Understanding the Overlap: Personality Disorders + Addiction
AUSTIN, TX — The Annex Mental Health is proud to announce that its Clinical Director, Jennifer Shotwell, LPC-S, LCDC, EMDR Trainer, has been selected as a featured speaker for the upcoming 2026 TAAP Symposium. Shotwell will present a critical deep dive into the complex relationship between personality disorders and substance use disorders, offering clinical insights and practical recovery solutions.
Presentation Details
- Title: Understanding the Overlap: Personality Disorders + Addiction
- Date: Thursday, April 9th, 2026
- Time: 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM
- Location: Salon C, TAAP Symposium
- Registration: Official TAAP Symposium 2026 Website
Addressing a Clinical Challenge
In the behavioral health field, the “overlap” between personality disorders and addiction often creates significant barriers to long-term recovery. Shotwell’s presentation aims to demystify this duality by providing practitioners and families with the tools to identify and treat these co-occurring conditions effectively.
Key highlights of the presentation include:
- The Mechanics of Overlap: An exploration of how and why personality disorders frequently coexist with addiction.
- Identification Strategies: Practical clinical markers to help providers “spot” the signs of a struggling individual who may have an underlying personality disorder.
- The 12-Step Integration: A compelling look at why the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) remain a powerful and versatile treatment framework for managing both chemical dependency and personality-based behavioral patterns.
About Jennifer Shotwell
Jennifer Shotwell is the Clinical Director of The Annex Mental Health in Austin, Texas. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and a certified EMDR Trainer. Shotwell specializes in the treatment of personality disorders and substance use disorders, with an integrated focus on both the client and their family system. Her professional journey has included roles in transitional living programs, treatment centers, non-profits, and private practice. Drawing on both her lived experience and advanced training, Jen provides clinical therapy as well as consultation and education to families and professionals who feel stuck in the referral process or uncertain about how to engage complex cases. She is particularly recognized for her ability to break down complicated, overwhelming information into clear, practical, and usable strategies. Her dissertation research focuses on the causation and treatment of personality disorders, further deepening her expertise in this highly specialized area.
About The Annex Mental Health
Located in Austin, The Annex Mental Health provides specialized, evidence-based treatment for individuals navigating personality disorders and complex PTSD. Their approach integrates clinical excellence with compassionate, individualized care.
Contact:
Lauren Juvers
Director of Clinical Outreach
ljuvers@theannexmh.com
theannexmh.com