This course provides a comprehensive, evidence-informed understanding of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), focusing on its conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. It addresses psychological mechanisms such as attachment disturbance, trauma, and mentalization deficits. The course examines therapeutic challenges, including clinician countertransference and systemic barriers, and reviews emerging psychotherapeutic interventions like mentalization-based treatment and impulsive lifestyle counseling. Designed to foster clinical competence and therapeutic optimism, it integrates developmental, relational, and systemic perspectives relevant for psychologists and graduate-level clinicians working with this historically underserved population.

Licensed Psychologists Graduate-Level Clinicians Clinical Psychologists Counselors Psychotherapists

Program Objectives

Describe 4 key psychological mechanisms underlying antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), including attachment disturbance, trauma, and impaired mentalization.

Identify 3 specialized psychotherapeutic approaches for ASPD and explain their therapeutic principles and evidence base.

Explain 3 major countertransference challenges encountered by clinicians treating individuals with ASPD and propose strategies for managing these responses.

Evaluate 3 systemic and organizational barriers to effective ASPD treatment and recommend approaches to enhance clinical access and treatment delivery.