Welcome to Learn on the go, a Community Care Inform podcast where we discuss research, theories and practice issues, and look at what they mean for social care practitioners.

This episode is about personality disorder, in itself a controversial term because many people find it stigmatising. Guests are Keir Harding and Hollie Berrigan from Beam Consultancy which provides training, consultancy and intervention for those living with complex mental health issues.

They discuss why personality disorder is such a messy diagnosis. how and why practitioners need to think in a different way when working with this client group; the role of social workers, occupational therapists and those with lived experience; and the importance of building supportive, containing relationships. The questions were asked by Natalie Valios, senior content editor, Community Care Inform Adults.

1:38 - what is meant by personality disorder?

5:50 - how and why practitioners need to think in a different way rather than see everything through a lens of personality disorder

8:21 - understanding the function of particular behaviours

8:58 - the stigma associated with the diagnosis

11:36 - what is the social worker's role?

15: 50 - what is the occupational therapist's role?

18:02 - what is the consultant lived experience practitioner's role?

21: 48 - recognising strengths

24:48 - the importance of building relationships

26:42 - what training is available?

29:13 - personality disorder diagnosis in children