Personality Disorders
A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Systemic Healing
(First Edition)
©2026, 270 pages
Paperback list price: $64.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $56.95
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Personality Disorders: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Systemic Healing offers readers a comprehensive exploration into the intricate landscape of personality disorders beyond established diagnostic manuals. The textbook evaluates the complexities of individual diagnoses while incorporating a systemic framework that contemplates the influence on and connection with surrounding individuals—be it family, friends, or colleagues.
The content of the book aligns with the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5-TR classification, dividing the 10 personality disorders into three clusters, A, B, and C. Each disorder is examined through various lenses such as historical context, characteristics, diagnostic criteria, treatments, and the societal and ethical implications of living with a personality disorder. Each chapter features reflection prompts and case examples to enrich the learning experience.
Personality Disorders is ideal for courses and programs in counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, and psychiatry. The systemic approach and in-depth coverage make it an invaluable resource for those studying to enter the helping professions or professionals seeking tools for their practice.
The content of the book aligns with the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5-TR classification, dividing the 10 personality disorders into three clusters, A, B, and C. Each disorder is examined through various lenses such as historical context, characteristics, diagnostic criteria, treatments, and the societal and ethical implications of living with a personality disorder. Each chapter features reflection prompts and case examples to enrich the learning experience.
Personality Disorders is ideal for courses and programs in counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, and psychiatry. The systemic approach and in-depth coverage make it an invaluable resource for those studying to enter the helping professions or professionals seeking tools for their practice.
Lisa McKenna is a professor at Liberty University in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies. She is a licensed professional counselor, board-approved clinical supervisor in the state of Texas, and is a board-certified telemental health counselor. She is a trained hypnotherapist and has worked as a counselor in community group practice, private practice, and university counseling settings.
Rosanne Nunnery has a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision and is an associate clinical professor of counselor education and a licensed professional counseling supervisor in Mississippi. She is a nationally certified counselor who is trained in EMDR and board certified in telemental health, dialectical behavioral therapy, and grief. She has worked as a clinician for over 25 years across varied mental health diagnoses with children, adolescents, and adults.
Other Cognella titles by Lisa McKenna:Other Cognella titles by Rosanne Nunnery:
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"Personality Disorders is a contemporary resource that I would like to provide to every one of my counseling students. The editors have brought together clinical expertise from the field into a cohesive and practical guide for students and practitioners across the mental health professions. The guide emphasizes accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment with specific attention to systemic and cultural considerations. Its value extends beyond its practical utility by encouraging an inclusive and compassionate approach to clients and their loved ones."
Amie Manis, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
"Personality Disorders: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Systemic Healing is a thoughtfully constructed and highly accessible resource for both emerging and seasoned clinicians. McKenna and Nunnery skillfully translate complex diagnostic material into clear, clinically meaningful guidance, enriched by well-developed case examples and practical tables that support conceptualization and treatment planning. Particularly impactful are the chapter summaries and dedicated reflection sections, which invite readers to pause, integrate, and deepen their understanding of the material—making this text exceptionally well-suited for graduate instruction and clinical supervision. By pairing diagnostic clarity with systemic and relational insight, the authors offer a compassionate and actionable framework for working with personality pathology in contemporary practice."
Nicole M. Arcuri-Sanders, Ph.D., ACS, LPC-S, LCMHC-S, LPCC, LPC, BC-TMH, NCC, SAC, Clinician, Counselor Educator & Clinical Supervisor, Program Coordinator
"I’ve enjoyed reading Personality Disorders: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Systemic Healing, and I believe it is a wonderful resource for any clinician. This textbook is filled with pragmatic insights and considerations that give the reader an essential understanding of the various personality disorders. I truly appreciate the reflection questions offered as I get the sense that they are written with critical thinkers in mind. I would highly recommend this textbook to students, faculty, and professional helpers in the mental health field."
Benjamin Robertson, Ph.D., Liberty University
Amie Manis, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
"Personality Disorders: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Systemic Healing is a thoughtfully constructed and highly accessible resource for both emerging and seasoned clinicians. McKenna and Nunnery skillfully translate complex diagnostic material into clear, clinically meaningful guidance, enriched by well-developed case examples and practical tables that support conceptualization and treatment planning. Particularly impactful are the chapter summaries and dedicated reflection sections, which invite readers to pause, integrate, and deepen their understanding of the material—making this text exceptionally well-suited for graduate instruction and clinical supervision. By pairing diagnostic clarity with systemic and relational insight, the authors offer a compassionate and actionable framework for working with personality pathology in contemporary practice."
Nicole M. Arcuri-Sanders, Ph.D., ACS, LPC-S, LCMHC-S, LPCC, LPC, BC-TMH, NCC, SAC, Clinician, Counselor Educator & Clinical Supervisor, Program Coordinator
"I’ve enjoyed reading Personality Disorders: A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Systemic Healing, and I believe it is a wonderful resource for any clinician. This textbook is filled with pragmatic insights and considerations that give the reader an essential understanding of the various personality disorders. I truly appreciate the reflection questions offered as I get the sense that they are written with critical thinkers in mind. I would highly recommend this textbook to students, faculty, and professional helpers in the mental health field."
Benjamin Robertson, Ph.D., Liberty University
