be agreed upon. Despite an existent body of literature that continues its attempts to define and/or debate the term, it remains excluded from DSM-V (2013), its traits being clustered instead with Antisocial-Personality-Disorder (ASPD). This lack of clarity compounds the confusion, lack of understanding and/or recognition that exists within the profession.
PDPT’s
There does however appear to be general agreement about the behavioural traits of a psychopath. These discerning traits are encapsulated in Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R) (2003), which is now referenced by law-enforcement institutions and the justice system. Indeed, these traits are measurable, evidencing fundamental differences between a Person Displaying Psychopathic Traits (PDPT) and other DSM-V (2013) Cluster B personality disorders. A fundamental difference with PDPT’s (as I have named them), is the unique combination of: egocentricity and self-importance; measured, calculated actions; self-focus for personal gain; neurological impairment resulting in low/no empathy and ability to emulate unconditional love and care through intimacy. It is the pervasiveness of this personality dynamic and the calculated harm imposed for self-gain, from a place of low/no empathy that I suggest sets this pathology apart.
PDPT’s are predatory and the consequential harm inflicted upon their victims is psychologically severe. Symptoms include cognitive dissonance, PTSD, paranoia and distorted sense of self. This is often not the presenting issue in therapy and the disguised nature of the perpetrator (often seen as the saviour), together with lack of professional awareness that such a damaging relational phenomenon exists, compounds confusion and results in mis-diagnosis or even inadvertent re-abuse of the client. Recovery is often long and complex and once understood, positive healing outcomes are achieved.
“Victims can’t avoid what they don’t understand. Therapists can’t diagnose what they don’t know.”
Resulting from years of continued research, I offer scientifically evidenced, cogently researched training to professions, after which you will be invited to join a newly forming network of UK based practitioners and organisations who can understand and professionally support victims of abuse from partners/persons displaying psychopathic traits (PDPT’s).
I offer half-day, one day and two-day training to individuals, groups and organisations.
Other recommended training
I am on the Board of Advisors for The Association for NPD/Psychopathy Survivor Treatment, Research and Education (survivortreatment.com). This institute is dedicated to supporting victims of pathological abuse. The Institute offers training entitled “Narcissistic and Psychopathic Abuse. The Clinicians Guide to the New Field of Traumatic Pathological Love Relationships.” The first of its kind, this two-day training introduces a clinical model for the profession and is recommended as sound foundational learning on this topic.
We support and recommend these sites:
www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com
Professional network
If you are a Psychotherapist who understands and works with victims of PDPT’s (persons who display psychopathic traits) and would like to take referrals from this site, please contact Jayne at info@brunswick-counselling.co.uk in the first instance. Your contact will be most welcome.
