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Certification Course
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy for Borderline, Narcissistic, and Other Severe Personality Disorders
FACULTY
FRCPsych, Psychoanalyst,
Chair of TFP UK,
Lead of International TFP Training Programs
Chair of TFP UK,
Lead of International TFP Training Programs
Dr. Tennyson Lee
DATE
І Module
17, 18, 19 October 2025
TIME
Daily
08:00 AM - 3:00 PM London time
FORMAT & LANGUAGE
With simultaneous translation into Ukrainian
Online education in English
What is the Model of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)?
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.
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).
What is the value of TFP?
ENG
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
1
2
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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This is your chance to learn the essence of psychoanalysis
You too can learn to work like this: efficiently, with a full understanding of what is happening to the patient and what to do about it
The Transference-Focused Psychotherapy adapted to meet diverse clinical needs:
Includes a focus on treating patients with less severe forms of personality pathology through:
- Addressing dominant pathological object relations as they are activated and manifested in the here-and-now interactions with the therapist
- Developing a treatment contract to help adolescents regulate behavior and enhance awareness of their motivations, self-image, representations of others, and the consequences of their actions
- Engaging parents through support, fostering cooperation between adolescent and parents, and helping reduce parental intrusiveness to create psychological space that promotes autonomy and responsibility
- Emphasizing the interpretation of transference and countertransference to consolidate split representations of self and others that undermine personality integration, as well as encouraging the adaptive use of emerging mentalization capacities to meet the challenges of adolescence and future development.
Focuses on promoting identity integration and personality consolidation through:
TFP for Adolescents (TFP-A)
- Analysis of group dynamics
- Interpretation of transference and countertransference
- Working with defensive operations and regression
- Tactical management of the group and interventions (clarifications, confrontations, interpretations)
TFP for Groups
Includes a focus on identifying and integrating split object relations through:
TFP in Forensic Psychiatry (TFFP)
Involves the modification of key areas for application to criminal offenders through:
- Subdividing the lower-level borderline pathology into three sub-levels, following Otto Kernberg’s differentiation
- Expanding and adapting the therapeutic contract with a focus on:
- The limited confidentiality of the therapist in the context of the danger the patient represents for other people,
- The use of juridical documents and records as separate source of information of the therapist,
- The problem of missing therapy sessions as a habitual form of resistance
- The analysis and working through of the offence because of which the patient is in forensic treatment.
TFP for Narcissistic Patients (TFP-N)
- Focusing on the central role of the grandiose self and its primary defensive function within the psychological structure of the narcissistic patient
- Modifications to the assessment and treatment contracting phase
- Expanding the interpretive phase by using inquiry-based approaches that help clarify the patient's subjective experience, as opposed to relying solely on traditional interpretative interventions
- Applying technical strategies to support the patient in tolerating painful emotions evoked by deep therapeutic work (such as anxiety, rage, disorientation, and annihilation fears).
Involves a modification of the standard TFP technique through:
Includes a modification of standard TFP treatment through:
- Integrating individual therapy and group therapy,
- Balancing flexibility and structure according to the demands of the individual patient and the other patients as well as the staff,
- Working in a time-limited setting (focus) and regulating transferential processes and mourning,
- Object relational view on multidisciplinary teams (psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses, social workers, therapists of nonverbal therapies) and relations within the group of patients,
- Combining TFP and psychopharmacotherapy,
- Considering important psychiatric and somatic comorbidity,
- Integrating behavioral elements (e.g. psychoeducation) into a psychoanalytical psychotherapy
- Considering short treatment phases of TFP inpatient therapy
- Taking into account the external world.
Inpatient TFP
TFP for Neurotic Personality Organization (TFP-E)
- Conducting therapy that enhances patients’ awareness of their rigid, defensive views of self and others
- Challenging inflexible internal representations and exploring alternative perspectives to support more adaptive functioning
- Moving beyond rigidity and improving psychological flexibility, leading to greater satisfaction in interpersonal, intimate, and professional relationships
- Maintaining a non-judgmental and accepting therapeutic stance that facilitates exploration and working through of the conflicts underlying defensive self- and object-representations
This Didactic Training covers the Basic and Advanced levels
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.
2025-2026 academic year
Total of 4 modules
ІІ
December 5–7, 2025
ІІІ
March 6-8, 2026
ІV
June 5-7, 2026
І
October 17-19, 2025
Including
Each workshop day: 8:00 AM – 3:00 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 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
The didactic course consists of 4 modules
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
Basic level
Advanced level
Start with the basics
heading for a high level
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 key element of the course is the clinical material provided by participants and video recordings of patient sessions:
Case reviews: Participants will be invited to submit brief descriptions of their own clinical cases, outlining therapeutic challenges (using a pre-prepared template). Dr Tennyson Lee will select cases relevant to the topic and discuss them together with the participants and the therapist who submitted the case.
QA sessions: Participants will receive guidance and answers to the questions that arise as you engage with TFP theory and clinical application.
Role-plays: Participants will have the opportunity to engage in role-plays, where they will act as their patients, and the course instructor, Tennyson Lee, will take on the therapist role.
Video sessions: The program includes viewing recorded patient sessions, accompanied by expert commentary from course teacher Tennyson Lee.
Tennyson Lee
Brilliant instructor and experienced clinician
M. Inst. Psychoanal., FRCPsych
- FRCPsych – Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (a professional title in the United Kingdom indicating the highest level of qualification in the field of psychiatry).
- Psychoanalyst, member of the British Psychoanalytical Society
- Chair of the TFP UK group
- Clinical lead at DeanCross Personality Disorder Service (recipient of the Royal College of Psychiatry team of the year award)
- Accredited Mentalization Based therapist
- Serves on the International Society of Transference Focused Psychotherapy certification board
- Certified TFP Teacher and Supervisor, accredited by the International Society for Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (ISTFP)
- Co-Director of the Centre for Understanding of Personality (CUSP), a research unit based in his clinical service, and linked to Oxford University and Queen Mary University, London
- Registered in the Clinical Register of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society
FACULTY
Dr. Tennyson Lee answers key questions about the TFP model and the upcoming training
- FRCPsych – Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (a professional title in the United Kingdom indicating the highest level of qualification in the field of psychiatry).
- Psychoanalyst, member of the British Psychoanalytical Society
- Chair of the TFP UK group
- Clinical lead at DeanCross Personality Disorder Service (recipient of the Royal College of Psychiatry team of the year award)
- Accredited Mentalization Based therapist
- Serves on the International Society of Transference Focused Psychotherapy certification board
- Certified TFP Teacher and Supervisor, accredited by the International Society for Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (ISTFP)
- Co-Director of the Centre for Understanding of Personality (CUSP), a research unit based in his clinical service, and linked to Oxford University and Queen Mary University, London
- Registered in the Clinical Register of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society
Tennyson Lee
M. Inst. Psychoanal., FRCPsych
Brilliant instructor and experienced clinician
FACULTY
Tennison answered some important questions about the upcoming training
Discover new growth opportunities for yourself
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.
Full Course Enrollment
2,182
USD
benefit -12%
Includes access to video recordings of all available past modules and live participation in all future module sessions.
Payment via:
Please note that you may register for a single module or the entire training program.
Access to selected readings and articles
Member package
Planned
Third module
March 6, 7, 8, 2026
Live participation via Zoom
Personalized electronic certificate of attendance
12-month access to webinar recordings
Second module
Member package
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
Planned
Personalized electronic certificate of attendance
12-month access to webinar recordings
Live participation via Zoom
Access to selected readings and articles
Fourth module
Member package
12-month access to webinar recordings
Personalized electronic certificate of attendance
Live participation via Zoom
Current Module
Prise will increase soon
First module
$620
$499
June 5, 6, 7, 2026
17, 18, 19 October
08:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily London time
Member package
Access to selected readings and articles
What do students say about us?
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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
- 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!
- I join my colleagues - a great organization, thank you, Oleksiy! And an excellent translation. Great gratitude to Dr. Yeomans for sharing his knowledge and experience. Worth it!
- Thanks to Frank Yeomans for valuable communication, desire to provide knowledge, sincerity and correctness in communication
- 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
- Great organization and the seminar itself! I look forward to the next event ❤️ Many thanks to Oleksiy and Dr. Yeomans, and everyone involved!
- Thank you very much, highly topical program, very interesting and saturated materials. There is something to think about. and special thanks for the articles!
- Thank you very much, Oleksiy, for this opportunity, and special thanks for the organization!
- Cool organization, translators and special satisfaction from a clear setting
Introduction and Overview of TFP
17, 18, 19, October 2025
Main tenets of TFP
Differences between TFP and traditional psychodynamic treatment
What are main advantages of learning TFP
Personality: a current review as applies to TFP, including a neuropsychoanalytic perspective on TFP
Personality Disorder: as viewed by TFP and relevance of TFP approach to DSM-5 and ICD-11
Introduction to Strategies, Tactics and Technique in TFP
Application of clinical material to theory: through use of Q&A, case presentation and discussion, video examples and role play
Assessment and setting the frame;
Introduction to Technique
Introduction to Technique
5, 6, 7, December 2025
Brief review main tenets of TFP
Assessment using the structural interview
Introduction to Structural Interview for Personality Organization (STIPO)
Development and sharing of the TFP formulation
Development of the treatment objectives
Tactics of TFP: Establishing the treatment frame through the treatment contract - using the example of deliberate self harm
Introduction to technique: how TFP uses the transference, countertransference, technical neutrality and interpretation
TFP use of the 3 channels of communication: verbal, non verbal and the countertransference
Application of clinical material to theory: through use of Q&A, case presentation and discussion, video examples and role play
Techniques, complications, advanced stages of treatment
6, 7, 8, March 2026
Consolidation of how TFP uses the transference, countertransference, technical neutrality and interpretation
How TFP approaches complications and events occurring in treatment (eg suicidal behaviour, affect storms, passivity and secondary gain, ending of treatment)
Narcissism
An overview of narcissism
Kernberg's theory of narcissism, including the pathological grandiose self
Modifications of TFP in treating narcissism
Case study of TFP treatment of a narcissistic patient
Application of clinical material to theory: through use of Q&A, case presentation and discussion, video examples and role play
TFP applied to different settings:
TFP-E and TFP-G
Summary of TFP
Applied TFP
Planning forward
5, 6, 7, June 2026
Description of Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP-E) - Extended: what are differences to 'TFP classical'?
TFP-G: Group therapy based on TFP: description and clinical presentation
Applied TFP: How TFP can be applied in non psychotherapy settings with special emphasis on General Adult Psychiatry. This section will include case presentation and international experience of Applied TFP - implementation and training programmes; and problems in prescribing in patients with Borderline PD
Summary of TFP: what is essential and what it is and what it is not
Main take home messages from master TFP practitioners
Planning forward: Q&As for participants wanting to train further in TFP
Application of clinical material to theory: through use of Q&A, case presentation and discussion, video examples and role play
Who Will Benefit from This Course?
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.
Psychoanalytic Therapists
Psychodynamic Therapists
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.
Other-Modality Psychotherapists
Psychiatrists
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.
1853
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
Our institute's statistics
Discover new growth opportunities for yourself
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.
Full Course Enrollment
2,182
USD
benefit -12%
Includes access to video recordings of all available past modules and live participation in all future module sessions.
Payment via:
Please note that you may register for a single module or the entire training program.
Access to selected readings and articles
Member package
Planned
Third module
March 6, 7, 8, 2026
Live participation via Zoom
Personalized electronic certificate of attendance
12-month access to webinar recordings
Second module
Member package
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
Planned
Personalized electronic certificate of attendance
12-month access to webinar recordings
Live participation via Zoom
Access to selected readings and articles
Fourth module
Member package
12-month access to webinar recordings
Personalized electronic certificate of attendance
Live participation via Zoom
Current Module
Fee Will Increase Soon
First module
$620
$499
June 5, 6, 7, 2026
17, 18, 19 October
08:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily London time
Member package
Access to selected readings and articles
ANY QUESTIONS? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS!
Answers to your questions
All mental health professionals: psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists. The TFP knowledge and model can be used for separate psychological consultations, for diagnosing and understanding the causes of clinical symptoms, when organizing and supporting treatment in psychiatry (both outpatient and inpatient), but TFP brings the greatest benefit to patients in the long-term therapy, from 1 year.
After successful payment, you will be redirected to the information page. Next, detailed instructions will be sent to your email left during registration and payment.
On the eve of the seminar, a personalized Zoom link will be sent to the email left during registration. The link will allow you to join the seminar. The link is valid for all three days.
A few days after the seminar, we will send you an email with access to the video recording.
For 12 months from the date the access email was sent.
Анкета учасника
Після заповнення форми вас буде перенаправлено на платіжну систему. Одразу після оплати на вашу пошту буде відправлено листа з інструкцією подальших дій.
Lemeshchuk Oleksii Vadymovych
TIN 2767410316
Unified State Register Entry No. 25560170000011974
Date of making an entry into the Unified State Register: 21.04.2005
TIN 2767410316
Unified State Register Entry No. 25560170000011974
Date of making an entry into the Unified State Register: 21.04.2005
