Foundations of TFP: Origins, Theory, and Core Concepts (Live)
Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 12-1pm (EDT)
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy Series
Transform your clinical practice by learning one of the most powerful, evidence-based modalities for treating personality disorders.
This 8-week live course offers a deep dive into Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), the treatment developed by Otto Kernberg and colleagues at Columbia University, proven effective for borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Whether you’re a psychodynamic therapist, integrative clinician, or new to object relations, this course will equip you with the tools to recognize identity diffusion, hold the treatment frame, interpret transference, and support deep structural change.
Weekly until July 31, 2025
Location: Live Online via Zoom
CEUs: 1
Course Objectives:
- Understand the theory and goals of TFP, including identity integration and structural diagnosis
- Learn to assess personality organization and tailor interventions accordingly
- Develop skills to recognize, interpret, and work through transference and countertransference
- Strengthen your therapeutic frame to contain affect and manage enactments
- Track signs of integration and therapeutic progress in real time
Weekly Breakdown:
Week 1 – June 5, 2025 – Foundations of TFP: Origins, Theory, and Core Concepts
Explore object relations theory, identity diffusion, and the structural model of personality.
Week 2 – June 19, 2025 - Structure and Goals of Treatment
Learn how TFP defines treatment goals and assesses personality organization beyond DSM labels.
Week 3 – June 26, 2205 - Setting the Frame and the Treatment Contract
Discover how containment, consistency, and the therapeutic contract function as interventions.
Week 4 – July 3, 2025 - Working with Transference: Techniques and Tactics
Master the three levels of interpretation and how to transform the transference relationship.
Week 5 – July 10, 2025 - Countertransference and Therapist Positioning
Use emotional reactions as clinical tools while maintaining a neutral, engaged stance.
Week 6 – July 17, 2025 - Defense Mechanisms in Personality Disorders
Recognize primitive defenses like splitting and projective identification in real time.
Week 7 – July 24, 2025 - Identity Integration and Change Process
Track the signs of integration through shifts in language, relationships, and transference.
Week 8 – July 31, 2025 - Integration, Case Discussion, and Ethical Considerations
Bring it all together with case applications, ethics, and advanced clinical reflection.
Who Should Attend: Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals working with complex or high-acuity populations.
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Or pick from one of our Packages!
Who is this for?
This course is for any clinician invested in learning new or honing existing skills to be able to use in dynamic ways to support their patients and clients and to end suffering.
KEY INFORMATION:
This course is eligible for 1 CEU for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psychologists in New York State
For more information about CEU approval, please click here.
Format: Live Online Seminar
Date and Time: Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 12-1pm (EDT)
"The information flowed well, and the presenter was well prepared and experienced." - Miriam, LMSW
"I'm glad I was told about Sweet Institute. I will pass it on to my colleagues." - Dora, LCSW
"My overall experience with Sweet is consistent messaging, ease of engagement, professionalism, and friendliness." - AnnMarie, LCSW
Join Us Now!
Or pick from one of our Packages!
You can also select our Self-Study Webinar Plan for Unlimited Self-Study Courses!
Your Facilitator and Co-Facilitator
Mardoche Sidor, MD, is a Harvard-trained Quadruple Board Certified Psychiatrist, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, School of Physicians and Surgeons, trained in and taught all major psychotherapeutic modalities, including and not limited to CBT, DBT, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. He is also the author of 11 books including Journey to Empowerment, Discovering Your Worth, The Power of Faith. and, The Art of Living. Dr. Sidor has worked both as a primary care physician and Medical Director in three different settings, including a Chief Medical Officer of the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES). He is a main facilitator for the SWEET Institute. His 11th book, entitled, NLP for Clinicians is now available to the public.
Karen Dubin, PhD, LCSW, is a Columbia-trained Social Worker with wide clinical, teaching, and supervision experience. She also has a background in management, mentorship, and leadership that spans more than 20 years. Her added passion is in advocacy and coaching. She has previously held Executive level positions, and two other directorships in different organizations. She is currently Adjunct Faculty at Columbia University School of Social Work and Adelphi University School of Social Work. She also maintains a private practice, provides supervision, and clinical and management training. She is also a personal and executive-level coach. She is a main facilitator for the SWEET Institute.