Advice for Visitors Dealing with Someone Really, Really Difficult

Writing for Mediate.com, social worker and child-behavior expert Gary Direnfeld explains why it is so difficult to get along with those few people who have a personality disorder. Unfortunately, individuals with a personality disorder are often resistant to treatment because they are unable to realistically appraise their own behavior. Moreover, those with a personality disorder can project blame onto others. Therefore, treatment for the family and friends of the person with the disorder becomes critical. Family and friends need to understand the the disorder and how to create self-protective coping strategies. (Mediate.com.)

This advice surely resonates with ombuds discussing options for visitors struggling with a co-worker who has a personality disorder. Sadly, when these situations occur in the workplace, co-workers often must choose between coping and leaving.