Transference-Focused psychotherapy (TFP) is a highly structured, modified manualized psychodynamic treatment, typically conducted twice a week, based on Otto F. Kernberg's object relations model.Initially developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD), TFP was later expanded to address the entire spectrum of borderline personality organization, including pathological narcissism.

TFP views the individual with borderline personality organization (BPO) as holding unreconciled and contradictory internalized representations of self and significant others that are affectively charged. The defense against these contradictory internalized object relations leads to disturbed relationships with others and with oneself. The distorted perceptions of self, others, and associated affects are the focus of treatment as they emerge in the relationship with the therapist (transference). The treatment focuses on the integration of split-off parts of self and object representations, and the consistent interpretation of these distorted perceptions is considered the mechanism of change.

The founder of the TFP model – Otto Kernberg, MD – explains how Transference-Focused psychotherapy transforms identity diffusion

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) is an empirically supported and evidence-based treatment for personality disorders that has proven its efficacy in numerous studies (2001, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, and others).

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More information about the research at TFP:

The TFP has treatment phases: opening, middle, termination. Its fundamental objective is the change in the personality structures: from the borderline splitting to the integration of the split-off representations and the creation of an integrated sense of the patient’s identity and experience of others.

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy is a structural psychotherapy based on:

A well-established and thoroughly elaborated clinical and theoretical model of the psyche

The treatment scheme that follows from it and has well-established (manualized) techniques, tactics, and strategies

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First empirical outcome research

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

The following RCT

The first three uncontrolled ones (Clarkin et al. 2001, Cuevas et al. 2000, Lopez et al. 2004) demonstrated significant improvements in psychopathology, self-mutilizing behavior, and psychiatric hospitalizations after one year of TFP.

A study published in 2007 compared transfer-focused psychotherapy (TFP), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic supportive therapy (PST) among 90 patients with borderline disorder over a year. All three methods improved overall functioning and social adaptation, and reduced depression and anxiety. TFP and DBT reduced suicidality, TFP and PST improved aspects of impulsivity, while only TFP reduced anger, irritability and aggression, significantly improved reflective function, and (!) changed the attachment style, 28.6% of patients moved from an insecure attachment style to a secure one in one year, which was not achieved by patients in DBT and PST.

Publication in 2010. In the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder, TFP was compared to therapy with experienced community psychotherapists. The study was conducted for one year in Munich and Vienna on 104 patients. The results demonstrate a significant advantage of TFP with regard to the primary outcome criteria - the rate of early interruption of therapy and suicide attempts. The same was true for the secondary outcome measures, i.e., reductions in DSM-IV borderline disorder diagnostic criteria, psychosocial functioning, level of personality organization, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a type of medical study in which participants are randomly divided into groups, one of which receives the study treatment and the other (control) uses standard methods or a placebo. The scientific validity of the findings is determined using statistical methods. RCTs are the basis of evidence-based medicine.

The subsequent RCTs for empirical outcome research were in 2015 and 2022. Some research is in progress.

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TFP for Adolescents (TFP-A)

TFP for Groups

TFP in Forensic Psychiatry (TFFP)

TFP for Narcissistic Patients (TFP-N)

Inpatient TFP

TFP for Neurotic Personality Organization (TFP-E)

Stated differently, it covers the theory you need for deep and effective treatment of complex cases—including borderline and narcissistic patients—as well as for working with other types of personality disorders and personality pathology. It also includes the theoretical basis for treating adolescents, working with groups, and applying TFP in psychiatric settings.

Total of 4 modules

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Including

Each workshop day: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (London time)

The course includes didactic sessions and the application of lecture material to real clinical cases.

A distinctive feature of the course is its strong focus on clinical material.

Theoretical concepts are illustrated through:
– clinical case examples
– video recordings of patient sessions
– role-playing exercises.

A total of 96 hours of didactic training

It covers both the basic and advanced levels, specifically:

Please note that you may register for a single module or the entire training program

The Essence of TFP

Applied TFP*

TFP for Adolescents

TFP-G: TFP for Group Therapy

TFP-Extended: TFP for Neurotic Level Personality Organisations

Malignant Narcissism Syndrome

TFP for Pathological Narcissism

Pathological Narcissism

TFP Adherence Scale

Complications of Treatment

Termination

Treatment Techniques Therapeutic Neutrality, Countertransference, Interpretation, Transference Analysis

Evolution of Treatment and of Transferences

Additional Treatment Tactics

The Treatment Contract

The Beginning of Therapy: Discussion of the Diagnosis, the Treatment Contract

Overview of TFP: Strategies, Treatment Tactics

The Structural Interview

What is Transference?

A Model of Psychological Structure: Object Relations Theory

Diagnostic System

Personality and Identity

Applied TFP: the use of TFP principles not only in psychotherapy, but also in any other settings where there are professional relationships with difficult clients - clinic, helpline, volunteering, etc. - in order to gain an understanding of what is happening, formulate interventions that are appropriate for the purpose, and prevent burnout.

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The understanding of the psyche based on Otto Kernberg's object relations model, as well as Transference-Focused Psychotherapy, developed specifically for the treatment of severe personality disorders, opens up new horizons - what previously seemed untreatable becomes a normal level of your professionalism

To obtain a general certificate which is mandatory for further certification in the TFP model, you need to be present online at each Module.

USD

benefit -22%

Includes access to video recordings of all available past modules and live participation in all future module sessions.

Access to selected readings and articles

December 5, 6, 7, 2025

12-month access to webinar recordings

Planned

Live participation via Zoom

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

12-month access to webinar recordings

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

Live participation via Zoom

Current Module

$620

Access to selected readings and articles

Planned

March 6, 7, 8, 2026

Live participation via Zoom

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

12-month access to webinar recordings

Planned

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

12-month access to webinar recordings

Live participation via Zoom

Access to selected readings and articles

May 29, 30, 31, 2026

17, 18, 19 October

08:00 AM - 3:30 PM daily London time

Access to selected readings and articles

Psychologist

I am deeply grateful for the One-year Training Program on Personality Disorders with Otto Kernberg, MD. The depth of knowledge I gained exceeded my expectations, as did the overall quality of the program’s organization. I have no criticisms—only a strong desire to continue collaborating with the Ukrainian Institute for Personality Disorders Studies and to recommend it to my colleagues.

The program was highly informative and valuable. Studying with Dr. Otto Kernberg felt like a fortunate encounter with something profound and significant—beyond just acquiring knowledge. I sincerely thank Dr. Kernberg and the program organizers for this meaningful experience.

Psychologist, lecturer at a higher education institution, philologist

Psychologist

Thank you very much for such a deep and important course. I especially want to emphasize the thoughtful design, both in terms of topics and materials, as well as the seminar structure (lecture – supervision – lecture – questions). This format provides high-quality theoretical knowledge, access to materials, answers to questions, and the opportunity to observe the approach in practice. Dr. Kernberg’s supervisions are invaluable.

I am deeply grateful to the TFP Association for the unique and highly valuable chance to learn from Dr. Otto Kernberg. Each workshop was incredibly engaging and profoundly inspiring. During supervision sessions, I gained many important insights that I have already begun to apply in practice. This training has been a true resource and support for my professional development. I sincerely thank everyone involved for creating a space of growth, depth, and inspiration.

Psychologist

You are truly the most professional and well-organized team I’ve encountered in psychological education.

The difference in teaching style compared to what I’ve experienced in Ukraine is striking. The quality of the material and the clarity of its presentation are truly impressive.

Thank you for the chance to expand my professional knowledge and gain experience through the teachings of Otto Kernberg, MD. It was a rare privilege to learn from a true legend of our time. I also want to express my gratitude for the well-organized structure of the program.

I appreciated the program very much. I am sincerely grateful to the organizers for the opportunity to learn from Dr. Otto Kernberg and to become more familiar with the TFP method through the supervision sessions.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to learn from Dr. Otto Kernberg, a leading figure in psychiatry and psychology. This seminar was both highly informative and well-structured. It enriched my therapeutic skills with new knowledge and practical recommendations.
Having access to the video recordings was especially convenient, allowing me to review the material, reinforce my learning, and take detailed notes. I gained a clearer understanding of subtle clinical nuances, which has immediately improved my work with patients.
I also want to commend the impeccable organization and ongoing informational support. I highly recommend this training to anyone seeking to enhance their professional expertise.

The course turned out to be more valuable than I had expected. Of course, hearing a clear and accessible explanation of personality disorders directly from Dr. Otto Kernberg was already of great significance. But observing how he conducts supervision—how he approaches each case, how he thinks through clinical problems—was exceptionally instructive.
I would like to thank the organizers and interpreters. Having access to both English and Ukrainian recordings was the best possible arrangement in this context. The translation was remarkably accurate, which is especially important.
I also appreciated the clear organization and the care taken to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. Thank you for the in-depth knowledge and meaningful experience.

Great organization and the seminar itself! I look forward to the next event ❤️ Many thanks to Oleksiy and Dr. Yeomans, and everyone involved!

Cool organization, translators and special satisfaction from a clear setting

Thank you very much, Oleksiy, for this opportunity, and special thanks for the organization!

Thank you very much, highly topical program, very interesting and saturated materials. There is something to think about. and special thanks for the articles!

I also want to thank you for the excellently organized, very useful and informative training, professional work of the translators. I look forward to further actions

Thanks to Frank Yeomans for valuable communication, desire to provide knowledge, sincerity and correctness in communication

I also thank Oleksiy very much for the opportunity to learn from such an incredible specialist! I am in awe of the way Dr. Yeomans works with clients, his acceptance of clients and the way he is able to articulate complex things gently. Incredible organization, great translators! I'll back you up for the next module!

Organizers can be narcissistically admired. Everything is perfect. Many thanks! I look forward to the next seminars. Everything is very collegial, accessible, clinically useful

I am sincerely grateful for the high level of organization and the thoughtful attention given to participants. The event was excellently coordinated—with clear scheduling, a user-friendly streaming format, and reliable technical support. I especially appreciated the professionalism of the moderation and the responsiveness to participants’ questions. The materials were provided in a timely manner, which greatly supported deeper engagement with the topic. Thank you for the chance to be part of such a meaningful event within the analytic community.

This was a valuable chance to learn from real clinical experience—clearly presented and illustrated with practical examples. I was also struck by Dr. Kernberg’s sense of humor. I always find myself listening with full attention.

The entire program was exceptionally well structured and delivered. The coordination, participant support, and thoughtful guidance throughout the course were all carefully managed. Studying with a master of the field felt like both a personal challenge and an invitation to grow and deepen my knowledge. Thank you.

Thank you for the seminar and especially for such an interesting analysis of supervisions already on the 1st module. This clearly shows the method. And I`m ready to go to the next module!

Dear Larissa and the Ukrainian team! Thank you for the excellent course! It was very well organized, high level psychotherapy education. I’m very happy to participate. And my heart is with Ukranian people!

TFP integrates clinical concepts from classical Freudian theory, British object relations theory, ego psychology, and the Kleinian tradition, while updating them in light of contemporary findings in neuroscience.

This course provides a solid foundation for deep, sophisticated clinical work with patients — the kind of work that not only enhances therapeutic effectiveness but also helps protect the therapist from burnout.

TFP offers a structured and operationalized framework that enhances the clinical precision of psychoanalytic work. By integrating core psychoanalytic concepts into a coherent model, it allows psychoanalytic therapists to identify central conflicts early and intervene in ways that sharpen the therapeutic focus, reduce the risk of dropout, and shorten the path to therapeutic goals — specifically, the integration of the personality toward healthier levels of personality organization — without sacrificing depth.

Psychodynamic clinicians will find that TFP significantly enhances the effectiveness of their therapeutic work. With its clearly defined techniques and structured approach to diagnosis and intervention, TFP brings clarity to complex cases and increases therapeutic momentum. Therapists often report greater confidence in managing transference and resistance, which contributes to more consistent clinical progress — ultimately supporting a shift toward healthier levels of personality organization.

Practitioners trained in cognitive, humanistic, integrative, or other therapeutic approaches frequently find that TFP adds depth, structure, and methodological rigor to their practice. While adapting to a new conceptual model may initially require effort, TFP offers an evidence-based, clinically grounded framework that enhances therapeutic focus and improves outcomes in work with patients suffering from complex personality pathology.

For psychiatrists, TFP serves as an effective clinical tool that strengthens treatment outcomes — especially when working with difficult or treatment-resistant patients. Applied in both inpatient and outpatient settings, it improves patient engagement, enhances treatment adherence, and deepens clinical understanding. One session in this training is specifically dedicated to applying TFP principles in psychiatric contexts.

The Ukrainian Institute for Personality Disorders Studies is a center where knowledge is transformed into effective practice.

We assist our students in the acquisition of advanced and up-to-date models of psychotherapy. Become internationally certified. Learn in real time from the outstanding specialists recognized around the world.

Education. Workshops, trainings, and long-term programs from the world's foremost experts.

The main course coordinator

Research - conducting research on the diagnosis and effectiveness of psychotherapy

Translations of books and manuals. Current psychoanalytic literature from around the world in Ukrainian.

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227

students who have received professional training

hours of seminars conducted

Otto Kernberg, Frank Yeomans, Monica Carsky, Nel Draijer, Jos van Mosel, Veronica Steiner, Katarzyna Gwóźdź, Mathieu Norton-Poulin, Julia Sowislo

The specialists we collaborate with

Educational programs participants' countries

The understanding of the psyche based on Otto Kernberg's object relations model, as well as Transference-Focused Psychotherapy, developed specifically for the treatment of severe personality disorders, opens up new horizons - what previously seemed untreatable becomes a normal level of your professionalism

To obtain a general certificate which is mandatory for further certification in the TFP model, you need to be present online at each Module.

2,184

USD

benefit - 22%

Includes access to video recordings of all available past modules and live participation in all future module sessions.

Access to selected readings and articles

December 5, 6, 7, 2025

12-month access to webinar recordings

Planned

Live participation via Zoom

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

12-month access to webinar recordings

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

Live participation via Zoom

Current Module

$620

Access to selected readings and articles

Planned

March 6, 7, 8, 2026

Live participation via Zoom

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

12-month access to webinar recordings

Planned

Personalized electronic certificate of attendance

12-month access to webinar recordings

Live participation via Zoom

Access to selected readings and articles

May 29, 30, 31, 2026

17, 18, 19 October

08:00 AM - 3:30 PM daily London time

Access to selected readings and articles

Lemeshchuk Oleksii Vadymovych
TIN 2767410316
Unified State Register Entry No. 25560170000011974
Date of making an entry into the Unified State Register: 21.04.2005