Treatment of Personality Disorders Conference - University of Wollongong

19th International Conference on the Treatment of Personality Disorders

The Project Air Strategy for Personality Disorders, Wollongong University Professional and Clinical Psychology programs and NSW Ministry of Health invite you to the 19th International Conference on the Treatment of Personality Disorders.

The conference presents an opportunity for professional development and to have a stimulating and thought-provoking exposure to new ideas and recent work in treatment of personality disorders by experts, service users, family members, carers, service directors, managers and clinical and professional leaders.

About
Conference dates
Invitation to Present
Registration Options
Location

Conference Theme: "Compassionate Listening"

Compassionate listening - the theme of this conference - is one of the most vital and transformative processes in mental health care. At its core, it involves being present with another person in a way that is open, non-judgmental, and deeply attuned. It’s not just about hearing words, but about truly receiving someone’s emotional experience with empathy and respect.

In the therapeutic space, compassionate listening has the power to build trust, foster safety, and open the door to healing and recovery. It is especially important when working with individuals facing personality disorder challenges. Many have experienced stigma, criticism, or dismissal - sometimes simply for expressing distress. This kind of invalidation can leave people feeling alienated and reluctant to seek help, or can lead people to escalate self-harm to a crisis point in the search for being taken seriously. By bringing our full, compassionate attention to those we work with, we counteract the impact of invalidation. We communicate that their experiences matter, that their pain is real, and that they are worthy of care.

Attending the conference this year can be in-person, virtual, or a blend of both. Registration is essential and presentations and attendees from across the world are welcome.

Conference Event	Date
Clinical Workshop	Sunday, 2 November, 2025
Scientific Conference	Monday, 3 November, 2025
Lived Experience Day	Tuesday, 4 November, 2025

Invitation to present at the Scientific Conference

We welcome proposals to present science and research, descriptions of therapies, lived experience stories and service innovations in any area of personality disorders. Please submit your proposal specifying: Title, Authors, and a 150-word abstract description of your presentation. Presentation formats are oral presentations (15-45 minutes), rapid updates (up to 15 minutes) and scientific poster presentations (Poster plus 2-minute lightning talk). Please indicate which format you prefer.

Send expressions of interest by 30 June to: info-projectair@uow.edu.au

Choose how you attend the conference

Enjoy valuable networking opportunities during catered breaks by attending in-person, the time-sensitive convenience of virtual attendance, or a blend of both. For in-person attendees, tea and coffee on arrival, morning tea and a light lunch is provided.

Ticket prices are consistent across all attendance choices with Early bird and student registration prices available. Registration is online only with credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Register early as places are limited.

Idyllic surrounds, world-class facilities and world wide knowledge

The event will be held in the centre of the beautiful University of Wollongong campus in Building 67. The campus is set among a spectacular coastal and forested environment surrounding the city of Wollongong - about 90 minutes by car south of Sydney.

Sunday clinical workshop with Dr. David Kealy

Meet our keynote speaker – Dr David Kealy is a Professor in the Psychotherapy Program at the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

He conducts research on psychotherapy and on personality- and identity-related difficulties - such as pathological narcissism - as well as mental health concerns among young adults, men, and individuals with adverse childhood experiences. A particular focus is the personalization of psychotherapy to address the specific goals, concerns, and needs of each individual.

David has published widely in academic journals and is co-editor of the book Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Evolving Clinical Practice. In addition to research David teaches, supervises, and maintains a private practice in psychotherapy.

Photo of Dr David Kealy

Registrations for the conference are now open

Conference Event	Early Bird Price
Clinical Workshop	$180
Scientific Conference	$162
Lived Experience Day	$15

All prices are in Australian dollars inclusive of the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Early Bird pricing is available until 2 October, 2025 - apply the code 'PROJECTAIR' during checkout to secure your discounted rate!

Conference Event	Standard Price
Clinical Workshop	$200
Scientific Conference	$180
Lived Experience Day	$15

All prices are in Australian dollars inclusive of the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Conference Event	Student Price
Clinical Workshop	$100
Scientific Conference	$90
Lived Experience Day	$15

All prices are in Australian dollars inclusive of the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Students may be eligible to receive a discounted rate for the Sunday Clinical Workshop and Monday Scientific Day. Please email info-projectair@uow.edu.au with a copy of your current Student ID or Enrolment record to receive a unique discount code and apply this during checkout.

Event location

The event will be held in the centre of the beautiful University of Wollongong campus in Building 67.

In the University of Wollongong’s 50-year history, it has built an international reputation for world-class research and exceptional teaching quality. We’re ranked in the top 250 universities in the world and we’re aiming higher every day.

With 17 beautiful beaches, a spectacular escarpment, a bustling city centre and your choice of restaurant and entertainment zones, Wollongong is here waiting for you to explore. There really is something for everyone in Wollongong and the greater Illawarra region.

Getting to UOW

Arriving by train - Take the 90 min scenic train to North Wollongong station followed by a short bus connection or 15 min walk. A free shuttle bus service, ‘The Gong Shuttle’ regularly runs to and from the University, train station and hotels, or the trip is a short taxi ride.

Arriving by plane - Sydney Airport is 80km from Wollongong and provides excellent connections to UOW from the airport train using the South Coast Line or by booking a shuttle/limousine service.

Arriving by car -From Sydney drive south past Sutherland on the Princes Highway then M1 Motorway and take the second exit at the bottom of Mt Ousley (signposted 'University'). The Western Car Park is closest to the conference venue; enter via the Western Entrance along Northfields Avenue. Parking fees apply.

A full event program will be published soon.

Email for conference enquiries

info-projectair@uow.edu.au